Steering Wheel Damper Structure for Low-Frequency Vibration Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional damper structures in vehicle steering wheels are inadequate in reducing vibrations in the low frequency region and often generate noise.
Innovation Solution
A damper structure incorporating a plate member with an insertion hole, a hollow cylindrical insulator, an elastic member, a ring, a disk-shaped stopper, and a spring, which allows for controlled elastic deformation and pressure contact to absorb vibrations, thereby reducing noise and improving low-frequency vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional rubber damper with a simple cylindrical structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the vibration damping effect in the low frequency region is insufficient and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is divided into multiple functional segments: an insulator portion providing structural support and noise prevention, an elastic member portion providing vibration damping through elastic deformation, and a mass portion providing inertial damping. Each segment performs a specific function, and their combination resolves the contradiction by achieving effective low-frequency vibration damping without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper uses composite construction with different materials for different functions: the insulator portion uses rigid material for structural support, the elastic member uses elastomeric material for vibration absorption, and the mass portion uses dense material for inertial damping. This composite approach enables effective low-frequency vibration damping while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex multi-component damper structure is used, then the vibration damping effect in the low frequency region is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple damping mechanisms are merged into a single integrated damper structure. The insulator portion, elastic member portion, and mass portion are combined in one component that attaches between the steering wheel and airbag module, achieving effective vibration damping without requiring multiple separate components and complex assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the insulator portion provides structural support and noise prevention, the elastic member provides vibration damping through deformation, and the mass portion provides inertial damping. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive vibration control without excessive structural complexity.
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 proposed damper structure effectively reduces vibrations in the low frequency region while preventing noise generation by utilizing a combination of elastic deformation and pressure contact mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member formed to have a hollow cylindrical shape and provided in the insulator so as to surround the connector... to which the airbag module is to be attached
Implementation Method 2
a spring provided between the insulator and the steering wheel to resiliently bias the elastic member of the insulator so as to bring the elastic member into pressure contact with the stopper
Implementation Method 3
a ring provided around an inner periphery of the elastic member to be integral with the elastic member, the ring being in slidable contact with an outer periphery of the connector to transmit the oscillation of the connector to the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A damper structure provided in a steering wheel of a vehicle to be able to achieve an improved effect of reducing vibration in a low frequency region and structurally prevent noise generation. The damper structure includes a plate member which faces the steering wheel and to which an airbag module is to be attached, an insulator attached to the plate member, a connector inserted into the insulator and having one end fixed to the steering wheel to be oscillated by vibration of the steering wheel, an elastic member surrounding the connector in the insulator, a ring provided with the elastic member to transmit the oscillation of the connector to the elastic member, a stopper provided around another end of the connector to face the elastic member, and a coil spring which brings the elastic member of the insulator into pressure contact with the stopper.