Cam Adjustable Shim Assembly for Vehicle Suspension Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems lack an effective mechanism to adjust the position and orientation of control arms relative to the vehicle body, which is necessary for precise wheel alignment and adjustment of camber and caster angles.
Innovation Solution
A cam adjustable shim assembly is introduced, comprising a bushing with a cam that rotates within a bushing bore, driven by a bolt, allowing for eccentric movement and adjustment of the control arm's position relative to the vehicle body, thereby enabling precise alignment of wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed control arm position is used in the suspension system, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the wheel alignment precision and camber/caster adjustment capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm position is made dynamically adjustable through the cam mechanism. The cam can be rotated to different positions within the bushing bore, allowing the control arm to be positioned at various angles and locations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise wheel alignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall suspension structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameters of the control arm by rotating the cam to different orientations. By altering the cam's rotational position, the control arm's angle and location relative to the vehicle body can be adjusted, thereby achieving precise wheel alignment and camber/caster adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control arm position is made adjustable, then the wheel alignment and camber/caster adjustment capability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated shim assembly. The bushing, cam, and bolt components work together as one unit to provide both positioning and adjustment functions. This consolidation allows the control arm to be adjustable while avoiding the need for separate complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam acts as an intermediary element between the bolt and the control arm positioning system. By rotating the cam within the bushing bore, the adjustment force is transferred to the control arm, enabling precise positioning without direct complex mechanical linkages.
3Ease of operation
If an eccentric cam mechanism is used for adjustment, then the independent adjustment of control arms is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam bore is designed with intentional eccentricity, creating an asymmetric geometry where the cam's rotational path does not coincide with the bushing's central axis. This asymmetric design enables the control arm to be adjusted to different positions as the cam rotates, providing independent adjustment capability while the eccentricity is built into the manufacturing process.
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 allows for independent adjustment of control arms, facilitating precise alignment of wheels, including camber and caster adjustments, enhancing vehicle stability and handling by allowing for accurate positioning of wheels relative to the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
The cam defines a cam bore extending longitudinally along a first cam axis offset relative to the bushing axis such that the cam bore is eccentric relative to the bushing bore
Implementation Method 2
The bolt is engaged with the cam bore such that rotation of the bolt about the first cam axis causes the cam to rotate within the bushing about the bushing axis
Data Source
AI summary
A cam adjustable shim assembly includes a bushing defining a bushing opening. The bushing opening extends longitudinally along a bushing axis to define a bushing bore. The cam adjustable shim assembly further includes a cam disposed in the bushing bore. The cam defines a cam bore extending longitudinally along a first cam axis offset relative to the bushing axis such that the cam bore is eccentric relative to the bushing bore. The cam adjustable shim assembly further includes a bolt at least partially disposed within the cam bore along a first cam axis. The bolt is engaged with the cam bore such that rotation of the bolt about the first cam axis causes the cam to rotate within the bushing about the bushing axis.