Adjustable Suspension Pivot Joint for In-Place Wheel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle suspension systems require complete replacement or modification of components to adjust wheel camber and caster, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A pivot joint with an internal guide structure that allows for adjustable wheel alignment between suspension members, enabling in-situ adjustment of wheel camber and caster without external cam structures or braces, using a housing with a cavity and a cap with cooperative guide structures to facilitate translational movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complete replacement or modification of components is used to adjust wheel camber and caster, then wheel alignment can be adjusted, but the process becomes inconvenient and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel alignment adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot joint incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the spatial relationship between connected suspension members to be dynamically changed. The guide structure enables relative movement between components to correspondingly adjust wheel camber and caster positions without requiring complete replacement of the joint or modifications to suspension members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot joint is designed as a separable assembly with distinct components including a housing with guide structure, a shaft, and connection elements. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be integrated into the pivot joint itself rather than requiring modification of the entire suspension system or individual suspension members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If external cam structures or braces are used to adjust orientation relationships in pivot joints, then wheel alignment can be modified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel alignment adjustabilityVSAvoidpivot joint structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is merged with the pivot joint structure itself. The guide structure is integrated into the housing, and the shaft incorporates features that enable direct adjustment of the spatial relationship between suspension members. This eliminates the need for separate external cam structures or braces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot joint is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the rotational pivot connection between suspension members while simultaneously incorporating the adjustment mechanism for wheel camber and caster. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11845316B1Adjustable pivot joint for vehicle suspensions

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 NORTHSTAR MFG

AI summary

A pivot joint for connection between first and second suspension members in a vehicle suspension permits adjustment of wheel alignment characteristics without removal or disassembly of the pivot joint. Wheel alignment adjustment may be accomplished with mutual rotation of engaged components of the pivot joint, wherein engaged guide structures of the pivot joint component convert the mutual rotation to translational movement of one pivot joint component relative to the other pivot joint component. The translational movement may be oriented to selectively adjust wheel alignment characteristics.