Preloaded Elastomeric Bushing for Compressible Tube Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle bushings, typically made of rubber or polyurethane, fail or degrade due to excessive load and movement, leading to costly repairs and impaired vehicle operation, and existing installation methods require preloading that can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A compressible elastomeric bushing with bumpers having U or V-shaped gaps is used, allowing for easy installation by compressing to fit into a tube and then expanding to secure, enabling a selected preload configuration through radial, axial, and vertical rates, facilitating secure attachment to a shaft and tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bushing installation methods are used with preloading, then the bushing can be secured to the shaft and tube, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is preloaded during manufacturing before installation, so that when installed, it is already in a preloaded state. This eliminates the need for cumbersome preloading operations during installation, making the process simpler and faster while ensuring proper preload configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing utilizes elastic deformation properties to change its dimensional parameters temporarily for installation, then maintains a predetermined preload state during operation. The elastic material allows the bushing to be compressed or expanded during installation and then spring back to its preloaded configuration
2Ease of operation
If the bushing is made from elastic material to enable compressible installation, then installation becomes simpler, but the bushing may deform under load
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material allows temporary parameter changes during installation (compression/expansion) but maintains stable dimensional parameters during operation through predetermined preload configuration. The material's elasticity enables it to return to its original shape after installation, ensuring stability under load
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is preloaded during manufacturing to establish its operational configuration before installation. This preliminary action ensures that when the bushing is installed and the elastic deformation is released, it automatically assumes the correct preload state, maintaining shape stability during service
3Reliability
If the bushing is preloaded during installation, then the bushing durability is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is preloaded during manufacturing rather than during installation. This transfers the complexity of preload application to the manufacturing process, where it can be applied systematically, while the installation process itself remains simple and straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bushing automatically maintains its preload through its material properties and geometric configuration. Once installed, the bushing self-regulates its preload state through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or procedures during installation
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 allows for efficient and secure installation of bushings with a selected preload, reducing the risk of failure and degradation, and simplifies the installation process by using compressible materials that expand to engage securely with the tube, thereby enhancing bushing durability and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a bumper section made from a compressible elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
allowing for easy installation by compressing to fit into a tube and then expanding to secure
Data Source
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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.