Actuator Spindle Extension for Chassis Retrofitting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for motor vehicle chassis adjustment and rear-axle steering systems are costly to redesign for special installation conditions, as they cannot be easily adapted to meet specific vehicle requirements without significant redesign.
Innovation Solution
The spindle of the actuator is extended using an extension piece, which can be connected to the spindle in a positive or non-positive manner, allowing the actuator to be retrofitted to match the predetermined distance between the support point and articulation point on the chassis, thereby avoiding costly redesigns and incorporating support structures to manage transverse forces and bending moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard actuator is used without modification, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the actuator cannot be adapted to special installation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is divided into a base spindle and a separate extension piece. The extension piece can be attached to the base spindle to increase its length, allowing the actuator to adapt to different installation conditions without redesigning the entire actuator. This segmentation enables cost-effective adaptation while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension piece acts as an intermediary component between the standard actuator and the special installation requirements. It mediates the connection by providing the necessary additional length while allowing the original actuator to remain unchanged, thus preserving cost benefits while achieving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spindle is extended using an extension piece, then adaptability to installation conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spindle into modular components (base spindle + extension piece), the design achieves adaptability through simple addition rather than complex redesign. The modular nature keeps the overall structural complexity manageable while improving adaptability.
3Ease of repair
If the extension piece is made detachable, then ease of repair and retrofitting is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to additional connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable design segments the spindle into removable parts, enabling easy repair and retrofitting. The connection points are designed to maintain sufficient reliability while allowing disassembly, balancing repairability with operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the extension piece and spindle transitions from static (permanent) to dynamic (detachable), allowing the system to adapt between operational state (reliable connection) and maintenance state (easy disassembly).
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
This solution allows for the cost-effective adaptation of standard actuators to specific vehicle conditions, ensuring compatibility without the need for extensive redesign, while effectively managing stress and buckling through strategic support, thus enabling efficient use in rear-axle steering systems.
Implementation Method 1
The extension piece is guided through the sliding or thrust bearing and in the radial direction, d. H. supported therein transversely to the longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjusting device (1) for a chassis of a motor vehicle, comprising an actuator (2) with a housing (5) and a spindle drive comprising an axially movable spindle (10), with a securing bearing (7) on the vehicle side and a connecting member (4) on the chassis side. According to the invention, the spindle (10) extends about an extension piece (11) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (a) thereof, the connecting member (4) being fastened to the outer end (11b) of the extension piece (11).