Radiator Support with Adaptive Stops for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiator supports for motor vehicles fail to adapt to varying terrain conditions, leading to either excessive vibration transmission or inadequate rigidity, which compromises vehicle comfort.
Innovation Solution
A radiator support design featuring an elastic tubular portion with strategically positioned stops that change from flexible to more rigid behavior based on deformation, allowing adaptation to different terrain conditions without sacrificing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the radiator support is made rigid to withstand rocking movements on uneven terrain, then it can withstand the forces better, but it transmits more vibrations to the vehicle interior, negatively affecting vehicle comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator support transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts its rigidity based on operating conditions. The tubular portion can deform radially under vibration loads, and when deformation reaches a threshold, it contacts the stops to increase rigidity. This dynamic adaptation allows the support to be flexible during normal vibrations (absorbing energy) while becoming rigid when subjected to severe rocking movements (withstanding forces).
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the radiator support is changed based on deformation level. In the initial state, the tubular portion has high radial flexibility allowing vibration absorption. When the radial deformation reaches a certain level and the tubular portion contacts the stops, the rigidity parameter increases significantly. This parameter change enables the support to adapt to different terrain conditions without sacrificing vehicle comfort under normal conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the radiator support is made flexible to dampen vibrations on smooth terrain, then vehicle comfort is improved, but it cannot withstand severe rocking movements on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure dynamically adjusts its mechanical properties based on the magnitude of applied loads. During normal operation on smooth terrain, the tubular portion remains flexible to absorb vibrations. When subjected to severe terrain conditions causing large radial deformations, the tubular portion contacts the stops, dynamically increasing its rigidity to withstand the rocking movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stops are positioned in advance at a specific distance from the tubular portion, creating a predetermined deformation threshold. This beforehand arrangement ensures that the support transitions to a rigid state only when necessary, providing cushioning during normal operation while preparing for severe conditions. The gap between the tubular portion and stops acts as a cushion that allows flexible behavior until the threshold is reached.
3Strength
If an excessively rigid support is used to withstand all terrain conditions, then it can handle severe terrain, but it transmits vibrations even on smooth terrain, negatively affecting vehicle comfort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire support structure uniformly rigid, the invention applies rigidity locally and conditionally. The tubular portion maintains local flexibility to absorb vibrations during normal operation. The stops provide localized rigidity only in the radial direction when contacted, allowing the support to be flexible in most conditions while providing rigid support when needed. This local quality approach prevents excessive vibration transmission on smooth terrain while maintaining the ability to withstand severe terrain.
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 support effectively dampens vibrations on smooth terrain while maintaining rigidity on uneven terrain, preventing vibration transmission and enhancing vehicle comfort by adjusting its rigidity as needed.
Implementation Method 1
the support has a flexible behavior where it is capable of damping the vibrations of the radiator without sacrificing vehicle comfort
Implementation Method 2
the tubular portion comes into contact with the stop, thereby increasing the rigidity of the tubular portion, such that said tubular portion has a flexible behavior before reaching said radial deformation level and a rigid behavior once said radial deformation level is reached
Data Source
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AI summary
Radiator support (1) comprising a support base (3), an elastic tubular portion (2) which protrudes axially from the support base (3) and is configured for housing a pin of a radiator of a vehicle, and at least one stop (4) which protrudes axially from the support base (3). The stop (4) is arranged close to the tubular portion (2) and comprises a height smaller than the height of the tubular portion (2) with respect to the support base (3). The difference (H') between the height (H) of the tubular portion (2) and the height (h) of the stop (4), and the gap (d) between the tubular portion (2) and the stop (4) are such that, in use, from a given radial deformation level of the tubular portion (2), said tubular portion (2) comes into contact with the stop (4), increasing the rigidity of the tubular portion (2).