TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure in general relates to vibration dampers. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a damper assembly for arresting vibrations from a transmission unit and a suspension assembly of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) property of electric vehicles (EV) are very low compared to internal combustion engines (ICE). The electric vehicles are powered by electric batteries without any requirement of fuel. These vehicles are environment friendly as there no harmful emissions are generated or released during operations. Their operation is smooth and generate less noise as compared to an internal combustion (IC) engines. However, due to the absence of engine in these vehicles, there is no engine noise as was in the case in conventional internal combustion engines. However, the dynamics of the electric vehicle in terms of them plying on the road is still the same. Electric vehicles with their wheels contact the road surface and generate noise. Such noise produced by the wheels of the vehicle , is prominent to passengers travelling in an electric vehicle. This noise is usually produced if an axle or beam which is in contact with the wheels, are subjected to vibrations. These vibrations may transmit when the vehicle is travelling on irregular roads surfaces having pits, speed breakers and are transferred to a vehicle body through the rear twist beam or the axle. Also, in case of IC engines, the transmission assemblies may also generate the vibrations due to wear and tear of the moving parts such as gears in a gear box. Further, some of the vibrations may also be generated at the suspension attachment points or steering components like tie rods and are indirectly transmitted to the axle while turning of the vehicle. When these vibrations match the natural frequency of the axle, noise is produced. This noise creates discomfort to the passengers travelling in the vehicle.

Conventionally, these axles or rear twist beams are mounted with vibration absorbers equipped with rubber dampers to arrest the vibrations experienced by the axle or the rear twist beam during operation of the vehicle. These dampers are rigidly fixed to the beams by complex arrangements and metallic brackets or enclosures which add to the weight of the vehicle suspension system. Further, the design modifications of a chassis or the suspension assembly of the vehicle may be limited in view of dedicated position of the damper. Also, serviceability of these conventional dampers is difficult due to complex arrangements of the dampers and consequently, dismantling/disassembly and replacement is time consuming. This increases cost of serviceability of the dampers. Further, depending on each vehicle configuration, frequency of vibrations to be absorbed by the damper is set to a certain value which cannot be varied in case of higher vibrations that may be experienced by the beam for that vehicle configuration. Hence, flexibility in fine tuning the damper is also an issue in conventional dampers.

Hence, present disclosure is directed to solve one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a damper assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provisions as claimed in the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein.

Present disclosure discloses a damper assembly for attenuating vibrations of an elongated member. The damper assembly comprises of at least one absorption member defined with a provision to receive the elongated member. A plurality of brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is configured to couple to the second bracket to axially enclose the at least one absorption member within the first and second brackets. The at least one absorption member is secured to the elongated member by the plurality of brackets to attenuate vibrations of the elongated member.

In an embodiment, the first bracket and the second bracket of the plurality of brackets comprises at least one flange extending from a portion of the plurality of brackets. The at least one flange is defined with a plurality of holes to receive fasteners for securing the at least one absorption member with the elongated member.

In an embodiment, the at least one absorption member is manufactured of rubber material, an elastomeric material, and EPDM. In an embodiment, the elongated member may be an axle, or a support beam of a vehicle which is subjected to vibrations.

In an embodiment, the at least one bracket is manufactured with a pre -determined mass to impart stiffness to the at least one absorption member for attenuating the vibrations of the elongated member.

In another embodiment of the damper assembly, the first bracket of the plurality of brackets is defined with at least one slot to receive at least one lock plate.

In an embodiment of the damper assembly, the at least one absorption member is enclosed between the first bracket and the at least one lock plate.

In an embodiment of the damper assembly, the at least one flange of the first bracket is connectable to a portion of the at least one lock plate to secure the first bracket to the elongated member.

In yet another embodiment of the damper assembly, the plurality of brackets comprises top plate defined with at least one first slot. A bottom plate is removably secured to the top plate at one end and an other end of the bottom plate is defined with at least one second slot. Further, an intermediate plate is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate. The intermediate plate comprises at least two protrusions such that each protrusion is receivable within the first slot and the second slot of the top plate and the bottom plate respectively. The top plate, the bottom plate and the intermediate plate are configured to enclose the at least one absorption member to attenuate the vibrations of the elongated member.

In an embodiment of the damper assembly, each protrusion of the at least two protrusions are adjustable within the first slot and the second slot along an axes A-A and B-B .

In yet another embodiment of the damper assembly, the plurality of brackets comprises the first bracket is defined with a hollow cylindrical loop at one end and the at least one flange at other end, the hollow cylindrical loop is configured to hingedly receive an end portion of the second bracket.

