Universal Shock Absorber Indexing Device for Vehicle Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing suspension system arrangement for motor vehicles, which includes multiple indexing members for shock absorber positioning, leads to increased spare part references, management complexity, and higher production costs due to the need for distinct parts for front and rear indexing, resulting in assembly errors.

Innovation Solution

An indexing device with a first and second indexing member, both capable of ensuring front and rear indexing of the shock absorber relative to the support, featuring symmetrical wings with inclined edges and a fixing base, allowing for integral mounting and simplified assembly by guiding the shock absorber into position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If differentiated indexing members are used for front and rear shock absorber positioning, then adequate positioning precision is achieved, but the number of spare part references increases and management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorber positioning precisionVSAvoidnumber of indexing member types
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing member is designed with a symmetrical wing structure that allows it to perform both front indexing and rear indexing functions. The symmetrical geometry enables the same component to be used in opposite orientations, making one type of indexing member universal for both front and rear shock absorber positioning tasks, thereby reducing the number of different part references needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If differentiated indexing members are used for front and rear shock absorber positioning, then adequate positioning precision is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorber positioning precisionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal indexing member with symmetrical wings that can serve both front and rear positioning needs, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of producing multiple different types of indexing members with varying geometries, the same standardized component is manufactured in bulk, reducing tooling costs, setup time, and overall production expenses while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If differentiated indexing members are used for front and rear shock absorber positioning, then adequate positioning precision is achieved, but assembly error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorber positioning precisionVSAvoidassembly error risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The symmetrical design of the indexing member eliminates the need for assembly workers to distinguish between front and rear specific components. Since both indexing members look identical and can be used in either orientation, the risk of assembling the wrong type of indexing member is eliminated, thereby improving assembly reliability while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple indexing member types are used, then specific positioning requirements are met, but inventory management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidspare part inventory complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating front and rear indexing members into a single universal type with symmetrical wings, the spare parts inventory is simplified. Instead of maintaining separate stock levels for different front and rear indexing member types, only one type needs to be inventoried and managed, reducing inventory complexity while ensuring positioning accuracy is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4008609B1Arrangement for a body of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 RENAULT SA
  • EP4008609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4008609B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4008609B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Arrangement (1) for a body of a motor vehicle (100) comprising a support (2) for a suspension system of a wheel of the vehicle (100), a shock absorber (3) having a body (30) suitable for being fixed on said support (2) and an indexing device (4) comprising a first indexing member (5) and a second indexing member (6) attached configured to indifferently ensure the front indexing and the rear indexing of the shock absorber (3) relative to the support (2).