Suspension Strut Bearing Cap With Open Ribs for Easier Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of suspension strut bearings with closed rib structures is complex and time-consuming due to delicate moldings, leading to increased cooling times and material usage, as well as susceptibility to corrosion from splash water accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A suspension strut bearing design featuring a rib structure open in the radial direction, allowing for improved tool design, reduced material usage, and enhanced cooling efficiency, with the possibility of splash water runoff, enabling faster and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a closed rib structure is used in the cap, then the structural integrity and sealing are improved, but the production complexity and cooling time increase due to delicate moldings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional closed rib structure into an open rib structure. Instead of creating enclosed cavities with single openings, the ribs are designed to be open in the radial direction, allowing the production tool to be pulled out radially rather than axially. This inversion eliminates the need for delicate pin-like moldings and complex cooling systems while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed rib configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the demolding direction from axial (one-dimensional extraction) to radial (multi-dimensional extraction). By opening the rib structure in the radial direction, the production tool can be extracted along the radial dimension rather than requiring complex axial extraction through delicate cavities. This dimensional change simplifies the production tool design and reduces manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If a closed rib structure with single-opening cavities is used, then the cap provides structural support, but the cooling process becomes time-consuming and the production cycle extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional closed rib structure into an open rib structure. Instead of creating enclosed cavities with single openings, the ribs are designed to be open in the radial direction, allowing the production tool to be pulled out radially rather than axially. This inversion eliminates the need for delicate pin-like moldings and complex cooling systems while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed rib configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful enclosed cavity structure from the design and replaces it with open ribs. By removing the closed cavity configuration that requires complex cooling, the patent eliminates the time-consuming cooling process associated with delicate moldings while retaining the structural support function through the open rib architecture.
3Strength
If a closed rib structure is used, then material can be distributed for strength, but more material is required and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cap structure into multiple distributed ribs instead of using a solid or closed cavity structure. These ribs are arranged to provide structural support and force distribution while minimizing material usage. The segmented rib configuration achieves the required strength with less material compared to a closed rib structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies material locally where needed through the rib structure rather than using uniform material distribution. The ribs are positioned to provide structural support and force distribution at critical locations, eliminating unnecessary material in non-critical areas while maintaining overall strength and structural integrity.
4Shape
If closed cavities are formed in the cap, then structural features are created, but splash water accumulates and causes corrosion of the bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful enclosed cavity structure that traps water and replaces it with an open rib structure. By removing the closed cavity configuration, the patent eliminates water accumulation zones while retaining the structural support function through the open ribs. This extraction of the harmful feature prevents corrosion without sacrificing structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of enclosed cavities (water accumulation and corrosion) into a beneficial open structure. The open rib configuration not only eliminates water trapping but also provides structural support and force distribution. The design transforms what would be a harmful feature (enclosed spaces) into a beneficial open architecture that prevents corrosion while maintaining strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension strut bearing for a motor vehicle includes a cap, a guide ring rotatably mounted relative to the cap about an axis of rotation, and a bearing arranged between the cap and the guide ring. The cap has a profile with a rib structure open in a radial direction on a front face directed towards a body of the motor vehicle. In some example embodiments, the profile of the open rib structure is formed from multiple webs. At least one first web may be formed at least partially in a circumferential direction on the cap, and at least one second web may be formed at least partially in the radial direction on the cap.