Stop Damper With Axial Opening For Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stop dampers in vehicle steering systems have limited options for designing damping characteristics and exhibit high wear due to material properties, with compact dimensions being a challenge.
Innovation Solution
The elastomer element features an axially continuous opening within the annular end face area of the carrier element, allowing for adjustable damping properties by varying the dimensions, shape, and number of openings, which enables optimal adaptation to specific specifications and reduces material processing needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastomer element is made solid without openings, then the damping effect is strong, but the wear is high and the dimensions must be relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer element incorporates axially continuous openings that extend through the thickness of the element, creating a porous structure. This allows the elastomeric material to deform into the openings during compression, increasing the effective damping surface area and improving damping efficiency while reducing the overall minimum dimension of the element.
2Reliability
If the elastomer element is made solid without openings, then the damping effect is strong, but the structural complexity increases and material processing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer element is segmented by the axially continuous openings that divide the elastomeric material into multiple regions. This segmentation allows the material to deform independently in different zones, enhancing the damping effect while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easier to manufacture.
3Reliability
If the elastomer element is made solid without openings, then the damping effect is strong, but the options for designing damping characteristics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The openings in the elastomer element can be designed with varying parameters including size, shape, distribution pattern, and axial extent. By changing these parameters, different damping characteristics can be achieved to suit specific application requirements, providing extensive design flexibility while maintaining effective damping performance.
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
This design allows for a wide range of damping properties to be achieved with fewer structural components, reducing wear and enabling production of damping elements that are optimally suited to the elastomer material, thus improving damping characteristics and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the fact that the damping element is significantly softer than the steering gear housing, force peaks are absorbed and compensated due to the elasticity and internal friction of the elastomer material
Implementation Method 2
force peaks are absorbed and compensated due to the elasticity and internal friction of the elastomer material
Implementation Method 3
The axial compression of the damping element that occurs when it hits the stop axially leads to a displacement of the elastomeric material in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stop damper comprising an annular support element (2) which has a first and a second axial end face (21 and 22) and lateral faces (23, 24) extending therebetween. At least one damping element (3) consisting of an elastic material is attached to at least the first end face (21), said element projecting in the axial direction from the end face (21). In order to provide a stop damper with improved options for the design of the damping characteristics, according to the invention the damping element (3) has at least one axially continuous opening (5) in the annular surface region of the support element (2).