Bearing Mounting for Strut Cylinder Using Rubber Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle compensation cylinder-piston unit mountings require frequent maintenance, are prone to wear, and have limited service life due to shock loads, leading to increased assembly and removal costs and a higher overall height, which restricts design flexibility and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A maintenance-free mounting system using annular spring elements with elastic material, such as rubber, that secures the cylinder outer tube within a counter bearing, providing shock absorption and damping without the need for lubrication, allowing for a more compact and flexible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radial joint bearing with axle bolt and bushing is used, then the bearing can support shock loads, but it requires ongoing maintenance and has limited service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical radial joint bearing system with a rubber element that provides both suspension and damping functions through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for lubrication and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal (requiring lubrication) to rubber (providing self-lubricating elastic properties), fundamentally altering the maintenance characteristics of the bearing system
2Reliability
If a radial joint bearing with fits and bearing eye is used, then the bearing can support shock loads, but the assembly work is very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fitting systems with a simple rubber element insertion, eliminating the need for precision fits and expensive assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the suspension function from the mounting structure, allowing the rubber element to be independently replaced without affecting other components
3Reliability
If a conventional bearing mounting is used, then the bearing can support shock loads, but the overall height is very considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible rubber element that provides shock absorption in a compact form factor, dramatically reducing the overall height compared to rigid bearing assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a height-dominated shock absorption mechanism to a radial/expansion-based mechanism using the rubber element's ability to deform in multiple dimensions
4Reliability
If a conventional bearing mounting is used, then the bearing can support shock loads, but the design flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber element serves multiple functions simultaneously: suspension, damping, shock absorption, and positioning, allowing greater design flexibility and freedom in arranging other components
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 reduces maintenance needs, extends service life, lowers installation and removal costs, and increases the mobility and stroke height of the axle assembly while maintaining a reduced overall height, enhancing the pendulum ability of the wheel suspension.
Implementation Method 1
one above and the other below the counter bearing rests against the same under a prestress exerted by the cylinder outer tube and each of which has an elastic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The bearing has an upper end (3a) of an outer cylinder tube (4a), and a suspension system-cylinder piston unit. An outer cylinder tube with its upper end is inserted in a counter surface (8a) through an opening. The outer cylinder tube is present above and below the counter surface. The outer cylinder tube is secured from slipping out from the opening.