Torque Rod Compact Bushing Stopper Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque rods face challenges in compactification due to the need for large spaces to accommodate the outer tubular member, which can lead to interference with the vehicle body, and struggle to maintain strength and reliability under large stopper loads.

Innovation Solution

A torque rod design featuring a rod member with a rubber bushing that includes an inner axial member, an outer tubular member, and a rubber elastic body, where the stopper mechanism is integrated into the contact sections of the rod member and outer tubular member, allowing for direct stopper load application without relying on the inner axial member, enabling compact installation and enhanced load-bearing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the outer tubular member with a large diameter is used in conventional torque rod structure, then the torque rod can support the power unit, but it requires a large space around the outer tubular member to avoid interference with the vehicle body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capabilityVSAvoidattachment space

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The torque rod is divided into separate components: the rod member and the rubber bushing assembly (inner axial member + outer tubular member). This segmentation allows the outer tubular member to be fixed to the vehicle body while the rod member connects to the power unit, eliminating the need for large clearance around the outer tubular member and achieving compactification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

In conventional structures, the inner axial member is fixed to the vehicle body. This invention inverts the fixation relationship by fixing the outer tubular member to the vehicle body instead, allowing the rod member to directly contact the outer tubular member for stopper load transmission, thereby reducing the required attachment space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the inner axial member is fixed to the vehicle body in conventional structure, then the torque rod can be mounted, but the stopper load is transmitted through relative contact between the inner axial member and outer tubular member which may compromise strength and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting easeVSAvoidstopper load bearing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the fixation relationship by fixing the outer tubular member to the vehicle body instead of the inner axial member. This allows the rod member to directly contact the outer tubular member, creating a more reliable load path for stopper loads that bypasses the inner axial member connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper load transmission function is extracted from the inner axial member and transferred to the direct contact between the rod member and outer tubular member. This separation allows the inner axial member to focus on its primary function of providing elastic deformation while the outer tubular member handles stopper loads directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the rod member is connected with the inner axial member of the rubber bushing as separate structures, then the torque rod can be assembled, but it may be difficult to secure strength and reliability with respect to large stopper load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstopper load strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the stopper load transmission function into the outer tubular member structure itself, which is already fixed to the vehicle body. The rod member directly contacts the outer tubular member, creating a unified load path that combines the structural strength of both components without requiring additional fastening mechanisms.

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

This design achieves compactification of the torque rod's attachment space while improving load-bearing and durability performance under stopper loads by efficiently utilizing the rod member's strength and reducing the need for extensive space around the outer tubular member.

Implementation Method 1

a rubber elastic body connecting the inner axial member and the outer tubular member with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10780768B2Torque rod

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 SUMITOMO RIKO CO LTD

AI summary

A torque rod including: a rod member; and a rubber bushing provided at a lengthwise end of the rod member, wherein the rubber bushing includes an inner axial member, an outer tubular member, and a rubber elastic body connecting the inner axial member and the outer tubular member with each other, the lengthwise end of the rod member is fixed to the inner axial member of the rubber bushing constituted by a part separate from the rod member, and a stopper to limit a relative displacement amount of the inner axial member and the outer tubular member in the rubber bushing is constituted in contact sections of the rod member and the outer tubular member.