Suspension Stop Movable Seal Reduces Friction Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle suspension thrust bearings face challenges in balancing sealing functionality and torque control, particularly during deformations under exerted efforts, due to frictional contacts and baffle configurations which can lead to increased friction torque and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A suspension thrust bearing design featuring a movable sealing element in annular spaces between cups, with grooves and bearing surfaces allowing for controlled frictional contact and displacement, maintaining constant torque and sealing efficacy even under deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible sealing element is used to prevent lubricant leakage and contamination, then sealing reliability is improved, but friction torque increases during relative rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be movable relative to at least one cup, allowing it to dynamically adapt its position. This mobility enables the sealing element to maintain effective sealing contact while reducing friction torque during relative rotation of the cups, as it can move with the deformation rather than resisting it rigidly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state of the sealing element from fixed to movable, allowing it to respond to deformation parameters. By enabling the sealing element to move, the system maintains sealing effectiveness while adapting to changing geometric parameters during operation, thus reducing friction torque
2Force
If baffles are used to eliminate frictional contact, then friction torque is reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using fixed baffles that eliminate friction entirely, the invention employs a movable sealing element that maintains controlled frictional contact. This dynamic approach allows the sealing element to stay in frictional contact for reliable sealing while its mobility prevents excessive friction torque buildup
3Reliability
If the bearing space is sealed with frictional contact elements, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but torque control becomes difficult under deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The movable sealing element dynamically adapts its position in response to bearing deformation, automatically maintaining optimal sealing contact. This self-adjusting capability ensures consistent sealing effectiveness and predictable torque characteristics even when the bearing undergoes deformation during operation
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 solution ensures a precise and controllable torque over an extended operating range while maintaining effective sealing, reducing the impact of mechanical stresses and deformations on the suspension bearing.
Implementation Method 1
rolling bodies arranged between said cups to allow their relative rotation
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element which is arranged in said space to be in frictional contact on each of the cups
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
The invention relates to a suspension stop for a motor vehicle, said stop comprising an upper cup (1), a lower cup (2) and roller bodies (4) arranged between said cups to permit the relative rotation thereof, said cups being designed to have at least one annular space between them, said stop further comprising a seal element (14) arranged in said annular space with a sliding contact with each cup (1, 2). Said seal element is arranged to by mobile with relation to at least one cup (1, 2).