Suspension Strut Top Mount With Preloaded Filter Block Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle suspension strut top mount assemblies require complex assembly processes and are not optimized for preloading the filtering sub-assembly before mounting on the vehicle, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
A top mount assembly incorporating a sliding or rolling bearing with a filtering sub-assembly featuring a preloaded elastomeric filter block, a lower support, and a cover with fastening means that secure the cover to the lower support independently of vehicle body fastening, allowing for prestressing of the filter block before vehicle mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filtering sub-assembly is designed to be preloaded before vehicle mounting, then assembly complexity is reduced and production efficiency is improved, but the structural design becomes more complex requiring independent fastening means
Solution Approach 1:
The top mount assembly is divided into separate components (cover, lower support, filter block) that can be assembled and preloaded independently before final installation on the vehicle. This segmentation allows the filtering sub-assembly to be prepared in advance, improving production efficiency while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The filter block is preloaded between the cover and lower support before the assembly is mounted on the vehicle. This preliminary action of preloading the filter block enables the filtering sub-assembly to be prepared in advance during manufacturing, reducing assembly complexity during vehicle installation and improving overall productivity
2Ease of manufacture
If the cover is fastened to the lower support independently of vehicle body fastening, then assembly steps are simplified, but additional fastening mechanisms are required increasing part count
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are integrated directly into the cover structure, merging the fastening function with the cover component itself. This integration allows the cover to be fastened to the lower support independently without requiring separate external fastening mechanisms, simplifying the assembly process while avoiding additional parts
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a protective cover and as a fastening element. The cover includes integrated fastening means that enable it to secure to the lower support independently, reducing the need for additional specialized fastening components and simplifying the overall assembly
3Strength
If a rigid multifunctional part is used with welded nuts, then fastening strength is improved, but corrosion protection becomes more difficult and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top mount assembly uses composite material construction with the cover and lower support made from materials that provide both structural strength and inherent corrosion resistance. This composite approach maintains the required fastening strength while reducing corrosion risk compared to traditional stamped sheet metal with welded nuts
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts the multifunctional part into separate components (cover and lower support) rather than using a single rigid multifunctional part. This separation eliminates the need for welded nuts on a single complex part, reducing corrosion risks while maintaining fastening strength through the distributed component structure
4Weight of moving object
If molded plastic multifunctional part with metal inserts is used, then weight is reduced and corrosion resistance is improved, but impact damping capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover and lower support are designed with local quality variations, using molded plastic material with locally integrated fastening features. This approach reduces overall weight and improves corrosion resistance while maintaining adequate impact damping capability through the plastic material's inherent properties and the distributed fastening design
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 simplifies the assembly process by allowing the filter block to be preloaded and secured before vehicle attachment, reducing assembly complexity and minimizing corrosion risks while maintaining compatibility with high production rates.
Implementation Method 1
a filter block made of elastomeric material, the filter block extending along a reference axis
Implementation Method 2
a sliding or rolling bearing with a filtering sub-assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a top mount assembly of a suspension strut, the assembly comprising: a bearing and a filtering sub-assembly abutting the bearing, which includes: a filter block; a lower support having a central portion abutting a lower face of the filter block and a peripheral portion; a cover including a central portion abutting an upper face of the filter block and a peripheral portion abutting the annular peripheral portion of the lower support. The peripheral portion of the cover is provided with fastening openings arranged radially outside the bearing to secure the filtering sub-assembly to a body element of the vehicle.