Modular End Member Assembly for Gas Spring Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas spring assemblies for suspension systems in vehicles require multiple variations of components to accommodate different size constraints and load requirements, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and increased costs due to the need for numerous variations of non-common components.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular end member assemblies with a core body, rib members, and a skirt body that can be used to create gas spring assemblies of various sizes and configurations, allowing for the use of common components across different applications, and a method of assembling these assemblies to form a fluid-tight seal with flexible spring members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variations of gas spring assemblies are designed and manufactured to meet different size constraints and load requirements, then the adaptability to different applications is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing inefficiency increase due to numerous non-common components
Solution Approach 1:
The end member assembly is designed as a universal component that can be used across multiple gas spring assembly variations. The core body, rib members, and skirt body form a standardized configuration that accommodates different flexible spring members through a common interface, allowing one end member design to serve multiple application requirements rather than requiring dedicated designs for each variation
Solution Approach 2:
The end member assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (core body, rib members, skirt body) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows the common components to be produced in high volumes for multiple applications while only the application-specific flexible spring members need variation, reducing overall component complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variations of gas spring assemblies are manufactured to accommodate different applications, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing efficiency deteriorates due to increased inventory levels and production complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the end member assembly as a universal component that can interface with various flexible spring members, the manufacturing process can produce large quantities of a single end member design that serves multiple applications. This universality eliminates the need to manufacture separate inventories of different end member variations, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing inventory complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functional requirements of multiple end member variations into a single standardized design. By combining the common structural elements (core body, rib members, skirt body) into one universal configuration, the manufacturing system can consolidate production around this single design, improving productivity while still meeting diverse application needs through compatibility with different flexible spring members
Data Source
AI summary
End member assemblies that are dimensioned for use in forming a gas spring assembly can include an end member core that is dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member to at least partially form the gas spring assembly. The end member assemblies can also include a plurality of rib members that are supported on the core body. The plurality of rib members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another and include an end disposed radially outward beyond the core body. A skirt body can be supported on the core body in operative engagement with the plurality of rib members. The skirt body can include at least one surface operative to engage the flexible spring member. Gas spring assemblies, suspension systems and methods are also included.