Variable Radial Bushing for Dynamic Load Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bushings for vehicle suspensions have complex constructions, are not easily adaptable to dynamic loads, and require a large volume to manage loads effectively, with insufficient elastic properties and difficulty in connecting to other vehicle parts due to their complex shape and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A bushing design with parallel outer and inner sleeve surfaces and a spring member of constant thickness, allowing controlled elastic properties and easy adaptation to specific applications, featuring a simplified construction and efficient load distribution, using a single piece of resilient material with a reliable connection method such as vulcanization or gluing, and allowing perpendicular connection to transverse members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the radial width of the elastomeric material is varied along the height of the bushing, then the elastic properties can be adapted to dynamic loads, but the construction becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the radial width of the elastomeric material at different heights along the bushing. Specifically, the elastomeric material has a first radial width at a first height and a second radial width at a second height, allowing different sections to have different elastic properties tailored to specific load conditions. This enables adaptation to dynamic loads while maintaining a relatively simple monolithic construction without complex assembly of multiple components.
2Strength
If the bushing is made with multiple component parts and complex sleeve shapes, then load-bearing capacity can be increased, but ease of connection to vehicle parts and ease of manufacture decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner sleeve, elastomeric material, and outer sleeve into a single monolithic bushing component formed by injection molding. This integration maintains load-bearing capacity through the engineered radial width variation while eliminating the need for separate assembly steps, making the bushing easier to manufacture and connect to vehicle parts. The complex shape is achieved through molding rather than assembly of multiple parts.
3Volume of moving object
If the inner metal fitting is made with a relatively light weight structure, then the bushing volume can be reduced, but the strength to carry larger loads becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the elastomeric material, specifically the radial width variation along the height, to optimize the balance between volume and strength. By concentrating elastomeric material where needed (larger radial width at certain heights) and reducing it where less critical, the design achieves sufficient load-carrying strength with a more compact overall volume compared to uniform designs or those requiring heavy metal fittings.
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 bushing achieves a high load-bearing capacity with reduced shear stress and improved dynamic response, enabling easy integration with vehicle components and optimal motion patterns, while minimizing component count and volume.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric spring member is compressed inwardly, the vertical force stiffness of the bushing increases and an upwards force is generated
Implementation Method 2
The known inner sleeve and spring member is formed of two parts... the elastomeric spring member
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly comprising a bushing with a center line L, having an inner sleeve with a mounting bore, an outer sleeve and an elastomeric spring member extending along a height H along the center line L. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the inner sleeve, the spring member and the inner surface of the outer sleeve are on each side of the center line L substantially parallel. On at least one side of the longitudinal center line L, the outer surface of the inner sleeve, the spring member and the inner surface of the outer sleeve extend at an angle to the center line L. An outer surface of the outer sleeve is substantially parallel to the center line L along the height H. Another embodiment of an assembly according to the invention comprises a bushing with a mounting bore that extends at an angle to the center line L. The bushing according to the invention is compact, can be easily manufactured and assembled, take up a high load and can be adjusted to the direction along which forces act on the bushing.