Shock Absorber Blocking Device Asymmetrical Formfitting Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocking devices for motor vehicle shock absorbers can spontaneously detach, causing damage, especially during shipping, due to inadequate axial and rotational security.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device with formfitting first and second blocking members, featuring a receptacle and insertion opening configuration, along with locking elements and a wedge-shaped ramp for secure axial and radial alignment, ensuring captive engagement and easy separation, suitable for various vehicle types and spring deflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two identical blocking members are axially coupled using complementing projections and recesses, then the blocking device can be assembled, but the blocking members can spontaneously detach causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is divided into two distinct blocking members (first and second blocking members) with different geometries. The first blocking member has a receptacle while the second blocking member has a different shape, creating a non-symmetrical connection that prevents spontaneous detachment while maintaining assembly capability through formfitting engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by making the two blocking members different from each other rather than identical. The first blocking member features a receptacle with specific dimensions, while the second blocking member has a complementary but non-identical geometry. This asymmetric design ensures that once assembled, the members cannot spontaneously detach as the connection is not reversible through simple axial movement.
2Device complexity
If the blocking members are made with fixed heights, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different vehicles and shock absorber types
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device achieves universality through its modular design with formfitting but non-identical blocking members. The receptacle and complementary geometry allow the same basic design to accommodate various shock absorber types (single-tube, twin-tube), different piston rod diameters, and various vehicle applications. The asymmetric formfitting connection maintains structural simplicity while enabling broad adaptability across different vehicle platforms.
3Reliability
If the blocking members are formfittingly connected in axial and radial directions, then inadvertent separation is eliminated, but the installation and separation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking members are designed with preliminary formfitting geometry that guides the installation process. The receptacle and complementary shape of the second blocking member are pre-configured to align and engage in a specific sequence, ensuring that once installed, the connection is secure against inadvertent separation. The asymmetric design provides built-in alignment features that simplify the installation action while maintaining high connection security.
Data Source
AI summary
A blocking device for a shock absorber of a motor vehicle includes a first blocking member which has an insertion opening that is open-ended in a radial direction, for attachment of a piston rod of the shock absorber, and which has a receptacle. A second blocking member can be placed in a formfitting manner in the receptacle of the first blocking member in axial and radial directions to thereby close the insertion opening in the radial direction, while being held in the first blocking member.