Preloaded Elastomeric Bushing With Compressible Bumper Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle bushings, typically made of rubber or polyurethane, experience failure and degradation due to limited load/movement ranges, leading to costly repairs and impaired vehicle operation, and existing installation methods require preloading that can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A compressible bushing design with bumper sections having U or V-shaped gaps allows for preloading during installation by compressing to fit into a tube, then expanding to secure the bushing, enabling a selected preload configuration with radial, axial, and vertical loading characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional bushing installation methods are used, then the bushing can be installed, but the preloading process is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is divided into a body portion and one or more bumper sections. The bumper sections are designed to be compressible and can be independently deformed during installation, allowing the bushing to be installed in a simpler manner while achieving the desired preload through the compression of the bumper sections into the tube.
2Ease of operation
If the bushing is designed with bumper sections that can be compressed, then installation is simplified, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper sections are designed as flexible, compressible structures that can be deformed during installation and then expand to engage with the tube. This flexibility allows for simplified installation while the segmented structure with gaps provides the necessary compliance and preload capability without excessive complexity.
3Force
If the bushing operates beyond acceptable load/movement limits, then the vehicle can handle larger loads, but failure and degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper sections are pre-configured to provide cushioning and load distribution. When installed, they compress into the tube and expand to engage, creating a preload that cushions the bushing body against excessive loads and movements. This beforehand cushioning protects the bushing from operating beyond acceptable limits, preventing failure and degradation while maintaining reliability.
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
This design enhances the durability of bushings by allowing for efficient installation with a selected preload, reducing the likelihood of failure and degradation, and simplifies the installation process while maintaining vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
the bumper section is compressed to a diameter that is less than an installation diameter of the opening of the tube to install the bumper section into the tube
Implementation Method 2
the bumper section is compressed to a diameter that is less than an installation diameter of the opening of the tube to install the bumper section into the tube, the bumper section being in a compressed state during the installation of the bushing into the tube and the bumper section expanding to engage with the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A compressible bushing includes an end having a first outer diameter. The compressible bushing also includes a bumper section having a second outer diameter greater than or equal to the first outer diameter and may include of a compressible material. The compressible bushing also includes an opening passing through the end and the bumper section, the opening having an inner diameter.