Torque Rod Damper Mounting via Press-Fit Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque rods for vehicles require additional components and a swaging operation to mount and compress dampers, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A torque rod design where a damper is supported by a lower frame with an inner core and linkage, allowing for simplified assembly by inserting the linkage and tightening a bolt, eliminating the need for swaging by using a press-fitting mechanism to compress the damper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide frames and additional components are used to mount the damper to the vehicle body, then the damper can be securely mounted, but the device complexity increases and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting function directly into the torque rod structure itself, eliminating the need for separate guide frames and additional mounting components. The torque rod serves both as the connecting element and the mounting structure for the damper, reducing component count while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque rod is designed to perform multiple functions: it connects the engine/transmission to the vehicle body, provides structural support, and serves as the mounting structure for the damper. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated guide frames, simplifying the overall assembly.
2Reliability
If a swaging operation is performed to compress the damper and remove residual stress, then the damper durability is enhanced, but an additional work process is required and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is designed to undergo self-compression through the normal assembly and operation of the torque rod system. The structural interaction between the torque rod, mounting brackets, and damper housing creates compressive forces that eliminate residual stress without requiring external swaging equipment or additional manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is pre-configured with features that enable it to be compressed and stress-relieved during the standard assembly process. The mounting structure is designed to automatically apply the necessary compressive force when components are assembled, eliminating the need for preliminary or post-assembly swaging operations.
3Strength
If multiple components are used in the torque rod assembly, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions and components into integrated structures. The torque rod assembly uses fewer discrete parts with built-in mounting features and attachment mechanisms, reducing the number of assembly steps while maintaining structural strength through optimized design of the integrated components.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque rod apparatus for a vehicle may include a damper supported at an outer circumference thereof by a lower frame of the vehicle, with a first hollow portion being axially formed in the damper, an inner core inserted into the first hollow portion of the damper, with a second hollow portion being axially formed in the inner core, an insert opening formed partially through the damper and the inner core in a radial direction to allow an interior of the inner core and an exterior of the damper to be bored through, and a linkage connected at a first end thereof to a drive unit, with a through hole formed in a second end thereof, the second end being inserted into the insert opening to allow the linkage to be integrally coupled to the lower frame of the vehicle and the inner core.