Torque Rod Abutting Face for Load Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque rods face challenges in achieving space savings while maintaining load-bearing capability and durability, especially under stopper loads, due to interference issues and relative displacement between components.

Innovation Solution

A torque rod design featuring a rod member with a rubber bushing at one end and an abutting face that limits elastic deformation of the rubber bushing, allowing the rod member to directly absorb stopper loads without relying on the inside shaft member, and optionally incorporating larger rubber bushings for increased deformation capacity and aperture windows for enhanced connection flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the outer peripheral member is made large in diameter to avoid interference with the vehicle body, then interference is avoided, but the space required around the outer peripheral member increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference with vehicle bodyVSAvoidspace around outer peripheral member

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional attachment configuration: instead of fixing the outer peripheral member to the vehicle body (conventional design), it fixes the inside shaft member to the vehicle body. This inversion allows the outer peripheral member to be smaller in diameter while avoiding interference with the vehicle body, thereby reducing the space required for installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Area of stationary object

If the rod member is connected to the inside shaft member of a separate rubber bushing structure, then space savings are achieved, but strength and reliability under large loads such as stopper load deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidstrength under stopper load

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rod member with the inside shaft member by directly fixing the rod member to the inside shaft member. This merging creates a unified load-bearing structure that can effectively withstand large loads such as stopper load, while maintaining the space savings benefit of the separate rubber bushing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inside shaft member serves as an intermediary between the rod member and the vehicle body. By fixing the rod member to the inside shaft member, which is itself fixed to the vehicle body, the structure achieves both space efficiency and load-bearing capability through this intermediate connection element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the inside shaft member is fixed to the vehicle body while the outer peripheral member undergoes displacement, then the structure allows relative movement, but the space around the outer peripheral member must be larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative displacement capabilityVSAvoidspace around outer peripheral member

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts which component is fixed to the vehicle body: instead of fixing the outer peripheral member (conventional design), it fixes the inside shaft member. This inversion maintains the relative displacement capability of the rubber bushing while reducing the space required around the outer peripheral member, as the outer peripheral member no longer needs to accommodate the full displacement envelope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This design enhances load-bearing capability and durability by preventing excessive rubber deformation, allows for space savings by eliminating the need for large outer peripheral member space, and improves connection flexibility and strength utilization.

Implementation Method 1

a rubber elastic body connecting the inside shaft member and the outer peripheral member with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10981441B2Torque rod

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 SUMITOMO RIKO CO LTD

AI summary

A torque rod for straddling connection target members including a rod member and a rubber bushing provided to a lengthwise end of the rod member. The rubber bushing includes an inside shaft member, an outer peripheral member to be attached to one of the connection target members, and a rubber elastic body connecting the inside shaft member and the outer peripheral member. The rubber bushing is a part separate from the rod member and the end of the rod member is fixed to the inside shaft member. The rod member includes an abutting face to abut against the one of the connection target members without interposing the outer peripheral member of the rubber bushing. A stopper to limit an amount of elastic deformation of the rubber elastic body in the rubber bushing is constituted by including the abutting face of the rod member.