Suspension Mount Structure for Axial Stiffness and Damping Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resilient mounts for supporting suspensions on chassis lack optimal damping capabilities and stiffness settings, limiting their effectiveness in various applications, particularly in vehicles where precise vibration damping and load transfer are crucial.

Innovation Solution

A mount comprising a two-part structure with radially extending protrusions on both the core and sleeve, where the resilient body is fixed between these protrusions to provide high axial stiffness and adjustable damping capabilities, allowing for pre-assembly and easy tuning of stiffness and damping settings by modifying the shape and dimensions of the protrusions and material selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a resilient body is configured with conventional damping capabilities, then vibration damping is provided, but axial stiffness is insufficient for high-load applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial stiffnessVSAvoiddamping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient body is divided into multiple segments or layers with different material properties or geometric configurations. Each segment contributes differently to the overall mechanical response, allowing the mount to exhibit both high axial stiffness and effective damping capabilities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient body utilizes composite material construction, combining materials with different mechanical properties. This allows the mount to achieve high axial stiffness in the load-bearing direction while maintaining damping capabilities through the viscoelastic properties of the composite structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If stiffness settings are adjusted by changing resilient body geometry, then axial stiffness improves, but damping capabilities are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial stiffnessVSAvoiddamping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the resilient body are designed with different geometric characteristics or material properties. The local geometry is optimized for stiffness in load-bearing areas, while other regions maintain properties favorable for energy dissipation and damping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mount design incorporates adjustable parameters such as pre-load forces, temperature-dependent material properties, or geometric configurations that can be modified to independently tune stiffness and damping characteristics without compromising either property.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a single-piece mount structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but assembly and installation become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidassembly and installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is divided into separable components that can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for each part. These components are then designed with features that facilitate easy assembly and installation, such as alignment features, snap-fit connections, or modular interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If protrusions are added to core and sleeve for resilient body attachment, then axial stiffness and damping tuning are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial stiffnessVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are integrated directly into the core and sleeve structures during manufacturing, combining the attachment features with the load-bearing components. This approach adds minimal complexity while enabling precise control over axial stiffness and damping characteristics through the geometric configuration of the protrusions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 mount achieves high axial stiffness and customizable damping, enabling efficient vibration damping and load transfer while allowing for pre-assembly and easy installation, enhancing the performance of suspension systems in vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

the resilient first body acts as a cushion or resilient stopper in the axial direction. Thus, under axial loads, it is subjected to significant compressive and tensile strains rather than shear strains.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3812608B1Mount and method for assembling a mount
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 VIBRACOUSTIC NANTES SAS
  • EP3812608B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3812608B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3812608B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

The invention relates to a mount for supporting a suspension on a chassis, comprising a first part (12) including a first core (20), a first sleeve (18) and a resilient first body (22), a second part (14) including a second core (34), a second sleeve (32) and a resilient second body (36), wherein the first core (20) includes a first core protrusion (30) extending radially outward from the first core (20), wherein the first sleeve (18) includes a first sleeve protrusion (24) extending radially inward from the first sleeve (18), wherein a radially most inward part of the first sleeve protrusion (24) is positioned closer to the first core (20) than a radially most outward part of the first core protrusion (30), wherein the first body (22) is fixed to the first core protrusion (30) and to the first sleeve protrusion (24) for providing a spring in an axial direction (A) of the mount (10), wherein the second body (36) is fixed to the second core (34) and to the second sleeve (32), and wherein the second sleeve (32) is, preferably completely, inserted into the first sleeve (18) such that an outer surface of the second sleeve (32) is in contact with an inner surface of the first sleeve (18).