Multi-density jounce bumper
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorJoseph S. Fedullo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A one-piece, multi-density, jounce bumper is provided. The multi-density jounce bumper incorporates the necessary soft or low entry rate or stiffness, which is necessary to provide adequate feel and ride control, as well as the necessary energy capacity to manage peak loads, during a high-intensity impact event, such as an encounter with a pothole or the like. The multi-density jounce bumper may be configured as a single unitary component having a body, which may include a tip end and a base end. The body may be composed of a resilient material, the resilient material having a density that transitions from a first density at the tip end to a second density at the base end. The body may increase or decrease in density, in g/cc, from tip end to base end, along the body.
Claims20
A jounce bumper for use in a motor vehicle suspension system comprising:
- a body having a tip end and a base end;
- wherein the body is composed of a resilient material, the resilient material having a density that continuously transitions along the body from a first density at the tip end to a second density at the base end, such that the density of the resilient material transitions according to a continuous function;
- and
- wherein the continuous function is a linear function, such that the density of the resilient material transitions linearly along the body from the first density at the tip end to the second density at the base end.
A vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle suspension system including:
- a first tip end suspension component;
- a second base end suspension component;
- and
- a member axially disposed between the first tip end suspension component and the second base end suspension component;
- a jounce bumper configured to be axially disposed between the first tip end suspension component and the second base end suspension component, the jounce bumper including:
- a body having a tip end, a base end, a central bore, and an inner radial surface defined by the central bore, the member disposed within the central bore and in continuous contact with the inner radial surface;
- and
- wherein the jounce bumper body is composed of a resilient material having a density that transitions according to a continuous linear function between a first density at the tip end and a second density at the base end, such that the density of the resilient material continuously and linearly transitions along the body by up to 300% between the tip end and base end.
A vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle suspension system including:
- a first tip end suspension component;
- a second base end suspension component;
- and
- a member axially disposed between the first tip end suspension component and the second base end suspension component;
- a jounce bumper configured to be axially disposed between the first tip end suspension component and the second base end suspension component, the jounce bumper including:
- a jounce bumper body having a tip end defining a tip void, a base end defining a base void, a central bore, and an inner radial surface defined by the central bore, wherein the member is disposed within the central bore and in continuous contact with the inner radial surface;
- wherein the tip end defines a plurality of cut sections and a plurality of raised sections formed about the tip void, such that the plurality of cut sections and the plurality of raised sections are adjacent to the first tip end suspension component;
- and
- wherein the jounce bumper body is composed of a resilient material having a density that transitions according to a continuous linear function between a first density at the tip end and a second density at the base end, such that the density of the resilient material continuously and linearly transitions along the body by up to 300% between the tip end and base end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.