Segmented Rubber Bearing Axial Radial Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber bearings face challenges in achieving high axial and radial rigidity while maintaining a low ratio between the two, and often require complex geometries that increase size and component count.
Innovation Solution
A rubber mount design featuring a spherical bearing area surrounded by an outer sleeve with window-like openings that can be compressed axially and radially, allowing the rubber body to be pretensioned for adjustable rigidity, and incorporating pocket-shaped recesses for further adjustment, enabling compactness and varied radial stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rubber bearing uses complex geometries to achieve high axial and radial rigidity, then the rigidity requirements are met, but the size and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve is divided into multiple segments separated by longitudinal slots, allowing independent deformation of each segment. This segmentation enables the structure to achieve high rigidity through the combined effect of multiple segments while maintaining a compact overall design, avoiding the need for a single complex rigid component
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from considering only radial rigidity to actively controlling both radial and axial rigidity through the same segmented structure. By designing the slots and segments to respond differently to radial and axial loads, the bearing achieves customizable rigidity ratios without adding separate components for each function
2Ease of manufacture
If the rubber bearing uses uniform geometry to simplify design, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to achieve high axial rigidity while maintaining low radial rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the outer sleeve are designed with different properties through the slot configuration. Some areas have slots that allow greater deformation for flexibility, while other areas maintain higher rigidity. This local differentiation enables the bearing to achieve high axial rigidity with low radial rigidity using a single integrated component rather than multiple specialized parts
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented structure with longitudinal slots provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the bearing to change its stiffness characteristics based on the loading conditions. The slots enable the structure to deform differently under radial versus axial loads, automatically achieving the desired rigidity ratio without complex geometric pre-design
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 achieves high axial and radial rigidity with a customizable stiffness ratio, allowing for a compact and cost-effective solution with fewer components, enhancing service life and flexibility in mounting vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber body (6) arranged between the inner part (4) and the outer sleeve (5) and surrounding the inner part (4), which is adhesively connected both to the inner part (4) and to the outer sleeve (5), in particular by vulcanization
Implementation Method 2
adhesively connected both to the inner part (4) and to the outer sleeve (5), in particular by vulcanization
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Rubber bearing with an inner part (4) extending in an axial direction (2) and comprising a convex bearing area (3), an outer sleeve (5) surrounding the inner part (4) and a rubber body (6) arranged between the inner part (4) and the outer sleeve (5) and surrounding the inner part (5), wherein the area (10) of the outer sleeve (5) surrounding the bearing area (3) is raised and has several window-like openings (11) around the bearing area (3).