Integral Suspension Strut Fork for Built-In Damper Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension strut forks are complex and costly to produce, lacking cost-effectiveness and precision while requiring separate components for clamping resilient or damper elements.
Innovation Solution
An integral and materially uniform suspension strut fork design with a cylindrical receiving member and protruding fork arms, where the receiving member has a gap for retaining a resilient element and a securing mechanism, produced through extrusion and subsequent shaping technologies, allowing for cost-effective and robust construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate clamping components are used to retain resilient or damper elements, then the suspension strut fork can effectively clamp the elements, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping function into the suspension strut fork itself by forming two members with a gap that protrude from the receiving member. These members are tightened toward each other using a screw connection to clamp the resilient or damper element, eliminating the need for separate clamping components while maintaining effective retention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are assembled to form the suspension strut fork, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing precision and material uniformity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (receiving member, gap, and protruding members) into a single integrally formed suspension strut fork made from an extrusion component. This integral construction ensures material uniformity throughout the structure while maintaining the specific functional characteristics needed for resilient element retention and fork arm support.
3Reliability
If complex formations of webs, lips or clamps are used to secure resilient elements, then the retention mechanism is robust, but the ease of manufacture and production cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the retention mechanism directly into the extruded structure of the suspension strut fork. The two members with a gap are formed as integral parts of the receiving member, and a simple screw connection is used to tighten these members toward each other for clamping, avoiding complex web or lip formations while achieving robust retention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for the suspension strut fork, then each component can be independently optimized, but the force path optimization and overall durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an integral suspension strut fork where all components (receiving member, gap, protruding members, and fork arms) are formed as a single piece from an extrusion component. This eliminates interfaces between separate parts, creating an optimized continuous force path that enhances overall durability and robustness of the suspension system.
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 solution results in an optimized force path and increased durability with reduced production complexity and cost, eliminating the need for separate clamping components and enhancing precision and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosure makes provision for the suspension strut fork to be produced from an extrusion component
Implementation Method 2
The securing means is at least one screw connection which arranges and screws the members in an engaging manner so that the members are tightened toward each other
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension strut fork that has an upper portion which is constructed in an integral, materially uniform manner in the form of a suspension strut receiving member. Members and fork arms protrude therefrom in an integral, materially uniform manner. A gap is provided between the members. Via this gap, the members can be moved toward each other so that a resilient and/or damper element which is arranged in the suspension strut receiving member is securely clamped.