Steering Wheel Damper Assembly With Ribbed Elastomer Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency-tuned vibration damper systems for steering wheels are complex, time-consuming, and costly to manufacture, with difficulties in frequency tuning and maintaining desired spring characteristics, especially during horn activation.
Innovation Solution
A damper unit with an elastomeric damper element and snap-lock protrusions, featuring a ribbed configuration that allows for improved frequency tuning and reduced manufacturing complexity, integrating both vibration damping and horn spring functions into a single unitary structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional spiral spring and separate damper structure are used, then horn activation function is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the horn spring function and vibration damper function into a single integrated elastomeric component. The elastomeric element is molded directly onto the slider, eliminating the need for separate horn springs and complex assembly operations. This merging of functions reduces both manufacturing time and assembly complexity while maintaining the required mechanical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric damper element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration damping through its elastic properties, acts as a horn spring through its pre-compression and elastic recovery, and provides structural support for the slider. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elastomeric damper element with ribbed configuration is used, then frequency tuning capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric damper element features a ribbed configuration with varying rib heights, thicknesses, and spacing patterns in different regions. This local variation in geometric properties allows different sections of the damper to contribute differently to the overall stiffness and damping characteristics, enabling precise frequency tuning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances across the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in geometric parameters of the ribbed structure (rib height, thickness, spacing, and distribution patterns) to tune the frequency characteristics of the damper. By varying these parameters during the molding process, the desired frequency response can be achieved without requiring excessive manufacturing precision, as the frequency tuning is accomplished through design parameter optimization rather than tight tolerances.
3Productivity
If the elastomeric damper element is molded directly on the slider, then manufacturing time is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horn spring and damper element are molded as a single integrated component in one molding operation, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This merging of manufacturing processes increases productivity by reducing the number of operations required, while the molding complexity is managed through standard multi-cavity or insert molding techniques that are well-established in the industry.
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 ribbed configuration enhances the linearity of the spring constant, facilitates easier frequency tuning, and reduces manufacturing time and costs, while maintaining effective vibration damping and horn activation performance.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric material includes silicone rubber
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric damper element which is molded on a radial outer side of the slider
Implementation Method 3
at least some of the elastomeric ribs present a radially outward extending snap-lock protrusion configured to be inserted through the mounting opening to snap-lock the damper unit
Data Source
AI summary
A damper unit for use in a vibration-reducing assembly for a steering wheel is disclosed. An elastomeric damper element is molded on an inner sleeve and includes a plurality of elastomeric ribs forming a radially outer engagement surface, and a plurality of elastomeric support studs, which are mutually spaced in a circumferential direction are flexible in all directions transverse to said axis. Methods for making a damper unit and a damper assembly are also disclosed.