In yet another embodiment, at least two projections match with the dimensions of the hollow cylindrical loop and receive a stud to hingedly couple the first bracket to the second bracket. Present disclosure also discloses an arrangement of the damper assembly to a vehicle. The vehicle comprising at least one axle and a damper assembly connectable to the at least one axle. The damper assembly comprises at least one absorption member defined with a provision to receive a portion of the at least one axle. A plurality of brackets comprising a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is configured to couple to the second bracket for axially enclosing the at least one absorption member within the first and second brackets. The at least one axle by the plurality of brackets to attenuate vibrations produced by the at least one axle.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are explained herein. The embodiments of the disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure, la illustrates a perspective view of a damper assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure, lb illustrates an exploded view of the damper assembly of Figure la, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure. 2 illustrates the damper assembly mounted to an axle of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures. 3a and 3b illustrates perspective and exploded views of the damper assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures. 4a and 4b illustrates perspective and exploded views of the damper assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figures. 5a and 5b illustrates perspective and exploded views of the damper assembly in accordance with a yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or process that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or process. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

The present disclosure relates to a damper assembly for arresting vibrations of an elongated member connected to a suspension system of a vehicle. Conventionally, the dampers are mounted to an axle or a rear twist beam of the vehicle to arrest the vibrations experienced by the axle or the rear twist beam during operation of the vehicle. Although these dampers are configured to arrest the vibrations to prevent noise during operation of the vehicle. However, these dampers are rigidly fixed to the axle which increase the weight of the vehicle suspension system. Further, the design of a chassis or a suspension assembly of the vehicle must be made considering the position of the damper. Also, the serviceability of the dampeners is difficult due to complex arrangements of the dampeners and consequently, their separation and replacement takes time. Additionally, the frequency of the damper is set to a certain value which cannot be varied in case of higher vibrations that may be experienced by the beam. The present disclosure provides a damper assembly which is adjustable along an axle or a rear twist beam of a vehicle. The damper assembly can be mounted at any position of the axle or the rear twist beam to arrest the vibrations. This allows easy installation of the damper assembly without any design limitations along with quick serviceability and replacement of the damper assembly.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures, la to 5b. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Referring to Figures, la, lb and Figure. 2 which illustrate an embodiment of a damper assembly (100) which aids in attenuating vibrations of an elongated member. The damper assembly (100) comprises at least one absorption member ( 1 ) and a plurality of brackets (4) to enclose the at least one absorption member (1). The at least one absorption member (1) is defined with a provision (2) to receive the elongated member (25). In an embodiment, the elongated member (25) may be an axle (25) or a support beam of a vehicle, but the same shall not be considered as limitation as any other member that is subject to vibrations may be considered. In an embodiment, the elongated member (25) is in contact with moving members such as transmission members or wheels of the vehicle which may be subjected to generate vibrations. The at least one absorption member (1) is structurally defined with a top wall (40), a bottom wall (42) and two side walls (44). The two side walls (44) connect the top and bottom walls (40, 42) to define the provision (2) to receive the elongated member (25). In an embodiment, the top, the bottom and the side walls (40, 42, 44) have a uniform thickness. However, this cannot be considered as a limitation and the thickness of each wall may vary based on the required area of the provision. The provision (2) of the at least one absorption member (1) receives a portion of the elongated member (25) to support the elongated member (25). In an embodiment, the at least one absorption member (1) may be structured as a cylindrical, squared or any polygonal structure based on the requirement. In an embodiment, the at least one absorption member (1) may be manufactured by a rubber material, an elastomer material, EPDM and the like. In an embodiment, the at least one absorption member (1) is molded by using various molding techniques such as injection molding, compression molding and transfer molding etc. In an embodiment, the at least one absorption member (1) after molding is then installed on the elongated member (25) by any suitable guiding mechanism. The guiding mechanism may be manual or automatic. In an embodiment, the at least one absorption member (2) is structured in two halves, each having at least one flange (6) at their end portions to fasten them together.

