German automotive NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) solutions provider Vibracoustic announced the launch of front axle plastic top support components to meet the needs of global light vehicle manufacturers to reduce vehicle weight and production costs. At the same time, this type of component combines the performance characteristics of traditional aluminum/steel top support components, and has high-frequency vibration isolation, which is cost-effective and can reduce weight by up to 30%.
Vibracoustic has developed a front axle plastic top support component for MacPherson's suspension system, replacing most of the steel or aluminum with plastic. The part is 20% lighter than aluminum parts and 30% lighter than steel parts, while still meeting customer performance and durability requirements. The MacPherson strut suspension system is mainly used for small and compact vehicles. Considering the cost performance, it is cost-effective. The plastic upper support component can not only increase cost-effectiveness, but also directly integrate more functions, such as bearing functions or assembly error prevention functions.
Whether it is to reduce weight or integrate more functions, it is highly related to electric platforms. Because weight reduction can reduce the weight of the vehicle, help reduce carbon dioxide emissions or increase the range of electric vehicles, and the compact design provides more flexibility and design space. In addition, plastic parts can also improve high-frequency vibration isolation performance.
One of the key features of the top support part is that it is strong overall, because it is responsible for providing direct and precise handling and steering feel. The ribbed design of the part not only ensures the robustness of the part, optimizes the load transfer between the suspension and the body, but also optimizes the material usage in the production process. In addition, the performance and strength of Vibracoustic's plastic top support parts are comparable to steel or aluminum parts.
Another key feature of the top support part is that the top support cover has structural strength and robustness, with a peak load of several tons, especially if the body does not provide support for the support cover, the support cover will become the only one to reduce Vibrator bears all vertical load components. The material used in the support cover ensures that it is very strong and can withstand heavy loads without breaking. For small and compact vehicles, if there is enough design space to accommodate the appropriate plastic structure, such requirements can be met. By integrating the bearing, the vertical design space for the plastic structure can be increased, thereby optimizing the rigidity and strength of the component.
This bearing is another key component of MacPherson's front axle application top support component, because it needs to realize the rotational movement of the coil spring when the vehicle turns. In the Vibracoustic front axle plastic top support component, this type of rotational movement can be achieved through functionally integrated ball bearings. The newly developed sliding bearings can further reduce complexity, and the benefits of such plastic top support components can also be extended to double wishbone suspension systems.
By using plastic top support components in automotive front and rear axle applications, Vibracoustic supports light-duty car manufacturers in reducing component weight without compromising performance such as driving comfort or vehicle durability. In addition, with new developments such as the use of sliding bearings instead of ball bearings, Vibracoustic can achieve a more compact top support component. Moreover, Vibracoustic's engineers are still working hard to integrate optimization functions in the components, thereby reducing production complexity, weight and cost, while improving the stiffness and reliability of the overall components, and ultimately improving the driving comfort of passengers.