Torsion Snap-On Hook for Suspension Strut Mount Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snap-on connections in suspension strut mounts face limitations when a higher disassembly force is required, as they are primarily loaded with bending forces during disassembly, which restricts their ability to handle increased disassembly forces.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a torsion snap-on hook with a twistable holder that applies a torsion load during disassembly, allowing for higher disassembly forces by deforming the holder and increasing the torque required for separation, while also using softer plastic materials to reduce noise and enhance disassembly force control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional snap-on connection is used, then the assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but the disassembly force is limited and cannot be increased beyond a certain point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the loading parameter from bending to torsion. The snap-on hook is redesigned to engage with a projection on the guide ring, so that during disassembly, a torsion load is applied to the holder rather than a bending load. This parameter change allows the same basic structure to withstand significantly higher disassembly forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed to be torsionally flexible, allowing it to deform elastically during assembly and disassembly. This dynamic behavior enables the holder to absorb the torsion loads applied during disassembly and then return to its original position, providing a mechanism for controlled high-force separation without permanent deformation.
2Force
If the disassembly force is increased for better fastening, then the connection becomes more secure, but the noise during assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a material parameter change by incorporating a softer plastic material in the area of the snap-on hook. This softer material acts as a damper, reducing the noise generated during assembly and disassembly operations while still allowing the torsion mechanism to provide high disassembly forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-on hook structure combines different material properties: the holder is made of elastomeric material that provides torsional flexibility, while the snap-on hook area incorporates softer plastic material for noise reduction. This composite material approach allows simultaneous achievement of high disassembly force and noise reduction.
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 torsion snap-on hook design significantly increases the disassembly force by applying torsion loads, providing a higher separation force and reducing noise through elastic deformation and controlled disassembly, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional snap-on connections.
Implementation Method 1
The holder is deformed accordingly during disassembly, while for conventional snap-on connections, a bending load is usually applied to the snap-on hook
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension strut mount (1), with a mount arranged between a guide ring (2) and a cap (3). The guide ring (2) and the cap (3) are connected to each other by a snap-on connection (5) that has at least one torsion snap-fit hook (6, 21) that is arranged via a holder (7) that can be torsionally bent on one of the guide ring (2) or the cap (3) and engages, in the assembled state, in an undercut (8) on the other of the guide ring (2) or the cap (3).