The assembly includes the plurality of brackets (4) comprising a first bracket (3) and a second bracket (5). The first bracket (3) is structured to enclose an outer surface of the at least one absorption member (1). In an embodiment, the first bracket (3) may be structured in a C-shape or a U-shape configuration. In an embodiment, the first bracket (3) is structured corresponding to a shape of the at least one absorption member (1) to completely enclose the top wall (40) and a portion of the side walls (44) of the at least one absorption member (1) as shown in Figure la. In an embodiment, the first bracket (3) encloses the outer surface of the at least one absorption member (1) and partial portion of the side walls (44). The second bracket (5) is structured to completely enclose the bottom wall (42) and the remaining portion of the side walls (44) of at least one absorption member (1). Further, the first and second brackets (3, 5) are defined with at least one flange (6) extending from both ends of the first bracket (3). The at least one flange (6) is defined with a plurality of holes (8) to receive one or more fasteners (9). The first bracket (3) is configured to couple to the second bracket (5) to axially enclose the at least one absorption member (1) within the first and second brackets (3, 5). The first and second brackets (3,5) are securely coupled by fasteners, when the plurality of holes (8) of first and second bracket (3, 5) are aligned during installation. This, securely couples the at least one absorption member (1) to the elongated member (25). In an embodiment, the fasteners (9) may be selected from nut and bolts, studs, screws etc. The at least one absorption member ( 1 ) is configured to absorb or attenuate the vibrations of the elongated member (25). In an embodiment, the plurality of brackets (4) are defined with a predetermined mass which depends on the frequency of vibrations to be attenuated by the at least one absorption member (1). Referring to figures. 3a and 3b, the another embodiment of the damper assembly (200) is illustrated. The damper assembly (200) comprises a first bracket (3) and a lock plate ( 13) to enclose the at least one absorption member (1). The least one absorption member (1) is defined with a provision to receive the elongated member (25). The first bracket (3) is defined with a side plate (46) extending from an upper plate (47) and a lower plate (48) extends from the side plate (46). The upper plate (47) and the lower plate (48) are parallel to each other. The upper plate (47) is defined with a slot (11) near its end portion to receive a lock plate (13) and the lower plate (48) is defined with at least one flange (6) extending from an edge of the lower plate (48). The at least one flange is defined with at least one hole (8) to receive a fastener (9). In an embodiment, the first bracket (3) is structured in a C-shape or U-shape, but not limited to the same. The lock plate (13) is defined with a loop (12) extending radially outward from a top edge of the lock plate (13) to receive and hingedly couple the lock plate (13) to the first bracket (3). Further, a hole (8) is defined on a bottom portion of the lock plate (13) such that the lock plate (13) is coupled to the first bracket (3). The holes (8) on the at least one flange (6) and the lock plate (13) are aligned to couple the first and second brackets (3, 5) by the fastener (9) during installation. The first bracket (3) and the lock plate (13) completely encloses the at least one absorption member (1) and secures it to the elongated member (25). In an embodiment, the lock plate (13) may be structured in a shape of a rectangle, square etc. In an embodiment, any type of fasteners (9) can be used such as nut and bolt, studs, screws etc.

Figures. 4a and 4b discloses another embodiment of the damper assembly (300) comprising a plurality of brackets (4) and the at least one absorption member (1) that is configured to receive the elongated member (25). The plurality of brackets (4) include a top plate (16), a bottom plate (17) and an intermediate plate (14) disposed between the top and bottom plates (16, 17). The top plate is defined with at least one flange (6) extending from a top end of the top plate (16). The at least one flange (6) is further defined with a first slot (18) along an axis (A-A) and a hole is defined near a bottom portion of the top plate. The bottom plate (17) is configured with a first flange (49) and a second flange (50) extending from both ends of the bottom plate (17) in an opposite manner along an axis B-B. The first and second flanges (49, 50) are configured with at least one second slot (19). The bottom plate (17) is coupled to the top plate (16) by fastening the hole (8) of the top plate about the second slot (19) defined on the first flange (49) of the bottom plate (17). Further, the bottom plate (17) is configured to couple to the intermediate plate (14). The intermediate plate (14) is defined with a first portion (21) and a second portion (22) extending perpendicularly from a juncture (32), along the axes (A-A and B-B). In an embodiment, the intermediate plate (14) is configured in an L-shape and this cannot be considered as a limitation. The intermediate plate (14) is defined with at least two protrusions (15) on the first and second portions (21, 22). In an embodiment each protrusion (15) may be defined in a cylindrical, rectangular or squared shape configuration based on the requirement. Each protrusion (15) of the at least two protrusions (15) is receivable within the first slot (18) and the second slot (19) of the top plate (16) and the bottom plate (17) respectively. Each protrusion of the at least two protrusions (15) are adjustable within the first slot (18) and the second slot (19) along an axes (A-A and B-B). The top plate (16), the bottom plate (17) and the intermediate plate (14) are coupled together to enclose the at least one absorption member ( 1 ) between them.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the damper assembly (400) as shown in figures. 5a and 5b, the first bracket (3) comprises a first bracket and a second bracket. The least one absorption member (1) is defined with a provision to receive the elongated member (25). The first bracket (3) is defined with a side plate (46) along with an upper plate (47) and a lower plate (48) extending from the side plate (46). The upper plate (47) and the lower plate (48) are parallel to each other. A hollow cylindrical loop (24) is defined at an edge of the upper plate (47). The hollow cylindrical loop (24) is configured to hingedly receive a top portion (26) of the second bracket (5). At least two projections (20) are defined on the top portion (26) of the second bracket (5). Each projection of the at least two projections (20) extend radially outward from the top portion (26) of the second bracket (5). The at least two projections (20) are positioned in a spaced apart manner to define a space to accommodate the hollow cylindrical loop (24). The at least two projections (20) match with the dimensions of the hollow cylindrical loop (24) and each projection of the at least two projections (20) are defined with a central hole to receive a fastener (9) to hingedly couple the first bracket (3) with the top portion (26) of the second bracket (5). In an embodiment, various type of fasteners (9) such as nut and bolt stud, screws etc may be used to hingedly couple the first and second brackets (3, 5). In an embodiment, the first and second brackets (3, 5) are pivotally coupled with each other about the top portion (26) of the second plate (5). The second bracket is also defined with the side plate (46) and the lower plate (48) having similar structure corresponding to the first bracket (3). Further, the first bracket (3) and the second bracket (5) includes at least one flange (6) with a hole extending from the edge of the lower plates (48) of both the first and second brackets (3, 5). Further, the first and second brackets (3, 5) are configured to enclose the at least one absorption member (1) therebetween. The first and second brackets (3, 5) secure the at least one absorption member (1) to the elongated member (25) to attenuate the vibrations of the elongated member (25). In an embodiment, the at least one absorption member (1) is configured in a plurality of sections based on the structure of the elongated member (25).

