Adjustable Tie Rod Tool for Confined Spaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle tie rod assemblies with varying sizes and configurations pose challenges for toe set adjustment due to confined spaces and differing fastener designs, making it difficult for existing adjustment devices to engage and adjust properly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle toe set adjustment device featuring a tie rod engaging assembly with extendable gripping members and a multi-axis robot for automated engagement and adjustment, allowing the device to accommodate various tie rod sizes and configurations by using collet keys and a pneumatically operated actuator ring to grip and rotate the tie rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed design tie rod adjustment device is used, then it can work reliably for a specific tie rod type, but it cannot accommodate varying sizes and configurations of modern tie rod assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device incorporates movable and adjustable components including extendable arms with adjustable lengths, positioning devices that can shift laterally, and gripping members that can extend and retract. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt its configuration to match different tie rod sizes and geometries while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular segments including separate positioning devices, adjustable arms, gripping members, and drive mechanisms. Each segment can be independently adjusted or positioned to accommodate different tie rod configurations, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while achieving versatility through modular assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustment device is shifted laterally to engage different tie rod features, then it can accommodate various tie rod configurations, but confined spaces and larger diameter flanges prevent proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning devices are designed with lateral shifting capability that allows them to move dynamically to engage different features on the tie rod assembly. The extendable arms can adjust their reach to access engagement surfaces while avoiding interference from flanges or rings, making the device adaptable to various tie rod geometries without requiring complex manual repositioning
3Productivity
If an automated tie rod adjustment system is implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but the device must accommodate varying tie rod types without radical design changes
Solution Approach 1:
The automated adjustment device is designed with universal engagement capabilities through adjustable positioning devices and extendable gripping members that can accommodate multiple tie rod types and configurations. The system maintains automation efficiency while achieving versatility through programmable positioning and adjustable mechanical elements that adapt to different tie rod geometries without requiring separate specialized devices
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vehicle toe set adjustment device and method for adjusting a vehicle tie rod includes an adjustment head (30) adapted to be received over a tie rod (T). The adjustment head (30) includes a surface (58) for engaging a tie rod fastener (J), a plurality of moveable collet keys (70) mounted on the adjustment head (30), and a drive member engaging surface (48). An actuator (60) on the adjustment head (30) moves the collet keys (70) to engage the tie rod (T) after the tie rod (T) is received in the adjustment head (30). A method is also provided for engaging moveable collet keys (70) on an adjustment head (30) to engage the tie rod (T) for rotation of the tie rod (T) to adjust the toe set of a vehicle wheel. The device and method are useful with a variety of tie rod assemblies on various vehicles having different sized tie rod assemblies.