Hydroelastic Joint Radial Stiffness Stopper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydro-elastic joints used in vehicle suspension systems exhibit asymmetrical stiffness and are not easily adaptable, making them unsuitable for radial direction stiffness requirements in vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A hydro-elastic joint with a rigid stopper device that prevents radial deformation in one direction while allowing deformation in a diametrically opposite direction for hydraulic damping, featuring a stopper device with a free abutment side that can deform the elastic or hydro-elastic assembly, and a bumper device with a higher stiffness than the assembly materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydro-elastic joint uses a symmetric elastic assembly without a stopper device, then the joint allows deformation in all radial directions, but the joint lacks the required stiffness in the radial direction and cannot effectively dampen vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stopper device that creates asymmetric constraints on the elastic assembly, allowing deformation in one radial direction while preventing deformation in the opposite radial direction. This asymmetry provides the required radial stiffness without completely restricting the elastic assembly's deformation capability, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a hydro-elastic joint uses a rigid stopper device to prevent radial deformation, then the joint achieves high radial stiffness, but the joint loses adaptability and cannot easily adjust to different application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper device is designed with a free abutment side that can selectively engage or disengage from the elastic assembly based on operational conditions. This dynamic characteristic allows the joint to adapt its stiffness properties - providing high radial stiffness when needed while maintaining flexibility for adjustment to different application requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hydro-elastic joint allows free radial deformation of the elastic assembly, then the joint maintains adaptability, but the joint cannot effectively dampen vibrations and transmit controlled forces
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper device acts as an intermediary element between the elastic assembly and the external environment. It selectively permits or restricts deformation based on the direction of force application, thereby controlling vibration transmission and force distribution while preserving the elastic assembly's adaptability. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction between adaptability and harmful vibration transmission.
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 joint provides adaptable stiffness in the radial direction, effectively dampening vibrations by minimizing radial deformation and allowing controlled deformation for hydraulic damping, enhancing the joint's performance in vehicle suspension systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first assembly acting as a hydro-elastic spring arranged between said frames, said first assembly comprising a first elastically deformable element and a second elastically deformable element
Implementation Method 2
Typically radial and circumferential directions are defined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical reinforcements
Implementation Method 3
the joint comprising a rigid stopper device arranged in one of the internal or outer partial spaces in that the stopper device substantially prevents radial deformation of the assembly elastic or hydro-elastic in a blocking direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydroelastic joint (1) for assembling two parts of a structure, in particular for connecting a wheel suspension to the body of a vehicle, and for damping the vibrations transmitted between one part of the structure and the other, said joint including a longitudinal axis (x), an outer rigid frame (3), an inner rigid frame (7), a main space between the inner and outer frames, and a rigid intermediate frame (5) arranged in the main space and separating the latter into an inner partial space and an outer partial space, a hydroelastic spring unit (10) being arranged in either the inner or outer partial space; and an elastic or hydroelastic assembly (40) arranged in the other partial space, characterized in that a rigid abutment device (44) is arranged in either the inner or outer partial space, and in that the abutment device substantially prevents a radial deformation of the elastic or hydroelastic assembly in a locking direction and enables a deformation of the elastic or hydroelastic assembly in a damping direction that is diametrically opposed to the locking direction.