The present disclosure further discloses an arrangement of a damper assembly (100) installed to an axle (25) of a vehicle. The axle (25) is connected to wheels of the vehicle through the bearings. The axle is subjected to vibrations at various resonant frequencies during travel of the vehicle at different speeds and on irregular road surfaces. The damper assembly (100) is removably connected to a portion of the at least one axle (25). The damper assembly (100) comprises at least one absorption member (1) defined with a provision (2) to receive a portion of the at least one axle (25). In an embodiment the at least one absorption member (1) is molded to an outer surface of the axle (25) to take the shape of the axle (25). A first bracket (3) and a second bracket (5) are provided to axially enclose the at least one absorption member (1). The first bracket (3) is defined with at least one flange extending from both ends of the first bracket (3). The at least one flange (6) is defined with a plurality of holes (8) to receive fasteners (9). The second bracket (5) is constructionally identical to the first bracket and however this cannot be considered as a limitation and the second bracket (5) may be constructionally different from the first bracket (5). The first bracket (3) is configured to couple to the second bracket (5) to axially enclose the at least one absorption member (1) within the first and second brackets (3, 5), wherein the first bracket (3) is configured to couple to the second bracket (5) for axially enclosing the at least one absorption member (1) within the first and second brackets (3, 5). The at least one absorption member (1) is secured to the at least one axle (25) by the first and second brackets (3, 5). The first bracket (3) and the second bracket (5) are coupled to each other by aligning the plurality of holes defined on the at least one flange of both the first and second brackets (3, 5) and securing them through the fasteners (9). The first and second brackets (3, 5) secure the at least one absorption member (1) to the axle (25) such that the frequency of vibrations transmitted to the axle (25) during travel of the vehicle are attenuated by the at least one absorption member (1). For mounting the damper assembly (100), any elongated member (25) such as the axle (25) or beam that is subject to vibrations is selected. The at least one absorption member (1) is molded to the axle (25) using suitable molding techniques. Further, a plurality of brackets (4) comprising the first bracket and the second bracket (3,5) secure the at least one absorption member (1) to the axle (25) by completely enclosing the outer surface of the at least one absorption member (1). The first and second brackets (3, 5) are coupled to each other by suitable fasteners (9). The at least one absorption member (1) absorbs the vibrations transmitted to the axle (25) such that the noise generation is eliminated.

In an embodiment, the frequency range of attenuating the vibrations may be varied by changing a mass of the plurality of brackets (4) enclosing the at least one absorption member (1). In an embodiment, the plurality of brackets (4) are manufactured of stainless steel, Al or Ti-based steel etc.

In an embodiment, stiffness of the damper assembly (100) is varied by changing the mass and the thickness of the at least one absorption member (1). This enables the tuning of the damper assembly (100) based on the frequency of vibrations transmitted to the axle (25) of the vehicle for effective attenuation of vibrations of the axle (25). This reduces the booming noise within the vehicle cabin which can be heard at during acceleration or deceleration of vehicle.

In an embodiment, the vibrations generated by various engine mounts along with an idling vibrations are also attenuated by the damper assembly (100).

In an embodiment, the damper assembly (100) allows removable mounting at various positions along a length of the axle (25) This ensures quick mounting or installation of the damper assembly (100) on the axle (25) without stalling the vehicle. Further, the damper assembly (100) is selected based on the required frequency of vibrations to be attenuated and mounted to the vehicle to improve serviceability. Additionally, the design of the damper assembly (100) is simple with less number of components which reduce overall cost of the damper assembly (100).

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a structure of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents. Further, various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined or used in combination with each other without departing from the scope of the disclosure to provide damper assembly (100) with improved functionality.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

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