Torque Rod Rib Configuration for Vibration Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque rods made of resin lack uniform rigidity in the circumferential direction, leading to stress concentration and weight increase when attempting to enhance rigidity, with no prior solutions addressing the need for reduced weight and size while maintaining necessary rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolating device with a torque rod design featuring horizontally overlapping ribs of different areas, an unsymmetrical rib configuration, varying rib numbers, and recesses to optimize rigidity distribution and weight reduction, including enlarged diameter portions and oblique connections between ribs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the number of ribs is increased to heighten rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the weight is increased and the size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing ribs only at specific locations where rigidity is needed (front end portion and rear end portion of the ring section) rather than uniformly distributing ribs throughout. The first rib is positioned at the front end portion and the second rib at the rear end portion, creating locally reinforced zones that match the stress distribution pattern. This allows the structure to achieve necessary rigidity with minimal material, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning ribs at different locations on the front and rear end portions of the ring section, reflecting the non-uniform stress distribution. The first rib and second rib are placed asymmetrically relative to the center of the ring section, with each located where stress concentration occurs during power transmission. This asymmetric rib configuration optimizes rigidity where needed while avoiding unnecessary material in low-stress areas.
2Strength
If the ring section is made larger to increase rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the weight is increased and the size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by concentrating rib structures at specific locations (front and rear end portions) where rigidity is most needed during power transmission. Instead of uniformly increasing the ring section size or adding ribs throughout, the design places ribs only where stress concentration occurs. This localized reinforcement achieves the necessary rigidity increase without proportionally increasing the overall ring section area or volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ring section into distinct functional zones: front end portion with first rib, rear end portion with second rib, and intermediate portions without ribs. This segmentation allows rigidity to be enhanced at critical locations while maintaining a compact overall size. The rib structures act as discrete reinforcement elements that provide localized stiffness without requiring the entire ring section to be enlarged.
3Strength
If ribs are provided to heighten rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but stress concentration occurs at the front end portion and rear end portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses stress concentration by applying local quality through strategically positioned ribs at the front and rear end portions where stress concentration naturally occurs during power transmission. The first rib at the front end portion and the second rib at the rear end portion provide localized reinforcement that distributes and manages stress concentrations rather than allowing them to concentrate at single points. This targeted approach converts potential weakness points into reinforced zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of stress concentration into a beneficial outcome by placing ribs precisely where stress concentration occurs during power transmission. The stress concentration locations (front and rear end portions) are transformed into reinforced zones with improved load-bearing capacity. The ribs at these locations utilize the natural stress patterns to provide structural reinforcement, turning the previously harmful stress concentration into a design advantage for rigidity enhancement.
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
The solution ensures uniform rigidity distribution, reduces weight and size, and enhances durability by optimizing rib placement and configuration to manage tensile and compressive stresses effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member establishing a connection between the inner cylinder and the ring section
Data Source
AI summary
A torque rod includes a rod main body, a first bushing and a second bushing. The rod main body is made of resin and provided integral with a first ring section and a second ring section on each end of an arm section. A first rib extends from the arm section to a front lateral surface of the second ring section. In a plan view, a second rib is provided to overlap with the first rib. The first rib projects forwardly of and in the left and right directions of the second rib. This projecting portion forms an enlarged diameter portion. Due to this enlarged diameter portion, an area of the first rib is made larger than an area of the second rib thereby to increase a rigidity of a forward side of the second ring.