Integrated Vehicle Suspension Support Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems require multiple components and mechanical fasteners for assembly, which can lead to increased costs, weight, and potential wheel alignment issues due to the complexity of the top mount bushing housing and strut tower connections.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension support design that integrates a top mount bushing directly within a housing or chassis, eliminating the need for a separate top mount bushing housing and reducing the number of mechanical fasteners, allowing for a more streamlined assembly and improved wheel alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate top mount bushing housing and multiple mechanical fasteners are used to connect the damper to the chassis, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the top mount bushing housing and the connecting structure into a single integrated housing component. The housing includes an opening that directly receives the upper end of the damper, eliminating the need for a separate top mount bushing housing and multiple mechanical fasteners. This integration maintains connection reliability while significantly reducing assembly complexity and part count.
2Strength
If multiple components and mechanical fasteners are used for assembly, then the connection strength is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the housing and top mount bushing into a single component, the patent reduces the total weight of the suspension support assembly. The integrated housing maintains sufficient connection strength through its structural design, which includes the opening for damper reception and the top surface for mounting, while eliminating the weight of separate fasteners and the additional housing structure.
3Strength
If a separate top mount bushing housing is used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the available package space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the top mount bushing function into the main housing eliminates the need for a separate top mount bushing housing, thereby increasing the available package space within the suspension assembly. The housing's opening is positioned to directly receive the damper's upper end, maintaining structural integrity while maximizing the use of available space for other suspension components.
4Reliability
If multiple mechanical fasteners are used for connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the potential for wheel alignment issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating multiple mechanical fasteners and using a direct-fit opening in the integrated housing, the patent reduces the number of connection points that could potentially misalign. The single integrated structure provides a more rigid and precise mounting configuration, reducing the risk of wheel alignment issues while maintaining connection reliability through the unified structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension support includes a housing including an opening to receive an upper end of a damper and a top mount bushing fixed to an upper surface of the housing, the top mount bushing having an aperture aligned with the opening.