Strut Mounting System Inverted Assembly Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for struts or vibration dampers on vehicle bodies require assembly access from above, posing challenges, especially for rear axle top mounts, and lack cost-effective and simplified assembly methods.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with an elastomer mount and a fixing device that allows insertion and securement from below, utilizing an elastomer body and a ring element that engages behind an undercut in the receiving cup, enabling pre-assembly and simplified assembly without the need for above-body access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the piston rod is screwed to the core of the rubber-metal bearing from above, then the connection is secure, but sufficient assembly space must be available from above which is not always present, especially for rear axle top mounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional assembly direction by inserting the mounting unit from below through the receiving cup, rather than from above. The piston rod is connected to the core of the rubber-metal bearing in this inverted orientation, allowing assembly without requiring access from above the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting unit including the piston rod and rubber-metal bearing is pre-assembled as a complete unit before installation. This preliminary assembly allows the entire mounting unit to be inserted from below as one component, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations from above.
2Reliability
If a snap ring or spring ring is used to latch the rubber-metal bearing into the receiving cup, then the bearing is retained in the direction of deflection, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the latching action to retain the mounting unit in the receiving cup, while also serving as the mounting structure for the ring element that prestresses the rubber-metal bearing. This merging eliminates the need for separate snap rings or spring rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device serves multiple purposes: it acts as a retention mechanism for the mounting unit, provides a mounting surface for the ring element, and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required.
3Reliability
If the elastomer body is prestressed by the ring element pressing against the fixing device, then the mounting unit is securely retained, but the assembly process must ensure proper prestressing
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer body automatically prestresses itself through the mechanical interaction between the ring element and the fixing device during assembly. The insertion process itself generates the necessary prestressing force, eliminating the need for separate prestressing operations or precision control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring element is designed to flex or deform during assembly, allowing it to accommodate variations in assembly tolerances while still achieving the required prestressing of the elastomer body. This dynamic behavior compensates for manufacturing variations without requiring high precision.
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
Facilitates cost-effective and simplified assembly and disassembly of struts or vibration dampers, eliminating the need for above-body assembly access and allowing for easy repair by enabling insertion and securement of the mounting unit from below, while maintaining effective vibration damping.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer body is prestressed and presses the ring element against the fixing device
Implementation Method 2
the fixing device engages behind an undercut formed on the receiving cup
Implementation Method 3
at least one elastomer mount for resiliently mounting the piston rod
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for the elastic mounting of a strut or a vibration damper on a vehicle body includes a unit insertable into a receiving cup and a fixing device. The unit includes a mounting unit and a piston rod of a strut or vibration damper. In embodiments, the mounting unit has an elastomer mount for mounting the piston rod; the elastomer mount has a core for receiving the piston rod and an elastomer body, and a ring element that is a separate part or is non-positively, positively and/or materially connected to the body; the unit and fixing device may be inserted into the receiving cup from a side facing away from the body; the fixing device engages behind an undercut formed on the receiving cup; the ring element is supported on the fixing device; and/or the elastomer body is prestressed and presses the ring element against the fixing device.