Articulating Brake Mounting Plate for Wheel Alignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing brake systems in vehicles lack adjustability to align brake friction materials properly with the brake drum or disc, especially when the wheel alignment is adjusted for camber and toe, leading to uneven tire wear and brake inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An articulating brake component mounting plate that allows for angular adjustment of brake components, enabling the brake shoes or caliper to be aligned correctly with the brake drum or rotor by pivoting the outer portion relative to the inner portion, using an engagement pin and adjustment nut system, and optionally incorporating a vernier scale for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wheel alignment is adjusted for camber and toe, then the handling and tire wear are improved, but the brake components become misaligned with the brake drum or disc
Solution Approach 1:
The brake component mounting plate is designed with an articulating mechanism that allows it to pivot and adjust its angular position. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the brake components to be realigned with the brake drum or disc after wheel alignment changes, resolving the misalignment issue without requiring complete disassembly of the brake system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is divided into an inner portion that attaches to the vehicle and an outer portion that attaches to the brake components. This segmentation allows the outer portion to be independently adjusted relative to the inner portion, enabling angular adjustment of brake components to maintain proper alignment with the brake drum or disc.
2Ease of operation
If the brake components are realigned after wheel alignment adjustment, then brake efficiency is improved, but additional disassembly and reassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating mounting plate provides a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows brake components to be realigned in situ after wheel alignment changes. The pivot mechanism enables angular adjustment without requiring complete disassembly of the brake system, significantly reducing the time and labor required for realignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating mounting plate acts as an intermediary component between the vehicle chassis and the brake components. It provides an adjustable connection that accommodates alignment changes, allowing brake components to be realigned without direct disassembly of the brake assembly itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid mounting is used for brake components, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adjustability for alignment correction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate incorporates a pivot mechanism that provides angular adjustability while maintaining a relatively simple structural design. The articulating capability is achieved through a pivot point and limiting mechanism, adding minimal manufacturing complexity while enabling necessary alignment corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate design allows for change in the angular parameter of brake component orientation. By incorporating a pivot mechanism with adjustable range, the system can adapt to different alignment requirements while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a vehicle is provided that includes and axle and an articulating brake component mounting plate carried by the axle. The articulating brake component mounting plate has an inner portion and an outer portion, and the position of the outer portion is adjustable with respect to the inner portion. Either the inner portion or the outer portion defines an adjustment nut aperture. An adjustment nut is located in the adjustment nut aperture.