Energy Management Jounce Bumper Assembly with Ribbed Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems face energy absorption limitations, leading to potential catastrophic failures of components like shock tubes and shock mounts when impact forces are not fully dissipated, and unwanted force transfer to the frame member.
Innovation Solution
An energy management jounce bumper assembly that includes a compressible bumper and a plate with ribs, allowing the plate to transition from a standard to a compressed position, thereby increasing energy absorption without altering the bumper's size, by absorbing additional energy as the plate compresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the bumper size is increased to absorb more energy, then the energy absorbing capability is improved, but the device size increases which violates size requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional energy absorption approach (bumper compression only) to a two-dimensional approach by adding the plate component that deforms in a different dimensional space. The plate's rib structure allows energy absorption through bending and deformation in addition to the bumper's axial compression, effectively increasing energy absorption capacity without increasing the axial length of the bumper assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption function is segmented between two distinct components: the bumper handles initial impact absorption through axial compression, while the plate with its rib structure provides secondary energy absorption through bending deformation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Reliability
If the suspension system energy absorption is increased to prevent component damage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the energy absorption functions of the bumper and plate into a single integrated assembly. The plate is positioned to work in conjunction with the bumper, creating a unified energy management system that protects suspension components. This merging provides enhanced protection while maintaining relatively simple installation and integration with existing suspension systems.
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
Enhances the energy absorption capabilities of the suspension system, preventing component damage and reducing impact force transfer to the frame member, thereby preventing catastrophic failures.
Implementation Method 1
The bumper is configured to be axially compressible along a jounce axis between the first and second components
Implementation Method 2
The plate is adaptable between the standard position and a compressed position wherein the body portion is either one of non-planar and planar, respectively, and has a second height defined between the ends of the first plurality of ribs and the second plurality of ribs wherein the second height is less than the first height
Data Source
AI summary
An energy management jounce bumper assembly absorbs energy between a first component and a second component of a vehicle. The energy management jounce bumper assembly includes a bumper axially compressible between the first and second components. A plate is connected to the bumper. The plate has a body portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first plurality of ribs is disposed on the first surface and a second plurality of ribs is disposed on the second surface. The body portion of the plate has a standard position wherein the body portion is either one of planar and non-planar and has a first height. The plate is adaptable between the standard position and a compressed position wherein the body portion is either one of non-planar and planar, respectively, and has a second height that is less than the first height.