Adjustable Suspension Knuckle With Cam Bolt for Precise Camber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems require skilled and time-consuming adjustments to achieve optimal camber, caster, and toe angles, often leading to complex and inefficient alignment processes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable knuckle design featuring a cam bolt mechanism that allows for easy adjustment of camber by pivoting the upper member relative to the lower member, minimizing changes to caster and toe angles, using cam stops and a cam member to set precise wheel camber angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suspension adjustment methods are used, then camber, caster, and toe angles can be adjusted, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension knuckle incorporates a camber adjustment mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the camber angle through rotation of a camber bolt. This enables the alignment to be changed easily without requiring complex manipulation of multiple components, directly addressing the ease of operation while reducing adjustment time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the knuckle's orientation by rotating the camber bolt, which pivots the upper member relative to the lower member. This parameter change approach allows for quick camber adjustment without affecting other alignment parameters, resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and time consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If camber adjustment is made through traditional methods, then wheel camber can be changed, but caster and toe angles are significantly affected
Solution Approach 1:
The knuckle is divided into an upper member and a lower member that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of camber through the camber bolt mechanism without significantly affecting caster and toe angles, thereby maintaining alignment precision while providing camber adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting mechanism between upper and lower members enables selective adjustment of camber angle while maintaining relative stability of other alignment parameters. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing camber versatility without compromising overall alignment precision
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners and shims are used for adjustment, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camber adjustment function is merged into the existing fastener system by incorporating a camber bolt that threads through both upper and lower members. This combines the connection and adjustment functions into a single integrated mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the unified bolt structure
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
Facilitates quick and precise camber adjustments without the need for shims or extensive manipulation of multiple components, ensuring minimal impact on other alignment criteria.
Implementation Method 1
a cam member includes a centroid and a cam opening that extends through the cam member offset from the centroid, the second fastener including a shank passing through the cam opening
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension knuckle includes an upper member including a first end and a second end. The upper member includes a first opening at the second end and a second opening arranged between the first end and the second end. A lower member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The lower member includes a first passage arranged at the second end portion and a second passage arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion. A first fastener connects the upper member and the lower member and passes through the first passage and the second opening. The first fastener defines a pivot point of the suspension knuckle. A second fastener passes through the second passage and the first opening. The second fastener connects the upper member and the lower member and establishes an amount of pivot of the upper member relative to the lower member.