Shock Absorber Retaining Ring for Removable Stabilizer Link Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching a stabilizer bar link to a shock absorber body in motor vehicle suspension systems face challenges such as complex assembly processes, dimensional constraints, and the inability to dismantle assemblies, particularly with welding methods, which limit flexibility and increase the risk of assembly errors.
Innovation Solution
A retaining ring with two flanges that can be fixed and articulated relative to each other, featuring a device to block rotation against the shock absorber body, allowing for a unique, removable part that secures the stabilizer bar link to the shock absorber body without requiring separate references for left and right shock absorbers, thus simplifying assembly and eliminating dimensional constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding assembly is used to attach the retaining device to the shock absorber body, then a solid assembly without movement is obtained, but the assembly cannot be disassembled and requires dimensional constraints on the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is divided into two separate parts: a retaining ring and a retaining element. The retaining ring can be independently assembled and disassembled from the shock absorber body, while the retaining element remains fixed. This segmentation allows the assembly to be disassembled for maintenance while maintaining a solid connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is inserted through the retaining ring and secured by a locking mechanism. The nested structure allows the smaller retaining element to be housed within the retaining ring, creating a compact assembly that provides both fixed and removable components.
2Reliability
If welding assembly is used to attach the retaining device to the shock absorber body, then a solid assembly is obtained, but dimensional constraints on the shock absorber body thickness are required
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring acts as an intermediary component between the shock absorber body and the stabilizer bar link. Instead of directly welding the stabilizer bar link to the shock absorber body, the retaining ring provides a standardized interface that simplifies the dimensional requirements and allows for easier assembly and disassembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retaining ring composed of two separate parts is used, then the assembly is removable, but the mounting process becomes complex requiring fixing each part one after the other
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is pre-positioned or pre-assembled in a specific configuration before being installed with the retaining ring. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final assembly process, as the components are already in the correct positions and orientations, reducing the complexity of the mounting operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single reference retaining device is used for both right and left shock absorbers, then assembly errors are limited, but the device must be symmetric requiring separate parts for different sides
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed as a universal component that can be used on both right and left shock absorbers. By making the retaining ring symmetric and standardized, a single reference design can serve multiple functions and positions, eliminating the need for separate retaining devices for each side while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retaining ring (20) for a stabilizer bar link attached to a shock absorber body (10) of a suspension component (8) of a motor vehicle. The retaining ring (20) extends along a principal axis (X) and comprises two flanges (22) designed to bear against the shock absorber body (10). Each flange (22) has a first and a second end section (26, 28). The retaining ring (20) includes: - a means for attaching the two flanges (22) of the retaining ring (20) to each other at their first end section (26) and a means for articulating the two flanges (22) to each other at their second end section (28), and - at least one device for preventing the rotation of the retaining ring (20) relative to the shock absorber body (10).