Integrated Rebound Stop Ring for Simpler Hydraulic Damper Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic dampers with distinct upper rings and rebound rings are complex to manufacture and tedious to assemble, which increases costs and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic rebound stop assembly featuring a movable rod, a retention feature, and a ring that axially extends between two end surfaces, with a cavity that allows the ring to move between positions, constrained by the retention feature to limit axial movement, simplifying assembly and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct upper rings and rebound rings are used in hydraulic damper assemblies, then the kinetic energy absorption capability is maintained, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the upper ring and rebound ring into a single integrated ring component with a cavity that houses the retention feature. This merging eliminates the need for separate upper ring and rebound ring parts, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the kinetic energy absorption function through the integrated structure's ability to compress and expand within the cavity.
2Reliability
If distinct upper rings and rebound rings are used in hydraulic damper assemblies, then the kinetic energy absorption capability is maintained, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the upper ring and rebound ring functions into one piece, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This single-ring design with an internal cavity eliminates multiple manufacturing operations and assembly steps, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs while preserving the energy absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the upper ring for structural support and the rebound ring for kinetic energy absorption. The retention feature housed within the cavity enables the ring to perform rebound damping functions, making this single component multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate specialized parts.
3Device complexity
If a retention feature is integrated into a single ring with a cavity, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the ring must accommodate additional structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is nested within the cavity of the ring structure, allowing the retention mechanism to be housed inside the main ring body. This nesting approach integrates the retention function into the existing ring geometry without requiring external attachments or separate components, simplifying assembly while managing manufacturing complexity through a unified part design.
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 reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective kinetic energy absorption, enhancing the damping capabilities of hydraulic dampers.
Implementation Method 1
The upper ring and the rebound bumper may cooperate to absorb kinetic energy of the system, thereby reducing the speed at which the hydraulic damper moves to dampen oscillations of the steering assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic rebound stop assembly for a hydraulic damper is provided. The rebound stop assembly includes a movable rod, a retention feature fixed to the movable rod, and a ring circumscribing and slidingly engaging the movable rod. The ring axially extends between a first end surface and an axially spaced apart second end surface. The ring includes an outer wall and an inner wall defining a cavity. The retention feature is at least partially received in the cavity. The ring is axially movable between a first position and a second position. A dimension of the cavity is greater than a dimension of axial travel of the ring between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the retention feature constrains axial movement of the ring in a first direction.