Spring Holder With Deformable Zone For Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring holders in vehicle suspension systems are prone to damage from excessive forces, which can lead to costly replacements of both the holder and the spring, and do not effectively absorb energy to prevent spring damage.
Innovation Solution
A holder with a deformable zone that absorbs energy by deforming plastically when excessive forces are applied, allowing the spring to remain connected to the wheel carrier and preventing damage, while the holder can be designed to change the wheel's position and alert the driver to potential issues through altered driving behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple screw-bolt holder is used to connect the spring to the wheel carrier, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the reliability is low because the holder can be damaged by excessive forces transmitted from the spring
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into a deformable zone and rigid fastening areas. The deformable zone is positioned between the spring fastening area and wheel carrier fastening area, allowing it to absorb excessive forces through controlled deformation while the rigid fastening areas maintain secure connections. This segmentation protects the spring from damage while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates a deformable zone that acts as a pre-designed energy absorption mechanism. Before excessive forces can damage the spring or other components, the deformable zone deforms plastically to absorb the energy, providing beforehand cushioning against potential damage.
2Reliability
If the holder is designed to absorb energy through plastic deformation, then the spring is protected from damage, but the holder itself undergoes permanent deformation which may affect wheel positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into distinct functional zones: deformable zones for energy absorption and rigid fastening areas for maintaining precise connections. The deformable zones are strategically positioned to absorb forces without affecting the geometric precision of the fastening areas, thereby preserving wheel positioning accuracy even after deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the holder have different mechanical properties. The deformable zone is designed with lower strength and higher ductility to undergo plastic deformation, while the fastening areas maintain high strength and dimensional stability. This local differentiation ensures that deformation occurs only where intended, protecting the spring without compromising connection integrity.
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 holder effectively absorbs excessive forces, preventing spring damage and allowing continued vehicle operation, while only requiring replacement of the holder, thus reducing costs and maintaining the spring's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the holder comprises a deformable zone for transmitting forces from the spring fastening area to the wheel carrier fastening area... in the event of an energy input which could damage the spring, the holder is deformed so that the energy introduced is at least partially absorbed within the holder
Data Source
AI summary
A holder (5) for a spring (2) which has a spring fastening area (10) for fastening the spring (2) to the holder (5) and a wheel carrier fastening area (9) for fastening a wheel carrier (4) to the spring. The holder (5) further has a deformable zone (23) for transmitting force from the spring fastening area (10) to the wheel carrier fastening area (9).