MacPherson Strut Damper Assembly With Bridging Element Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration damper units in MacPherson strut suspensions face space constraints due to the competition between the actuator and spring for installation space, leading to adverse driving comfort characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damper unit with a bridging element that minimizes space usage by positioning the foot adjustment device closer to the wheel, allowing for a longer spring and maintaining optimal spring properties without sacrificing the adjustment functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is placed on the section of the shock absorber positioned above the tire in a MacPherson strut suspension, then the foot adjustment device can be integrated into the vibration damper unit, but the spring must be shortened due to space competition between the actuator and spring, leading to adverse driving comfort characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging element extends the second adjustment component in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis, utilizing the radial dimension to position the foot adjustment device outward rather than axially. This dimensional change allows the spring to maintain its optimal axial length while the adjustment device occupies radial space, resolving the space competition conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging element is arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis, with the second adjustment component positioned radially outward from it. This nested arrangement allows multiple components (bridging element, adjustment component, spring) to occupy different radial zones along the same axial space, enabling the spring to maintain full length while accommodating the adjustment device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spring is shortened to accommodate the actuator in the available space, then the vibration damper unit can include a foot adjustment device, but the driving comfort characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from axial positioning to radial positioning of the foot adjustment device via the bridging element, the invention preserves the spring's axial length and thus maintains optimal driving comfort characteristics while still providing the desired foot adjustment capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the actuator is positioned closer to the wheel to reduce space usage, then space utilization is improved, but the adjustment force transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging element incorporates a force-absorbing element that is specifically designed to handle adjustment forces. This composite structure combines the spatial efficiency of a compact bridging element with the force-transmission capability of a specially designed force-absorbing component, ensuring both space optimization and reliable force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-absorbing element acts as an intermediary between the foot adjustment device and the spring, ensuring that adjustment forces are properly transmitted despite the compact arrangement. This mediator component bridges the gap between the spatial constraints and force transmission requirements.
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 provides a compact design that optimizes spring length and maintains effective foot adjustment, improving driving comfort and safety by reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (22), which surrounds a portion of the damper (12) and rests at one end against a first spring contact surface (20) of the counter bearing (18) and, at the other end, against a second spring contact surface (32)
Implementation Method 2
a damper (12), comprising a damper rod (14) and a damper tube (16)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vibration damper unit (10) through which a longitudinal axis (LA) extends. The vibration damper unit comprises a damper (12), a counter bearing (18) forming a first spring contact surface (20), a spring (22) bearing against the first spring contact surface (20), a foot adjustment device (24) arranged offset along the longitudinal axis (LA) relative to the counter bearing (18) and having a first adjustment partner (26) and a second adjustment partner (28) which is arranged at least partially along the longitudinal axis (LA) between the first adjustment partner (26) and the spring (22) and is movably mounted relative to the first adjustment partner (26) in an adjustment direction (VR) parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), a force-absorbing element (30) for receiving an adjustment force and forming a second spring contact surface (32) against which the spring (22) bears.According to the invention, the second adjusting partner (28) between the second spring contact surface (32) and the force receiving element (30) comprises a bridging element (34) having an outer surface (A1) facing away from the longitudinal axis (LA), which at least partially has a first distance (S1) from the longitudinal axis (LA) that is less than a second distance (S2) of at least a region of an outer surface (A2) of the force receiving element (30) and/or of the first adjusting partner (26) facing away from the longitudinal axis (LA).