Stabilizer End Closure via W-Shape Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stabilizers for vehicle suspension systems face issues with end portion closure reliability, leading to water ingress and reduced durability due to rust and corrosion, especially when subjected to temperature variations and external shocks during transportation or manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A pipe-shaped member with recessed portions formed in a substantially W-shape across the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion, preventing water entry and maintaining closure even when bent, while minimizing internal stress and strain, thereby enhancing durability and resistance to external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end portions are closed by pressing into a flat plate shape, then water entry is prevented, but the closing quality deteriorates due to displacement of inner and outer sides in opposite directions when bent
Solution Approach 1:
The end portion is divided into multiple regions by forming groove-shaped recessed portions that extend from the outer surface toward the inner surface. These recessed portions create segmented zones that can deform independently during bending, reducing stress concentration and preventing displacement of the entire end portion. The segmentation allows the end portion to maintain its closed state while accommodating bending deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove-shaped recessed portions are formed in advance during the flat plate shaping process, before any bending operations. This preliminary formation of recessed portions pre-establishes stress relief zones and deformation pathways, enabling the end portion to maintain its closing quality even when subsequent bending operations are performed. The recessed portions act as pre-prepared features that prevent water entry pathways from forming during later bending.
2Reliability
If the end portions are closed by plastic deformation, then water entry is prevented, but unexpected shocks during transportation or manufacturing lower the close-contact quality
Solution Approach 1:
The groove-shaped recessed portions are formed beforehand to create cushioning zones that can absorb and distribute external shock forces. These recessed portions act as stress-absorbing features that prevent shock-induced opening of the end portion. The grooves provide a mechanism for the material to deform locally under shock loads without compromising the overall closing quality or creating water entry pathways.
3Reliability
If the end portions are formed by hot forging into flat plate shape, then the stabilizer weight is reduced using hollow pipe, but the end portions remain partially open and rust occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to close the entire end portion uniformly, the invention applies local quality by forming groove-shaped recessed portions at specific locations within the end portion. These localized recessed features create multiple contact points and sealing zones that ensure complete closure. The local formation of grooves allows for more precise control of the closing process, ensuring that no gaps remain while maintaining the overall flat plate shape required for bolting operations.
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 ensures secure closure of the end portions, inhibiting water ingress and maintaining structural integrity under varying conditions, including temperature changes and external forces, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of the stabilizer.
Implementation Method 1
the recessed portions are formed such that the flat plate portion has at least a substantially W-shape... resistance against shifts in opposite directions of the one and other surfaces is large
Implementation Method 2
internal stress and strain remaining in the flat plate portion are relatively low
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe-shaped member of the present invention is a pipe-shaped member (1) which includes a flat plate portion (1h1, 1h2) placed in at least one end portion (1a1) of two end portions of the pipe, formed in a flat plate shape, and including groove-shaped recessed portions (ta1, tb1, tb2) formed in one and another extended surfaces in the flat plate shape. The recessed portions (ta1, tb1, tb2) are formed such that the flat plate portion (1h1, 1h2) has at least a substantially W-shape, in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion (1h1, 1h2), and with a depth not reaching a boundary (1ha) between one plate (1h1) and the other plate (1h2) of the flat plate portion (1h1, 1h2).