Strut Bearing Center Plate Structure for Transverse Load Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strut bearing assemblies for Macpherson type suspension systems are vulnerable to transverse loads, leading to deformation, increased rotational friction resistance, and decreased durability.
Innovation Solution
A strut bearing assembly with a center plate having a vertical, inclination, and horizontal portion, where the inclination and horizontal portions include contact portions and pockets to accommodate lubricant, effectively distributing axial and radial loads and minimizing contact areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a sliding bearing member with thrust and radial sliding bearing portions is used, then both axial and transverse loads can be supported, but the strut bearing assembly becomes vulnerable to transverse loads causing deformation and increased friction resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding bearing member is segmented into three distinct portions: a vertical portion (510) for axial load support, an inclination portion (520) for transverse load support, and a horizontal portion (530) for additional axial load support. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific load direction, preventing deformation and reducing friction resistance while maintaining comprehensive load bearing capacity.
2Reliability
If contact areas between the center plate and case are reduced, then rotational friction resistance is improved, but load distribution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding bearing member features localized contact portions (521, 531) with specific geometric configurations. The inclination portion and horizontal portion are designed with contact portions that concentrate loads at specific points, providing adequate load distribution while minimizing overall contact area. This local quality optimization simultaneously improves rotational friction resistance and maintains load distribution effectiveness.
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 solution enhances load-bearing capacity, prevents deformation, improves rotational friction resistance performance, and increases durability by effectively distributing loads and maximizing lubricant storage and fluidity.
Implementation Method 1
the inclination and horizontal portions may comprise contact portions (521, 531) which are formed to protrude to come into contact with the upper case (300), respectively. Additionally, pockets may be formed on the center plate (500) to maximize storage and fluidity of lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
A strut bearing assembly for a vehicle includes an upper case which has a through opening through which a strut is configured to pass; a lower case which is relatively rotatably coupled to the upper case and has a through opening through which the strut is configured to pass, wherein a coil spring is installed on an outer circumferential surface of the lower case; and a center plate which is disposed between the upper case and the lower case and rotatably supports the upper case relative to the lower case. The center plate may have a through opening through which the strut is configured to pass and may include a cylindrical vertical portion which extends axially from a radial inner side, an inclination portion which is formed to be inclined downward radially outward from the vertical portion, and a horizontal portion which extends radially outward from the inclination portion.