Adjustable-Ride-Height Chassis for Consistent Toe-In Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motor vehicles with variably adjustable drive height, changes in drive height lead to deviations in toe-in and camber adjustments, requiring frequent re-adjustments to maintain desired settings, which is impractical due to the formation of multiple chassis components as carry-over parts.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design featuring a subframe assembly, control arms, and eccentric adjustment devices, with an insert element that allows the position of the eccentric adjustment device to be varied within the chassis, enabling simple and cost-effective adjustment of toe-in across different drive heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drive height is variably adjusted, then the drive height adaptability is improved, but the toe-in adjustment precision deteriorates due to changes in camber and toe-in settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the eccentric adjustment device position variable rather than fixed. The insert element can be positioned at multiple locations on the subframe assembly, allowing the eccentric adjustment device to be dynamically repositioned to compensate for drive height changes. This dynamic positioning maintains precise toe-in adjustment across different drive heights, resolving the contradiction between drive height adaptability and toe-in adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the eccentric adjustment device by providing multiple insert element positions on the subframe assembly. By selecting different insert element positions, the effective position of the eccentric adjustment device changes, which compensates for the parameter changes (camber and toe-in settings) that occur during drive height adjustment. This parameter change approach maintains consistent toe-in characteristics across varying drive heights.
2Manufacturing precision
If modification of attachment points is made to correct toe-in deviation, then the toe-in accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional chassis components
Solution Approach 1:
The insert element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the position of the eccentric adjustment device, and enables positional variation of the eccentric adjustment device. By making the insert element multi-functional, the patent achieves precise toe-in adjustment without adding significant complexity to the chassis structure. The existing insert element is enhanced to serve additional purposes, rather than adding completely new components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing insert element structure as a template or copy that can be positioned at multiple locations. Rather than designing entirely new attachment point modifications, the same insert element design is utilized at different positions on the subframe assembly. This copying approach maintains toe-in accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the same component design is reused rather than creating new unique parts.
3Manufacturing precision
If frequent re-adjustments are performed to maintain toe-in settings, then the toe-in precision is maintained, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the insert element at appropriate locations on the subframe assembly before the vehicle is put into service. The insert element positions are predetermined to compensate for expected drive height changes. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for frequent re-adjustments during vehicle operation, as the eccentric adjustment device is already positioned to maintain correct toe-in settings across the expected range of drive heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by being pre-configured with multiple insert element positions that automatically compensate for drive height changes. When the drive height is adjusted, the pre-positioned insert element and eccentric adjustment device work together to maintain correct toe-in settings without requiring external intervention or frequent manual re-adjustment. The system serves itself by maintaining precision through its design rather than requiring continuous operator attention.
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 ensures a consistent toe-in profile independently of drive height, maintaining constant driving dynamics and improving both comfort and safety by allowing for intuitive and easy adjustments without modifying attachment points.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of eccentric adjustment devices (14) for adjusting the toe-in V and the basic camber G of the motor vehicle (80), wherein an insert element (16) for receiving an eccentric adjustment device (14) is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis for use in a motor vehicle with variably adjustable drive height includes a subframe assembly for fastening wheel suspensions of the motor vehicle, and a plurality of control arms for guiding a wheel carrier. The control arms are fastened to the subframe assembly via control arm attachment points. A plurality of eccentric adjustment devices are provided for adjusting the toe-in and the basic camber of the motor vehicle. An insert element is provided for receiving an eccentric adjustment device. The insert element is arranged within the chassis in such a way that the position of at least one eccentric adjustment device can be varied by varying the arrangement of the insert element within the chassis.