Limit Strap Clamp and Tether to Prevent Bowing and Snagging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional limit straps for vehicles suffer from attachment failures and require significant labor and modification of the vehicle frame, and they often cause damage due to bowing and snagging during shock absorber compression.

Innovation Solution

A two-piece limit strap clamp with a removable attachment to a limit strap retention device and a lower mounting tab that lifts the attachment point to clear the tire, combined with a tether coupled to the shock absorber to maintain the strap's position during compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional means are used to attach limit straps to the vehicle frame, then the limit strap can be installed, but the attachment devices fail or require significant labor and modification of the vehicle frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a clamp as an intermediary device that attaches to the shock absorber body, which then receives the limit strap. This mediator eliminates the need for direct attachment to the vehicle frame, avoiding frame modifications while providing a reliable attachment point through the shock absorber's existing mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber serves itself by providing its own mounting structure (the body to which the clamp attaches) for the limit strap installation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external frame modifications or additional attachment devices, simplifying installation while ensuring reliability through the shock absorber's inherent structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the limit strap is attached directly to the vehicle frame, then the strap can prevent shock absorber extension, but significant labor and frame modification are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelimit strap functionVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The limit strap system is segmented into distinct components: the clamp that attaches to the shock absorber, the limit strap itself, and the mounting tab. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and installed in a simplified sequence, eliminating the need for complex frame modifications while maintaining the limit strap's protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attaching the limit strap to the vehicle frame as conventionally done, the patent inverts the attachment approach by securing the clamp to the shock absorber body, which then holds the limit strap. This inversion leverages the shock absorber's existing mounting points rather than requiring frame modifications, greatly simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the limit strap middle portion is allowed to bow out during shock absorber compression, then the strap can accommodate compression, but it catches or snags on other vehicle components causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression accommodationVSAvoidcomponent damage from snagging

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting tab acts as an intermediary element that extends from the control arm toward the shock absorber, positioning the limit strap's attachment point to clear other vehicle components. This mediator allows the limit strap to accommodate compression without the middle portion bowing out to snag on surrounding parts, preventing damage while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the limit strap attachment point is not elevated, then the installation is simpler, but the strap catches on the tire during operation causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidtire-related damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting tab extends in a spatial dimension toward the shock absorber, elevating the limit strap's attachment point above the tire's operational path. This dimensional adjustment clears the tire without significantly complicating installation, as the tab integrates with the control arm's existing structure and requires only additional fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12441144B2Clamp, mount tab and tether for limit strap

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 SHOCK THERAPY SUSPENSION INC

AI summary

A two-piece limit strap clamp for use with a shock absorber and a limit strap retention device is provided. The pieces couple together around the upper end of a shock absorber. The clamp has a protrusion that extends outwardly and is adapted for attachment of the top end of a limit strap. The lower end of the limit strap may be attached to a mounting tab that is coupled to the lower mounting bracket of the shock absorber. Also disclosed is a limit strap with a tether coupled to a spring of the shock absorber to prevent the limit strap from bowing out when the shock absorber is compressed. A method of use of a limit strap with a tether is also disclosed.