Adjustable Shock Absorber Top Mount for Precise Ride Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving precise ride height adjustments in vehicles during manufacturing is challenging, often requiring replacement of components and resulting in waste, as existing methods are inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable top mount system comprising a top plate, worm wheel, core, and worm gear that allows for vertical movement of the top plate relative to the core, enabling ride height adjustments without replacing components, using a worm gear to drive the worm wheel and adjust the ride height by rotating the top plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ride height is adjusted by replacing shock absorbers, then the target ride height can be achieved, but components are scrapped and manufacturing waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top mount incorporates an adjustable height mechanism with a worm gear and worm wheel that allows the top plate to move vertically relative to the core, enabling dynamic adjustment of ride height after vehicle assembly rather than requiring fixed pre-manufactured components
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the vertical position parameter of the top plate through rotational input to the worm gear, which converts to vertical linear motion of the top plate via the worm wheel and threaded core, allowing continuous adjustment within a range rather than discrete component replacement
2Manufacturing precision
If ride height is adjusted by replacing shock absorbers, then the correct ride height is achieved, but time and resources are lost in the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The top mount mechanism is pre-installed on the vehicle during assembly, but the actual height adjustment is deferred until needed, allowing quick adjustment without removing the shock absorber assembly from the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows operators to adjust ride height directly using the worm gear input without requiring specialized tools or procedures for component removal and installation, making the adjustment process self-contained and efficient
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed top mount is used, then the suspension system is simple, but ride height cannot be adjusted after vehicle build
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism is nested within the top mount structure, with the worm wheel received in the top plate and the core received within the worm wheel, creating a compact integrated assembly that adds adjustment capability without significantly increasing overall size or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts rotational input motion into vertical linear motion of the top plate through the worm wheel and threaded core, providing a simple interface for height adjustment without complex control systems
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
Enables precise ride height adjustments without the need for component replacement, minimizing waste and allowing for easy access to adjust ride height on vehicles, maintaining the integrity of the suspension system.
Implementation Method 1
The worm gear is meshed to the outer wheel surface of the worm wheel. Rotation of the worm gear drives rotation of the worm wheel
Implementation Method 2
The core is received within the worm wheel and is helically meshed to the inner wheel surface of the worm wheel. Rotation of the worm wheel simultaneously moves the top plate vertically relative to the core
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustable top mount for adjusting a ride height of a vehicle comprising includes a top plate, a worm wheel, a core, and worm gear. The top plate is configured to mount to a body of the vehicle and movable between a first position and a second position. The worm wheel is received in the top plate and includes an inner wheel surface and an outer wheel surface. The core is received within the worm wheel and helically meshed to the inner wheel surface of the worm wheel. The worm gear is meshed to the outer wheel surface of the worm wheel. Rotation of the worm gear drives rotation of the worm wheel, rotation of the worm wheel simultaneously moves the top plate vertically relative to the core, and movement of the top plate adjusts the ride height of the vehicle in a corresponding direction.