MacPherson Strut Upper Support With Integrated Rotating Stop

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current Mac-Pherson type suspension systems for motor vehicles have complex assembly and maintenance due to the separate components of the upper part, which complicates integration and alignment.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional support with a cylindrical filtration barrel, impact barrel, and integrated rotating stop, featuring a friction ring or ball stop, which simplifies assembly and maintenance by providing a compact, integrated design that includes a prestressing washer for consistent force application and secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate components are used for the upper part of the strut (filtration assembly, shock absorber, rotating stop), then each component can be independently manufactured and replaced, but the assembly and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent component manufacturingVSAvoidAssembly and maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the filtration assembly, shock absorber, and rotating stop into a single integrated upper strut assembly. The filtration barrel and shock barrel are merged into one component housing, the shock absorber is integrated with the rotating stop mechanism, and all mounting functions are consolidated into a single assembly unit that attaches to the vehicle body as one piece, thereby reducing assembly and maintenance complexity while maintaining manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated upper strut assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the filtration assembly filters contaminants, the shock absorber dampens vibrations, the rotating stop prevents over-rotation, and the mounting flange secures the assembly to the vehicle body. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system while maintaining all necessary functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used in the upper strut assembly, then component replacement is flexible, but the time required for assembly and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveComponent replacement flexibilityVSAvoidAssembly and maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the filtration assembly, shock absorber, and rotating stop into a single integrated unit, the patent enables the entire upper strut assembly to be installed or replaced as one component, significantly reducing assembly and maintenance time compared to assembling multiple separate parts, while still allowing for potential replacement of the entire assembly if needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a compact integrated design is used for the upper strut assembly, then assembly efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity of individual components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly efficiencyVSAvoidComponent structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated upper strut assembly is designed with internal segmentation into distinct functional zones: the filtration barrel section, the shock absorber chamber, the rotating stop mechanism, and the mounting flange. This segmentation allows each function to be clearly defined and manufactured using standard processes, reducing the actual structural complexity despite the integrated appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4015263B1Motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 RENAULT SA
  • EP4015263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4015263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4015263B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a strut (12) comprising a shock absorber whose rod (18, 19) is linked to a structural element (22), a support cup for the end of a helical spring (24), a rotating stop (30), a shock block (38), a filtration assembly (36), characterized in that it comprises a one-piece multi-function support (60) which houses the filtration assembly (36), a shock cavity (68) which houses an upper section (37) of the shock block (38), a lateral housing (70) which houses the rotating stop (30) and a lateral flange (72) for mounting on the structural element (22), and in that it comprises an upper element (94) for pre-stressing the filtration assembly (36) and a nut (100) for fixing the support (60) to the structural element (22).