Segmented Elastomeric Bearing Spring Vulcanization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing elastomeric suspension springs made from solid rubber material require long heating times due to poor thermal conductivity, and perforating them to reduce heating time compromises rigidity and damping characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Dividing the solid elastomer material into segments for vulcanization, which creates additional heat input surfaces and reduces the thickness of walls to be penetrated, allowing for faster vulcanization without compromising mechanical function or damping performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastomeric suspension spring is made as a solid block for vulcanization, then the mechanical function and damping characteristics are maintained, but very long heating times are required due to poor thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric suspension spring is divided into multiple segments (at least two) that can be separated from each other. This segmentation creates additional internal surfaces that serve as heat input surfaces during vulcanization, significantly reducing the heating time required while maintaining the mechanical functionality of the spring when assembled.
2Loss of time
If holes are made in the block spring to reduce heating time, then the heating time is shortened, but additional space is required and shore hardness must be increased to achieve the same rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating holes within the block spring, the spring is segmented into separate pieces that are assembled together. This approach provides internal surfaces for heat input without compromising the structural integrity or rigidity of the spring, as the segments maintain the full material density and strength when joined.
3Loss of time
If holes are made in the block spring to reduce heating time, then the heating time is shortened, but greater settlement occurs resulting in poorer damping characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation approach creates internal surfaces for heat input without removing material that would be necessary for damping. The segments are pressed together during assembly to form the complete spring geometry, and when loaded, the separating surfaces bear against each other without gaps, maintaining the damping characteristics of a solid block spring.
4Loss of time
If holes are made in the block spring to reduce heating time, then the heating time is shortened, but the shear stiffness of the block spring becomes undesirably low
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the spring into segments that are pressed together during assembly, the design maintains full material density and structural continuity when loaded. The segments bear against each other without gaps under load, preserving the shear stiffness of the original solid block design while enabling faster vulcanization through increased internal surface area for heat input.
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 approach significantly reduces heating time while maintaining the mechanical properties and damping characteristics of a full block spring, enabling more economical production and flexible design options.
Implementation Method 1
heat input can take place as a contribution to the vulcanization, which in particular reduces the necessary heating time. The solution to the problem presented is that the block spring made of solid material is divided or subdivided into smaller segments and then vulcanized in this way. This creates additional surfaces on the spring block, via which heat can be introduced into the block
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an elastomeric bearing spring (1) for mounting motor vehicle components in a vibration-damping manner. In order to shorten the time needed to vulcanise the bearing spring (1) whilst maintaining excellent damping characteristics, the bearing spring (1) has at least one region made of a solid elastomeric material, which region is divided into at least two segments (3, 4, 13, 14,15, 23, 24). The invention further relates to a method and a device for producing said bearing spring (1) and to the use thereof.