Shock Absorber Bracket Structure for Varying Knuckle Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shock absorbers require multiple types of brackets with different curvatures to fit knuckle brackets of varying thicknesses, leading to complex management and potential gaps in welding, which compromises the strength and ease of attachment.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorber design where a single bracket is attached directly to the outer circumference of the outer shell, with a curved piece welded from the top to the bottom end of the knuckle bracket, allowing the curvature to be set based on the outer shell diameter, independent of knuckle bracket thickness, and featuring a groove for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple brackets with different curvatures are prepared for different knuckle bracket thicknesses, then the bracket can fit various vehicle specifications, but the management complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different knuckle bracket thicknessesVSAvoidnumber of bracket types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single bracket structure that can be used across multiple vehicle types and knuckle bracket thicknesses. The bracket is configured with a standardized curvature that accommodates the outer shell diameter, allowing it to function universally regardless of the specific knuckle bracket thickness, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized bracket types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the bracket's curvature parameter to match the outer shell diameter rather than the knuckle bracket thickness. This parameter selection allows the bracket to maintain consistent geometric properties across different applications, enabling a single design to adapt to varying knuckle bracket specifications without requiring multiple variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the bracket is welded to the holding portion of the knuckle bracket, then the mounting component can be attached, but gaps may occur between the base portion and holding portion when knuckle bracket thickness varies, reducing welding strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment of mounting componentVSAvoidwelding strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the outer shell as an intermediary element between the bracket and the knuckle bracket. Instead of welding the bracket directly to the holding portion of the knuckle bracket, the bracket is welded to the outer shell, which then connects to the knuckle bracket assembly. This intermediary approach eliminates the gap problem caused by varying knuckle bracket thicknesses, as the bracket's curvature is matched to the outer shell's consistent diameter rather than the variable knuckle bracket dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single bracket design is used for all knuckle bracket thicknesses, then management is simplified, but the curvature may not fit thicker knuckle brackets, creating gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracket type varietyVSAvoidfit between bracket and knuckle bracket

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the reference parameter for bracket curvature from knuckle bracket thickness to outer shell diameter. Since the outer shell diameter remains consistent across different vehicle specifications, the bracket curvature can be optimized for this fixed dimension, ensuring precise fit and welding quality regardless of variations in knuckle bracket thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the use of a single bracket across different knuckle bracket thicknesses, ensuring secure welding, reducing weight, simplifying management, and facilitating easy attachment without strength loss.

Implementation Method 1

the curved piece including the bracket welded to the outer circumference of the outer shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS12545068B2Shock absorber

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 KYB CORP

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a shock absorber that can use a single bracket regardless of difference in thickness of a knuckle bracket. A shock absorber according to the present invention includes: a shock absorber main body having an outer shell and a rod movably inserted into the outer shell; a knuckle bracket attached to an outer circumference on a bottom end side of the outer shell; and a bracket including a curved piece curved along a circumferential direction of an outer circumference of the outer shell and an attachment piece extending from the curved piece and to which a mounting component is attached, the curved piece including a bracket attached to the outer shell by being welded to the outer circumference of the outer shell and within a range from a top end to a bottom end of the knuckle bracket in an axial direction of the outer shell.