Self-Crimping Nut Assembly to Prevent Damper Shaft Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock assemblies in vehicles face challenges with nut loosening due to vibrations, leading to potential detachment and loss of shock absorption effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a self-crimping nut that deforms and crimps onto the shaft upon installation, securing the nut without the need for additional crimping tools or steps, allowing for secure fastening even below the surface of the piston.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard nut is used to fasten the damper piston assembly, then the assembly can be easily installed, but the nut may loosen or detach due to vibrations during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is designed with self-crimping features including a relief portion and deformation capability that allow it to automatically secure itself to the shaft through deformation upon tightening, eliminating the need for separate crimping operations or additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The nut's material properties and geometric parameters are specifically designed to allow controlled deformation at the relief portion when torqued to a specified value, transforming the nut from a rigid fastener to a deformable self-securing component
2Reliability
If the nut is crimped after fastening to prevent loosening, then the reliability improves, but additional crimping tools and steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function and crimping function are merged into a single integrated operation - the act of tightening the nut to the specified torque value simultaneously performs both fastening and self-crimping, eliminating the need for separate crimping steps
Solution Approach 2:
The nut performs its own crimping operation through its deformation capability and relief portion design, eliminating the need for external crimping tools or additional processing steps
3Reliability
If the nut is crimped after fastening, then the security against loosening is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is designed to automatically perform the crimping operation during the fastening process itself through its deformation capability and relief portion, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing or post-assembly crimping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The relief portion and deformation characteristics are built into the nut design during manufacturing, so that when the nut is installed and torqued to the specified value, the crimping action occurs automatically as part of the normal installation process
4Shape
If the nut is fastened below the surface of the piston, then the aesthetic appearance and protection are improved, but securing the nut becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nut's self-crimping capability allows it to secure itself to the shaft even when positioned below the piston surface, where external crimping tools would have limited access - the nut performs its own securing operation during tightening
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 self-crimping nut effectively prevents loosening and detachment during vehicle operation, ensuring consistent shock absorption and enhancing the durability and reliability of the damper piston assembly.
Implementation Method 1
fastening the self-crimping nut to a specified torque value causes a portion of the self-crimping nut to deform
Data Source
AI summary
A damper apparatus, assembly, and method of manufacturing are disclosed herein. A piston with a counterbore comprising a chamfer located in a recessed portion of the counterbore can be included. A self-crimping nut can include an inner diameter that comprises a threaded surface to fasten the self-crimping nut to a shaft. A first portion of the self-crimping nut along a distal edge of said axial length can be configured to contact the chamfer piston and deform when fastened to the shaft at a specified torque value to prevent the self-crimping nut from becoming unfastened.