Vehicle Suspension Strut Multifunction Support Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle suspension strut designs are complex and cumbersome, making assembly, mounting, and maintenance difficult due to the separation of various components.
Innovation Solution
A compact, integrated multifunction support design that combines filtration, impact, and rotary stop functions into a single piece, featuring a cylindrical filtration shaft, impact shaft, and axial support boss, with a washer applying prestressing force to the filter block, and a thrust ball bearing for rotary support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple components (filtration assembly, impact block, rotating stop) are separated as in traditional designs, then each component can be independently manufactured and maintained, but the overall device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtration assembly, impact block, and rotating stop into a single integrated upper support structure. The filtration cavity, impact cavity, and rotating stop housing are merged into one piece that is fixed to the structural element, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing the total number of components while maintaining independent manufacturability of the integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated upper support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the filtration assembly for rod end section filtration, provides an impact cavity for the impact block to absorb shocks, and contains the rotating stop housing for rotational movement control. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Ease of repair
If multiple components are separated as in traditional designs, then component replacement is flexible, but assembly and mounting become more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the filtration assembly, impact block, and rotating stop into a single integrated upper support, the patent simplifies assembly and mounting operations. The entire assembly can be installed as one unit, reducing the number of assembly steps and mounting operations required while still allowing for replacement of the entire integrated unit if needed.
3Device complexity
If components are integrated into a single support structure, then device complexity is reduced and assembly is simplified, but manufacturing the integrated structure becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating multiple functions into one support structure, the design maintains internal segmentation through distinct cavities (filtration cavity, impact cavity) and separated functional zones. This allows the integrated structure to be manufactured as a single piece while preserving the functional independence of each component within the integrated unit.
4Ease of repair
If traditional separate component design is used, then maintenance of individual components is easier, but the overall maintenance time increases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components into a single integrated upper support structure, the patent reduces the total number of components that require maintenance. While individual component maintenance within the integrated structure remains accessible, the overall maintenance time is reduced because there are fewer separate components to inspect, service, and replace.
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
Simplifies assembly and maintenance by integrating multiple functions into a single, compact unit, enhancing structural integrity and reducing component complexity while maintaining effective vibration absorption and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a ball bearing which transforms the movement of the rotating stop into a smooth rotation
Implementation Method 2
The filter block is made of an elastomeric material and has a general shape of a cylinder with a central hole
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a strut (12) comprising a shock absorber whose rod (18, 19) is connected to a structural element (22, 23), a support cup for the end of a helical spring (24), a rotating stop (30), a shock block (38), a filter assembly (36), and a counter-stop (200), characterized in that it comprises a one-piece multi-function support (60) which includes a filter cavity (66) housing the filter assembly (36), a shock cavity (68) housing an upper section (37) of the shock block (38), a housing (70) housing the rotating stop (30), and a lateral boss (73) for axial support of the multi-function support (60) which is adapted to cooperate with the structural element (22, 23), and in that it comprises an upper element (94) which applies a force of prestressing the filter block (42)..