Hydraulic Bushing Intermediate Tube Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of hydraulic bushings with single piece intermediate tubes is complex and costly, and existing designs face challenges in efficiently separating load-bearing and fluid-sealing functions within the elastomeric bushing.
Innovation Solution
The use of two short tubes with a retention system to separate the load-bearing and fluid-sealing functions, where the intermediate tubes are positioned between the inner and outer tubes, and a toggle lock mechanism or curled ends are employed to maintain their position, allowing for efficient fluid communication and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single piece intermediate tube is used to separate load-bearing and fluid-sealing functions, then the durability and functional separation are improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single piece intermediate tube is divided into two separate short intermediate tubes. Each tube is positioned and retained independently by the retention system (curled ends or toggle lock mechanism), transforming one complex component into two simpler ones that are easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining the load-bearing and fluid-sealing separation functions
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system acts as an intermediary mechanism that secures the two short intermediate tubes in place. The curled ends of the outer tube or the toggle lock mechanism serve as retaining structures that hold the intermediate tubes without requiring complex assembly procedures, thus simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining functional separation
2Ease of manufacture
If a single piece intermediate tube is used, then functional separation is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the intermediate tube into two shorter sections, each tube requires less precise manufacturing tolerances and can be produced more easily. The retention system provides a simple mechanism for positioning these segments, reducing assembly difficulty compared to installing a single long tube with complex retention requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The two short intermediate tubes can be manufactured more economically than a single piece tube of equivalent length. The simplified geometry allows for easier production and lower material costs, while the retention system provides adequate securing without requiring expensive complex retention mechanisms
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
This configuration simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs, and maintains the mass damper effect while ensuring effective fluid sealing and load separation, enhancing the durability and performance of hydraulic bushings.
Implementation Method 1
The resonance of the fluid in the channel creates a mass damper effect
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic bushing assembly includes an inner tube, an elastomeric bushing disposed around the inner tube, an insert disposed around the elastomeric bushing and an outer tube disposed around the insert. The elastomeric bushing and the insert define a pair of chambers which are connected by a passageway defined by the insert. A pair of intermediate tubes are disposed in the elastomeric bushing at opposite axial ends of the insert.