Adjustable Belt Stopping Device for Vehicle Axle Rebound Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for limiting the hanging of a rebounded axle in off-road vehicles are complex to set up and require precise tensioning of belts, making them difficult to install and maintain, especially when manufacturing tolerances and position differences are involved, and require additional tools for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A device using two identical flexible belts with adjustable connecting means, integrated into an ECAS suspension system, allowing for easy setup and maintenance by allowing the user to adjust the length of the belts using a symmetric plate and U-shaped brackets, eliminating the need for lifting tools and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If two flexible belts are used to support high loads with equal load repartition, then the stopping device can support high loads, but the set-up becomes complex and difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the previously fixed belt length dynamic by introducing adjustable fixing means. The second belt's length can be adjusted to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and position differences, allowing the system to adapt to variations while maintaining equal load repartition. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling high load support through dual belts while simplifying the set-up process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of belt length from fixed to adjustable. By providing adjustable fixing means for the second belt, the system can modify the belt length parameter to compensate for tolerances and position variations. This parameter change allows the stopping device to maintain equal load distribution on both belts without requiring complex set-up procedures, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable fixing means are added to compensate for tolerances and position differences, then equal load repartition can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the belt fixing system into two distinct types: fixed fixing means for the first belt and adjustable fixing means for the second belt. This segmentation allows the first belt to be simple while the second belt provides the necessary adjustment capability. By dividing the function between two different fixing mechanisms, the system achieves equal load repartition without requiring both belts to be complex, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable fixing means acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the manufacturing tolerances/position differences and the required equal load distribution. Instead of requiring high precision in all components, the adjustable fixing means compensates for variations, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances to be used while still achieving equal load repartition. This intermediary mechanism reduces the overall device complexity compared to requiring high-precision manufacturing throughout.
3Reliability
If lifting tools are used to achieve proper tensioning condition, then correct setup can be achieved, but the ease of installation and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the stopping device to be self-adjusting through the adjustable fixing means on the second belt. The system can be set up and adjusted by the user without requiring external lifting tools or specialized equipment. The adjustable fixing means allows direct adjustment of the belt length to achieve proper tensioning, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for complex installation procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between installation correctness and installation simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a stopping device (11) for limiting the hanging of a rebounded axle (2) on a vehicle which comprises a chassis (3) provided with a couple of side members (3a), the device comprises a suspension system (5) connecting the axle (2) and the side members (3a) and a stopping device (11) which comprises: - a first stop element (15) including at least one first flexible belt (17), first connecting means (20) and second connecting means (21), each first and second connecting means (20, 21) are configured to respectively be connected to the upper and the lower ends (17a, 17b) of the at least one belt (17) ; - a second stop element (16) including at least one second flexible belt (18), first connecting means (20) and second connecting means(21), each first and second connecting elements (20, 21) are configured to respectively be connected to the upper and the lower ends (18a, 18b) of the at least one belt (18); the first connecting means (20) are configured for stably connecting the upper ends (17a, 18a) of the first and the second stop elements (15, 16) to the side member (3a) of the chassis (3). The suspension system (5) is an Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) system and in the second connecting means (21) are configured to adjustably connect said lower ends (17b, 18b) of the first and the second stop elements (15, 16) to an element (12) joint to the axle 2, the second connecting means (21) being configured to vary the set-up length of the first and second stop elements (15, 16) in function of a predetermined set-up extension level of the ECAS suspension system (5).