Vehicle Damping Assembly Rod Spring Buffer Pad Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle components such as fuel tank pumps lack damping units, making them susceptible to damage from external impacts, such as rocks or protrusions on the road, due to the absence of effective shock absorption mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A damping assembly comprising a rod, a spring, and a buffer pad, where the spring is coupled with the rod to extend and retract, and a damper is optionally included between the rod and the buffer pad to enhance the absorption of impact energy, thereby reducing the risk of damage from external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damping unit is added to protect vehicle components from impact, then the protection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping assembly is divided into three functional segments: a rod for structural support and movement, a spring for elastic energy storage and release, and a buffer pad for direct impact absorption. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and not overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer pad is positioned at the external end of the rod to provide beforehand cushioning against impact forces from rocks or road protrusions. The spring is pre-loaded to provide immediate elastic resistance when impact occurs, absorbing energy before it can reach and damage the fuel tank pump housing or other protected vehicle components.
2Loss of energy
If the contact area is increased to absorb more impact energy, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer pad extends the contact area in the lateral dimension rather than increasing the length of the rod. This allows the assembly to absorb more impact energy across a wider area without significantly increasing the overall size or complexity of the damping mechanism. The buffer pad's surface area can be optimized independently of the rod dimensions.
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 damping assembly effectively absorbs impact energy by increasing the contact area through the buffer pad and utilizing the spring's extension and retraction to dissipate energy, thereby protecting vehicle components from damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coupled with the rod and configured to be retracted and extended with the rod at the lengthwise direction
Implementation Method 2
a spring coupled with the rod and having a spring force along a lengthwise direction of the rod
Implementation Method 3
a buffer pad including a connection end coupled to the rod and an external end opposing the connection end and including a buffer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A damping assembly in a vehicle is provided. The damping assembly comprises a rod; a spring disposed along a lengthwise direction of the rod; and a buffer pad including a connection end coupled to the rod and an external end opposing the connection end and including a buffer surface. The spring is coupled with the rod and configured to be retracted and extended with the rod at the lengthwise direction.