Adjustable Leaf Spring Mounting for Axle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles and trailers often suffer from axle misalignment issues due to factors like unbalanced loading, faulty spring hanger placement, and poor quality control, leading to tire tracking problems, reduced fuel economy, premature tire wear, and increased risk of tire blowouts, which can cause damage to suspension and other components.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable spring mounting assembly comprising alignment correction plates, spacer cams, and fasteners that allow for precise adjustment of leaf spring mounting to align axles correctly, using multi-sided eccentric plates for fine adjustments and secure mounting to vehicle spring hanger brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed spring mounting assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the axle alignment cannot be adjusted when misalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure through the inclusion of slots and movable fasteners. The first and second fasteners can move along the mounting slots to adjust the position of the spring mounting points, enabling adaptation to alignment requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate functional components: alignment correction plates with mounting slots, adjustment slots, and independent fasteners. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (alignment, adjustment, securing) while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If spring hangers are placed according to standard specifications, then manufacturing is straightforward, but misalignment problems still occur due to loading and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is pre-configured with alignment correction plates and adjustable mechanisms during manufacturing, allowing for future adjustments without requiring complex installation procedures. The slots and fasteners are built in from the start, enabling easy field adjustments when alignment issues arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for changing the mounting parameters (position, orientation) of the spring hangers through the adjustable fasteners and slots. This enables the same manufactured component to adapt to different alignment requirements by simply repositioning the fasteners along the mounting slots.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting assembly is made rigid and fixed, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but it cannot compensate for wear and unbalanced loading
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through slots and movable fasteners that allow the mounting position to change over time. This dynamic design compensates for wear and unbalanced loading by enabling repositioning, eliminating the need for extremely precise fixed hole placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design adds an adjustment dimension to the mounting system. Instead of relying solely on precise positioning in the primary mounting plane, the slots provide an additional degree of freedom along the slot length, allowing adjustment in a secondary dimension to compensate for wear and loading variations.
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
The solution effectively aligns axles, reducing tire vibration, extending tire life, improving fuel efficiency, and minimizing damage risks, while allowing for easy retrofitting and adjustment to maintain proper alignment even under varying loads.
Implementation Method 1
The first spacer cam comprises a first multi-sided eccentric plate and the second spacer cam comprises a second multi-sided eccentric plate. The first multi-sided eccentric plate includes a first aperture provided in an eccentric position and the second multi-sided eccentric plate includes a second aperture provided in an eccentric position.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes first and second alignment correction plates. A spacer is sandwiched between the two correction plates. First and second fasteners connect the assembly to a vehicle spring hanger bracket. A third fastener connects the assembly to a vehicle leaf spring.