Segmented Air Spring Bellows for Torsional Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air spring designs for vehicles face challenges in achieving comfort and allowing larger torsional movements without damaging reinforcement layers, while also requiring additional axial space and complex connection techniques.
Innovation Solution
The air spring is designed with two partial bellows having reinforcement layers at different angles, connected by a freely movable clamping assembly and a support ring that is radially guided by the air spring cover, allowing for separate functional areas without additional torsion-absorbing components and preventing premature buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air spring bellows is designed as a cross-layer bellows to withstand torsion, then it can handle larger torsional movements, but with large angles there is a risk of damaging the reinforcing layers
Solution Approach 1:
The air spring bellows is divided into two functional areas: a first partial bellows with reinforcing layers at a first angle (e.g., 0°) and a second partial bellows with reinforcing layers at a second angle (e.g., 45°). This segmentation allows each partial bellows to handle specific types of stresses, with the first partial bellows providing torsional flexibility and the second partial bellows providing structural support, thereby enabling larger torsional movements without damaging the reinforcing layers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the air spring bellows are given different properties through the use of reinforcing layers at different angles. The first partial bellows has reinforcing layers oriented to accommodate torsional movements, while the second partial bellows has reinforcing layers oriented to provide structural support. This local differentiation of properties allows the bellows to withstand large torsional angles without damaging the reinforcing layers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If torsional bearings or support rings with rolling bearings are used to counteract torsional movements, then larger torsional movements are allowed, but additional axial installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly serves multiple functions: it connects the two partial bellows, provides support for the first partial bellows, and allows for torsional movements. By combining these functions into a single component, the design eliminates the need for separate torsional bearings or support rings with rolling bearings, thereby reducing the axial installation space while still enabling larger torsional movements.
3Strength
If external guides are used to provide support for thin air spring bellows, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the design becomes more complicated and additional axial space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it connects the two partial bellows, provides support for the first partial bellows, and enables torsional movements. By combining these functions into a single component, the design achieves the load-bearing capacity of external guides without the additional complexity and axial space requirements of separate guide structures.
4Ease of operation
If the air spring bellows is designed with thinnest possible walls to ensure high ride comfort, then comfort is improved, but the load-bearing capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air spring bellows is constructed as a composite structure with two partial bellows having different reinforcing layer orientations. This composite design allows the bellows to maintain thin walls for comfort while the strategically oriented reinforcing layers provide the necessary load-bearing capacity and structural support.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an air spring (1) for vehicles, having an air spring bellows (4) clamped in an air-tight manner between an air spring cover (2) and an air spring rolling piston (3). The air spring bellows is made of a composite material consisting of an elastomer material having one or more embedded reinforcing layers, which bellows, along with the air spring cover (2) and the air spring rolling piston (3), delimits a working chamber (5) filled with compressed air and, by forming a rolling fold (6), rolls over the air spring rolling piston (3). Said air spring bellows (4) comprises a first air spring bellows section (8) and a second air spring bellows section (9) joined together in an overlap region (10) and having reinforcing layers running at a different angle to a longitudinal axis L of the air spring. According to the invention, the first and second air spring bellows sections (8, 9) are separated by a freely movable clamp joint arranged in the overlap region (10).