Suspension arm bushing installation apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus designed for the secure and practical installation of interference‐fit bushings in the suspension arms (swing arms) of tactical wheeled military land vehicles, allowing the suspension arm to move Specifically, the invention concerns an installation apparatus (10) that includes a body (11), a sleeve (12) housed within the body (11) that guides and supports the bushing (30) during the movement of the piston (20); a piston (20) that pushes the sleeve (12) and the bushing (30) into the suspension arm / swing arm (40), ensuring the proper installation of the bushing (30); and a concentricity bushing (15) that is manually placed into the suspension arm / swing arm (40) to ensure concentric alignment between the bushing seat of the suspension arm / swing arm (40) and the bushing (30).

Description

[0001] SUSPENSION ARM BUSHING INSTALLATION APPARATUS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus designed for the secure and practical installation of interference-fit bushings in the suspension arms (swing arms) of tactical wheeled military land vehicles. These bushings enable the mobility of the suspension arms.

[0004] Specifically, the invention is concerned with an installation apparatus that includes a sleeve positioned within the body of the apparatus, guiding and housing the bushing during piston movement; a piston that pushes the sleeve and the bushing into the suspension arm, thereby completing the installation; and a concentricity bushing that is manually placed into the suspension arm and ensures the alignment of the bushing with the bushing seat of the suspension arm.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] In tactical wheeled military land vehicles, bushing components are interference-fit into suspension arms (swing arms). This configuration enhances the movement function of the suspension arms. Currently, tight-fitting bushings are generally installed by hammering or, where geometry permits, using a press machine.

[0007] However, in conventional techniques, press usage can be problematic when dealing with large and geometrically irregular parts, such as suspension arms, which may have unprocessed surfaces due to casting. Suspension arms do not always fit into every press machine, and during pressing, the fork-like arms of the suspension may deform by bending inward. This necessitates the development of large-scale bushing press apparatuses. Additionally, the press machine must be sufficiently large to accommodate the suspension arm. Another issue in conventional methods arises when bushings are installed manually without properly aligning them with the bushing seat in the suspension arm. This misalignment can result in material removal from the bushing, causing tight fits and potential operational failures.

[0008] Consequently, the abovementioned deficiencies in conventional installation techniques necessitate the development of a new, economical, practical, and user-friendly installation apparatus to address these challenges in the relevant technical field.

[0009] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to an installation apparatus designed to mitigate the aforementioned disadvantages while introducing new advantages to the relevant technical field by allowing for the secure and practical installation of interference-fit bushings into suspension arms.

[0011] The primary objective of the invention is to facilitate the effortless, damage-free, and accurate installation of bushings into suspension arms.

[0012] Another key objective is to provide a compact and universally applicable apparatus. Essential components for installing suspension arm bushings have been integrated into a small-volume design, ensuring a compact structure. This compact design minimizes space requirements and allows for mobile usage, making it operational anywhere with an air supply.

[0013] A further objective is to reduce the time required for bushing installations. Additionally, the invention aims to minimize physical exertion and reduce human error, eliminating unsafe installation practices and maximizing personnel safety. The structural and characteristic features, along with all advantages of the invention, will be better understood through the following detailed description, which references the accompanying figures. Therefore, the evaluation of the invention should be conducted in consideration of these figures and descriptions.

[0014] DRAWINGS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE INVENTION

[0015] FIGURE-1: An illustration of the installation apparatus described in the invention. FIGURE-2: An exploded view of the installation apparatus.

[0016] FIGURE-3: An illustration showing the bushing installation process using the installation apparatus.

[0017] FIGURE-4: An illustration showing the bushing installation process using the installation apparatus.

[0018] FIGURE-5: An illustration showing the bushing installation process using the installation apparatus.

[0019] FIGURE-6: An illustration showing the bushing installation process using the installation apparatus.

[0020] FIGURE-7: An illustration showing the bushing installation process using the installation apparatus.

