Suspension Device Assembly with Position-Restricting Groove

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension devices face complications in assembly due to potential deviations between the elastic member and transmitting member, making it difficult to insert the piston rod correctly.

Innovation Solution

A suspension device design that includes a buffer member with a restricting mechanism to prevent relative position changes between the elastic member and transmitting member, using a collar and cover plate to securely hold the piston rod, ensuring proper alignment and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the elastic member and transmitting member are assembled separately around the piston rod, then each component can be independently manufactured and positioned, but the positions of the elastic member and transmitting member may deviate from each other, complicating the assembly work

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent manufacturing of elastic member and transmitting memberVSAvoidAssembly complexity due to position deviation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the elastic member and transmitting member into a single integrated assembly unit. The elastic member is pre-assembled with the transmitting member in a fixed relative position, forming a combined structure that is then mounted as one unit onto the piston rod. This eliminates position deviation issues during final assembly while maintaining the functional benefits of having separate elastic and transmitting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary assembly of the elastic member and transmitting member before final installation. The relative positions of these components are predetermined and fixed during manufacturing or pre-assembly, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before the components are installed onto the piston rod. This preliminary positioning action prevents assembly complications during final installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the elastic member and transmitting member are positioned freely during assembly, then assembly flexibility is increased, but positioning precision and alignment between components deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly flexibilityVSAvoidPositioning precision between elastic member and transmitting member
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric design features such as keyed connections, offset mounting holes, or non-circular cross-sections in the elastic member and transmitting member. These asymmetric features provide unique orientation references that ensure precise positioning and correct alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while maintaining assembly flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If multiple components are used to secure the piston rod (collar, cover plate, elastic members), then the piston rod is securely held and aligned, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSecure holding and alignment of piston rodVSAvoidNumber of components in suspension support
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple securing functions into fewer integrated components. For example, the collar and cover plate are designed to work together as a unified clamping structure, or the elastic members are integrated into the mounting brackets themselves. This reduction in component count simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the reliable securing and alignment of the piston rod through the combined functional elements.

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 design effectively suppresses deviations between the elastic and transmitting members, simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs by ensuring accurate positioning of components.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member configured to absorb a shock from the piston rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2783884B1Suspension device and suspension support
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 ASTEMO LTD
  • EP2783884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2783884B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2783884B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A suspension device includes a piston rod having a projecting part projecting from one end of a cylinder of a shock absorber to the outside of the cylinder, a lower mount rubber provided in the piston rod, and a cover plate provided in the piston rod and configured to transmit a shock received by the piston rod to the lower mount rubber, the lower mount rubber includes an inner circumferential groove configured to restrict the cover plate from being displaced with respect to the lower mount rubber in a state in which the piston rod is not arranged inside the lower mount rubber and the cover plate and the cover plate is fixed around the projecting part of the piston rod in a state in which the piston rod is arranged inside the cover plate.