Muffler Hanger with Segmented Mounting Rubber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muffler hangers struggle to achieve soft spring characteristics in two directions while maintaining hard spring characteristics in the third direction, and they often lack sufficient durability due to inadequate displacement regulation in the vertical and lateral directions.
Innovation Solution
A muffler hanger design featuring a rigid displacement suppress member with parallel upper and lower support parts, arch-shaped mounting rubbers, and a displacement regulator that uses the shear spring component for soft spring characteristics in the vertical and lateral directions and the compression spring component for hard spring characteristics in the front-back direction, ensuring effective vibration isolation and displacement regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber elastic body with overall θ shape is used for suspension, then vibration isolation is achieved in vertical and lateral directions, but hard spring characteristics in front-back direction cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rubber is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first region with high rigidity for front-back direction support, and second/third regions with lower rigidity for vertical and lateral direction vibration isolation. This spatial segmentation of rigidity properties allows simultaneous achievement of hard spring characteristics in front-back direction and soft spring characteristics in other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mounting rubber are assigned different rigidity qualities. The first region (extending in front-back direction) has higher rigidity to provide hard spring characteristics, while the second and third regions have lower rigidity to provide soft spring characteristics for vibration isolation. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction.
2Reliability
If vertical direction spring is set to be soft for vibration isolation, then vibration isolation effect is improved, but durability becomes insufficient due to lack of displacement regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rubber provides dynamic displacement regulation through its elastic deformation characteristics. The regulated displacement amount is determined by the rubber's elasticity and the engagement geometry between the engagement protrusion and engagement groove, allowing the system to adaptively limit displacement while maintaining soft spring characteristics for vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusion and engagement groove form an intermediary displacement regulation mechanism between the vehicle body and muffler. This intermediary structure limits the separation displacement while allowing controlled elastic deformation, thereby protecting the mounting rubber from excessive deformation and improving durability.
3Strength
If displacement regulating means is provided for limiting approaching displacement, then durability is improved, but means for limiting separation displacement is not provided causing insufficient durability under large load
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rubber structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration isolation through soft spring characteristics, regulates both approaching and separation displacement through its elastic properties and engagement geometry, and protects against excessive deformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate displacement regulation mechanisms for different directions.
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 design achieves balanced spring characteristics, providing effective vibration isolation in two directions and displacement regulation in the third direction, enhancing durability and stability by preventing excessive deformation and supporting the muffler with a well-balanced load distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the spring characteristics in the vertical direction and lateral direction are mainly the shear spring component of the mounting rubber
Implementation Method 2
the spring characteristics in the front-back direction are mainly the compression spring component of the mounting rubber
Data Source
AI summary
A muffler hanger including: a displacement suppress member integrally provided with upper and lower support parts and a junction part that joins the support parts to each other at their lengthwise middle parts; and mounting rubbers that connect the support parts to each other at lengthwise both sides and each includes a pair of arch shaped parts having a mounting hole. The displacement suppress member is configured to attach to one of a vehicle body and a muffler. By inserting mounting parts provided to the other of the vehicle body and the muffler into the corresponding mounting hole, the mounting rubbers are configured to attach thereto. A displacement regulator that limits a relative displacement volume of the muffler in relation to the vehicle body is constituted by abutment of the mounting parts against the displacement suppress member.