[0021] FIGURE-8: An illustration showing the bushing installation process using the installation apparatus.

[0022] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0023] 10. Installation apparatus

[0024] 11. Body

[0025] 12. Sleeve

[0026] 13. Support Block

[0027] 14. Fastener

[0028] 15. Concentricity Bushing 16. Fixation Pin

[0029] 17. Piston Stop Block

[0030] 20. Piston

[0031] 30. Bushing

[0032] 40. Suspension Arm / Swing Arm

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the installation apparatus (10) are explained for better understanding, without imposing any limitations.

[0035] Figures 1-8 illustrate the installation apparatus (10) and its components. The installation apparatus (10) includes all necessary components for aligning the bushing (30) concentrically and perpendicularly with the suspension arm (40) bushing seat. The apparatus (10) consists of a body (11) where a single-acting hydraulic piston (20), responsible for the pressing operation, is mounted. It also includes a sleeve (12) designed with a hollow inner structure to prevent damage to the bushing seal while transferring pressing force to the stationary part of the bushing (30) instead of its moving section.

[0036] Additionally, the installation apparatus (10) includes at least one removable support block (13) placed between the suspension arm (40) and the body (11), preventing damage to the body (11) during pressing operations. The support block (13) can be fastened to the body (11) using fasteners (14) or replaced with a new support block (13) as needed.

[0037] The installation apparatus (10) also includes at least one concentricity bushing (15), which maintains concentric alignment between the suspension arm (40) and the bushing (30) throughout the pressing process. The fixation pin (16) prevents the piston (20) from detaching from the body (11), while the piston stop block (17) restricts the back-and- forth movement of the piston (20) within the body (11).

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the bushing (30) to be installed is placed into the inner section of the sleeve (12) housed within the body (11). According to Figure 4, the bushing (30) and sleeve (12) are manually pushed back into the body (11) until they make contact with the piston (20).

[0039] In Figure 5, the suspension arm (40) is positioned within the designated section inside the body (11), resting against the support block (13). Since the outer surface of the suspension arm (40) is cast and cannot be precisely machined, a concentricity bushing (15) is manually inserted into it, ensuring concentric alignment between the suspension arm (40) and the bushing (30), as shown in Figure 6.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, when the single-acting hydraulic / pneumatic piston (20) is activated, it pushes the sleeve (12) and the bushing (30) into the suspension arm (40). Once the bushing (30) begins entering the concentricity bushing (15), precise concentric alignment between the suspension arm (40) and the bushing (30) is achieved.

[0041] In Figure 8, as the piston (20) advances, the bushing (30) continues to enter the suspension arm (40), while the concentricity bushing (15) gradually exits. Once the piston's (20) movement is completed, the bushing (30) is fully installed within the suspension arm (40). The piston (20) is then released, the sleeve (12) is manually retracted, and the suspension arm (40)— now fitted with the bushing (30)— is removed from the body (11).

Claims

CLAIMS1-The invention relates to an installation apparatus (10) used for installing interference- fit bushings (30) into suspension arms (40) of tactical wheeled military land vehicles, characterized by;• A sleeve (12) housed in the body (11) that guides and supports the bushing (30) during the movement of the piston (20),• A piston (20) that pushes the sleeve (12) and the bushing (30) into the suspension arm (40), completing the installation,• A concentricity bushing (15) manually inserted into the suspension arm (40) to ensure concentric alignment between the bushing seat of the suspension arm (40) and the bushing (30).2- The installation apparatus (10) according to Claim 1, characterized by the inclusion of a replaceable support block (13) that prevents damage to the body (11) during the pressing process.3- The installation apparatus (10) according to Claim 2, characterized by the presence of a fixation pin (16) that prevents the piston (20) from becoming detached from the body (11).4- The installation apparatus (10) according to Claim 1, characterized by the presence of a piston stop block (17) that restricts the forward and backward movement of the piston (20) within the body (11).

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