Resilient Hinge Stiffness Ratio via Segmented Elastomeric Columns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic joints for motor vehicle rear axle suspensions face challenges in achieving a high enough stiffness ratio between axial and radial stiffness while maintaining low cardan stiffness, and optimizing for cost and weight considerations.
Innovation Solution
The elastic joint design features a rigid inner and outer reinforcement with an elastomeric body composed of connecting columns extending between the reinforcements, optimizing the stiffness ratio by adjusting the geometry and inclination of these columns to achieve a maximum stiffness ratio of 1.4 and low cardan stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional elastomer body with constriction or recess is used, then the radial stiffness can be adjusted, but the stiffness ratio between axial and radial stiffness remains low (around 1.0)
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric body is segmented into multiple connecting columns (at least four) extending between the inner and outer reinforcements. Each column acts as an independent elastic element, allowing precise control over stiffness characteristics. This segmentation enables achieving a high stiffness ratio (up to 1.4) without complex external modifications like constrictions or recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting columns are arranged with specific inclination angles relative to the axial direction, creating local variations in stiffness properties. By adjusting the inclination and geometry of individual columns, the patent achieves optimized axial stiffness while maintaining low radial stiffness, thereby increasing the stiffness ratio without overall structural complexity.
2Force
If the elastomer body is made softer to reduce radial stiffness, then radial compliance increases, but axial stiffness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting columns are designed with asymmetric inclination angles relative to the axial direction. This asymmetric geometry allows the elastomeric body to exhibit different stiffness characteristics in different directions: softer in the radial direction for compliance while maintaining higher stiffness in the axial direction for load-bearing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular inclination as an additional design dimension for the connecting columns. By varying the inclination angle of columns in different radial directions, the patent independently controls radial and axial stiffness properties, decoupling the trade-off between radial compliance and axial strength.
3Strength
If more material is used in the elastomer body to increase axial stiffness, then axial strength improves, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a solid elastomeric body requiring excessive material, the patent segments the material into four or more connecting columns. This segmentation reduces the total elastomer volume and weight while maintaining axial stiffness through the distributed column structure and optimized inclination angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the connecting columns (cross-sectional area, length, inclination angle) to achieve the required axial stiffness with minimal material. By carefully tuning these parameters, the patent reduces elastomer quantity and weight while preserving structural performance.
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 effectively balances axial and radial stiffness, ensuring high axial stiffness while maintaining low cardan stiffness, thereby enhancing the elastic joint's performance and efficiency in isolating vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric body (7) for the mutual elastic support of the armatures, which makes it possible to dampen or isolate from each other vibrations
Implementation Method 2
makes it possible to dampen or isolate from each other vibrations which are introduced into the external armature or into the armature interior
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a resilient hinge (1), in particular for the suspension of the wheels of an automobile, including: an inner frame (5), an outer frame (3) surrounding the inner frame (5) such that said frames define an axial direction and two radial directions that are perpendicular to the axial direction (Z) as well as perpendicular to each other, referred to as a main radial direction (X) and a secondary radial direction (Y), and an elastomeric body (7) for the mutual resilient engagement of the frames. The invention is characterized in that the elastomeric body (7) consists of at least four linking columns (11a, 11b, 11c, 11a, 11e, 11f), each of which extends from the inner frame (5) to the outer frame (3).