Telescopic Shock Absorber Clamping Connection Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic shock absorbers for motor vehicle wheel suspensions face challenges in achieving high strength and compact design due to deformation issues caused by clamping forces, particularly when using fiber-reinforced plastic damper tubes with metal reinforcement, which are limited by space and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A clamping connection is created by forming a base section on the damper tube and inserting a metallic reinforcement part with a stiffening support disc, distributing clamping forces through multiple load paths without deforming the tube, and allowing for a structurally simple and lightweight design with minimal length and volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clamp connection is used to firmly connect the damper tube to functional components, then connection strength is improved, but the damper tube deforms under clamping forces
Solution Approach 1:
A metallic reinforcement part is inserted into the damper tube to serve as an intermediary element. This reinforcement part has a larger wall thickness and higher strength than the damper tube, allowing it to absorb the clamping forces from the clamp connection without transmitting them to the damper tube wall, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining strong connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines two different materials: the original damper tube material and a metallic reinforcement part with superior mechanical properties. The composite structure leverages the high strength and stiffness of the metallic reinforcement part to resist clamping forces, while the damper tube maintains its original function without deformation.
2Reliability
If a long clamping connection is used to achieve sufficient connection strength, then connection reliability is improved, but space requirements and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the overall length of the clamping connection, the reinforcement part concentrates the strengthening function in a localized area where the clamp applies force. The reinforcement part has increased wall thickness specifically in the clamping region, providing high connection reliability without extending the total length of the damper tube assembly.
3Strength
If the damper tube wall thickness is increased to resist clamping forces, then deformation resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the structural reinforcement function from the damper tube itself by inserting a separate metallic reinforcement part. This allows the damper tube to maintain its original thin-walled design for ease of manufacture, while the reinforcement part provides the necessary strength to resist clamping forces in the specific region where connection is required.
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 solution provides a strong, deformation-free clamping connection that maintains the damper tube's overall length and filling volume, ensuring stable reinforcement and efficient stress distribution, while simplifying assembly and allowing for fluid filling and axial stop functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The base section of the damper tube, which is produced directly, for example by hot forming, and the second base form two load paths that reliably support the clamping forces and result in a firm clamped connection without deformation of the damper tube
Implementation Method 2
the damper tube can be produced in the area of the clamping connection with a slightly smaller diameter with the same wall thickness, the reinforcement part being pressed into this section with a smaller diameter. This additionally increases the strength of the damper tube in the area of the clamped connection
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a telescopic shock absorber, particularly for wheel suspensions of motor vehicles, the damper tube of which is rigidly connected to a functional component at the end opposite the piston rod via a clamping connection. For simplified manufacturing and stiffening in the area of the clamping connection, it is proposed that a bottom section (10a) be directly integrally formed onto the damper tube (10) and that a reinforcing element (16), corresponding to a second bottom, preferably made of metal, be inserted above the bottom section (10a).