Two-Layer Spring Pad for Vehicle Suspension Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spring pads made of elastomer material are not optimally adapted to the force distribution of helical springs, leading to uneven force distribution, potential corrosion, and noise issues due to moisture and dirt accumulation, which can cause damage and affect the resilient properties of the spring.

Innovation Solution

A spring pad with two layers, where a more rigid first layer is strategically positioned to distribute forces uniformly, preventing local overloading and maintaining the axial force action of the helical spring, while a more resilient second layer provides damping and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a conventional single-layer elastomer spring pad is used, then the spring pad provides basic insulation and damping, but the force distribution is uneven leading to local overloads and degradation of resilient properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distributionVSAvoidresilient properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring pad is divided into two distinct layers: a first layer with higher rigidity and a second layer with lower rigidity. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the first layer distributes forces uniformly while the second layer provides damping, thereby resolving the contradiction between force distribution and resilient properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the spring pad are assigned different material properties through the two-layer construction. The first layer (with higher rigidity) is positioned to handle force distribution at critical areas, while the second layer (with lower rigidity) provides cushioning and damping where needed, optimizing both force distribution and reliability locally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional elastomer spring pad is used, then the spring pad provides basic protection, but moisture and dirt accumulation lead to corrosion and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidspring pad durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring pad uses a composite structure with two layers of different rigidity. This composite construction creates a more effective barrier against moisture and dirt penetration while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving both corrosion protection and overall durability against environmental harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a conventional elastomer spring pad is used, then the spring pad is simple in structure, but uneven force distribution causes noise during vehicle operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidspring pad structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the spring pad into two functional layers, the invention achieves uniform force distribution that eliminates noise during operation. The increased structural complexity is minimal and justified by the significant noise reduction and performance improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional single-layer spring pad is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the spring pad does not adapt optimally to the force distribution of the helical spring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distribution adaptationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The two-layer composite structure is designed to optimally adapt to the force distribution patterns of helical springs. While the manufacturing process becomes slightly more complex, it remains practical and is justified by the significant improvement in adaptability and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 two-layer spring pad ensures consistent force distribution, reduces corrosion risk, maintains the original force action of the helical spring, and enhances the durability and noise-damping properties of the wheel suspension system.

Implementation Method 1

a more rigid first layer is strategically positioned to distribute forces uniformly, preventing local overloading

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce distribution:

Implementation Method 2

a more resilient second layer provides damping and noise reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9944143B2Spring pad for vehicle suspension
Publication Date: 2018.04.17 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US9944143B2 patent drawing
  • US9944143B2 patent drawing
  • US9944143B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A spring pad arranged between a terminal winding of a helical spring of a vehicle wheel suspension. The winding defines a rolled spring end. A spring plate supports the helical spring. The spring pad having a layered structure having two layers different in their rigidity. The first layer has a higher rigidity than the second layer. The first layer is an outer layer of the layered structure that may engage the terminal winding of the helical spring.