Vehicle Vibration Damper With Bending Portion to Prevent Clacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle vibration dampers often result in clacking noise due to metal-to-metal contact between the static and dynamic portions when subjected to external vibrations, and they are typically heavier and more complex than needed.

Innovation Solution

A simple vibration damper design featuring a first static portion attached to a vehicle part, a second dynamic portion with a damper member that vibrates independently, and at least one bending portion connecting the static and dynamic portions to physically separate them and prevent unwanted vibration transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid connection is used between static and dynamic portions, then structural strength is improved, but clacking noise occurs due to metal-to-metal contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidclacking noise
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bending portion as an intermediary element between the static and dynamic portions. This bending portion acts as a mediator that allows relative movement and vibration absorption, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact while maintaining structural integrity. The bending portion deforms elastically under vibration, serving as a cushioning intermediary that eliminates clacking noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bending portion is designed with flexible characteristics, allowing it to deform and absorb vibrations. This flexible connection replaces rigid metal-to-metal contact with a compliant element that can accommodate dynamic movements without generating noise, while still providing sufficient structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a complex vibration damper structure is used, then vibration damping performance is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration damping performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of vibration damping and structural connection into a single integrated component. The bending portion simultaneously serves as both a structural connector and a vibration damping element, eliminating the need for separate dampers and complex assemblies. This unified design reduces device complexity while maintaining effective vibration damping performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bending portion is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables relative movement, absorbs vibrations, and prevents noise. This multi-functional element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving comprehensive vibration damping performance.

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

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

This configuration effectively prevents clacking noise by allowing the dynamic portion to vibrate independently, reducing the risk of metal-to-metal contact, and results in a lighter, more cost-effective, and sustainable vibration damper solution.

Implementation Method 1

at least one bending portion connecting the first static portion and the second dynamic portion so as to cause the second dynamic portion to vibrate independently from the first static portion when submitted to external vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4506585A1Vibration damper for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4506585A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4506585A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4506585A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vibration damper for a vehicle, having a vibration damper body which comprises: -a first static portion (32, 32a, 32b) configured to be attached to a vehicle part, -a second dynamic portion (34) including a damper member (36) and configured to vibrate when submitted to external vibrations, -at least one bending portion (38, 38a, 38b) connecting the first static portion (32, 32a, 32b) and the second dynamic portion (34) so as to cause the second dynamic portion (34) to vibrate independently from the first static portion (32, 32a, 32b) when submitted to external vibrations