Building Block Coilover Slot Guide for Preload Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coilover designs for vehicle suspension systems are not suitable for building block models as they require complete disassembly for adjustments, which is cumbersome and disrupts the model's stability.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a slot guide that allows for axial movement and adjustment of the coilover without disassembling the entire suspension unit, enabling easy integration and maintenance within the building block model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional robust coilover design is used to withstand real vehicle loads, then the stability and strength of the suspension are improved, but the ease of operation and adjustment deteriorates because complete disassembly is required for any adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension stabilityVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coilover is divided into separable components: a first element (outer tube with adjustment ring) and a second element (piston rod with spring perch), connected through a slot guide mechanism. This segmentation allows the piston rod to be adjusted axially within the outer tube without complete disassembly, enabling easy preload adjustment while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the coilover is designed as a complete integrated unit for stability, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair and adjustment deteriorates as the entire unit must be removed from the model

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel stabilityVSAvoidadjustment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coilover's piston rod is segmented into adjustable components that can move independently within the outer tube via the slot guide. This allows adjustment of the spring preload by moving the piston rod axially without removing the entire coilover from the building block model, improving accessibility for maintenance while preserving overall model stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the slot guide allows axial movement of the piston rod for easy adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional slot element and guide mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment convenienceVSAvoidguide mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slot guide mechanism transforms the static, fixed-position piston rod into a dynamic component that can move axially within the outer tube. The slot element in the piston rod engages with the slot guide in the outer tube, allowing controlled axial movement for adjustment while maintaining guidance and stability during operation, achieving a balance between adjustability and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution simplifies the integration of coilovers into building block models by allowing adjustments without disassembly, maintaining model stability while providing flexibility and precise suspension control.

Implementation Method 1

a preload spring (52) held between the adjustment ring (22) and the spring perch (40)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4516373A1Building block coilover
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 YANG DUNHUA
  • EP4516373A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4516373A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4516373A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a building block coilover (16), comprising: - an outer tube (18) with an external thread (20), on which an adjustment ring (22) with an internal thread (24) is held axially adjustable, - a piston rod (38) guided in the outer tube (18) by a guide (58), with a spring perch (40) arranged axially opposite the guide (58), and - a preload spring (52) held between the adjustment ring (22) and the spring perch (40), - wherein the guide (58) is designed as a slot guide (58).