Horizontal Springing Device with Elastomer Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat and driver's cab suspension systems primarily address vertical movements, leaving a need for effective horizontal springing and damping solutions to enhance comfort and safety during prolonged use, especially in professional applications.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle oscillation apparatus featuring a horizontal springing device with an elastomer spring element having a progressive spring characteristic curve, arranged between a vehicle seat or driver's cab and a base element, providing horizontal springing and damping capabilities while being space-efficient and low maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional helical tension springs are used for horizontal springing, then multi-dimensional suspension capability is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-dimensional suspension capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of suspension means

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential springing function from complex multi-dimensional suspension systems and implements it through a simple elastomer element that provides horizontal springing without requiring complicated mechanical structures. The elastomer element directly replaces complex suspension means while maintaining the core springing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical helical tension springs with an elastomer spring element that utilizes elastic deformation of rubber-like material. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical suspension means, reducing device complexity while maintaining springing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If conventional springing systems are used for horizontal movements, then adequate springing is provided, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal springing forceVSAvoidspace occupied by springing device

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastomer spring element that functions as a flexible element, utilizing the elastic properties of rubber-like material to provide springing force. This flexible element occupies minimal space compared to conventional rigid spring mechanisms while delivering adequate horizontal springing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Temperature

If vertical springing systems are used, then vertical shock absorption is achieved, but horizontal movement damping is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical shock absorptionVSAvoidhorizontal damping capability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomer spring element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides horizontal springing force to cushion horizontal movements and inherently provides damping through the viscous properties of the elastomer material. This single element replaces separate vertical and horizontal springing systems, achieving multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If progressive spring characteristic curve is implemented, then comfort during prolonged use is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort during prolonged useVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves a progressive spring characteristic curve by modifying the geometric parameters of the elastomer element, specifically the shape and dimensions of recesses within the element. These geometric parameter changes alter the stiffness progression during compression, providing improved comfort without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus effectively reduces the risk of postural injuries and enhances comfort by efficiently absorbing horizontal movements, such as those from braking and uneven terrain, through its progressive spring characteristic curve and damping properties, particularly beneficial for long-term use in professional vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomer spring element which has a characteristic spring characteristic curve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

efficiently absorbing horizontal movements, such as those from braking and uneven terrain, through its progressive spring characteristic curve and damping properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9376042B2Horizontal springing device for vehicle seats with elastomer spring element with progressive spring characteristic curve

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 GRAMMER AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle oscillation apparatus with a horizontal springing device which is arranged between a vehicle seat and/or a driver's cab and a base element of a vehicle and which is suitable for the horizontal springing and/or damping of the vehicle seat and/or the driver's cab with respect to the base element, wherein the horizontal springing device is arranged substantially parallel to a surface of the base element and comprises an elastomer spring element which has a characteristic spring curve.