Integrated Shock Absorber Guiding and Sealing Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guiding and sealing units for shock absorber rods are bulky, difficult to fit, and have unsatisfactory performance, particularly in reducing overall dimensions and weight while maintaining high sealing efficiency under high hydraulic pressures.
Innovation Solution
A compact guiding and sealing unit comprising an annular rod guiding bushing and a sealing assembly with a metallic sleeve and elastomeric sealing ring, featuring a cantilever sealing lip configuration and a synthetic plastic bushing, which is simple to produce and fit, providing both dynamic and static sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a guiding and sealing unit with numerous separate elements is used, then sealing performance can be maintained, but the overall dimensions and weight increase, and fitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guiding bushing and sealing assembly into a single integrated unit that is pushed as one piece into the shock absorber body. The sealing assembly includes a sealing ring with multiple lips (first sealing lip for dynamic sealing, second sealing lip for static sealing) integrated with the guiding bushing structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining comprehensive sealing performance under high hydraulic pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guiding and sealing unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: the guiding bushing provides rod guidance and support, the first sealing lip provides dynamic sealing against the reciprocating rod, the second sealing lip provides static sealing against the shock absorber body, and the overall structure serves as a single push-fit assembly that simplifies installation while maintaining sealing efficiency under high pressures
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate elements are used in the guiding and sealing unit, then sealing function can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guiding bushing and sealing assembly into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This integration reduces the number of separate elements from multiple discrete components to a single unified structure, simplifying both manufacturing processes and assembly operations while maintaining all necessary sealing functions
Solution Approach 2:
Within the integrated unit, the sealing assembly is segmented into functional zones with different sealing lips positioned at specific locations: the first sealing lip positioned for dynamic sealing contact with the rod, and the second sealing lip positioned for static sealing contact with the shock absorber body. This functional segmentation within integration allows complex sealing requirements to be met through a simplified single-piece structure
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 solution achieves a high sealing efficiency, is economical to produce, and compact in design, ensuring reliable operation and easy assembly, while compensating for rod misalignment and maintaining fluid-tightness under high pressures.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric sealing ring (20) which is carried by the annular shield (14) and comprises at least a first annular sealing lip (13) that projects radially and axially towards the axis of symmetry A and which is designed to cooperate, in use, slidingly with the rod (2)
Implementation Method 2
The annular shield (14) is constituted by a metallic sleeve (15) having a first axial end portion (16) and a second axial end portion (18). The bend (21) substantially is in the shape of an open L-shape in radial section and is arranged between the first axial end portion (16) and the second axial end portion (18)
Implementation Method 3
the seal for the pressurized fluid (usually oil) contained in the shock absorber body, which opposes the reciprocating motion of the piston in the body during use
Data Source
AI summary
A guiding and sealing unit for a shock absorber rod, including a bushing and a sealing assembly including a sealing ring made of an elastomeric material and having at least one annular lip that projects radially and axially towards an axis of symmetry (A) of the unit, and an annular shield that supports and is integral with the sealing ring is provided. The annular shield is formed by a metallic sleeve having a first axial end portion that integrally supports the sealing ring, and from which the annular lip extends in a cantilever fashion inside the metallic sleeve, and a second end portion that integrally houses the annular bushing inside itself.