Cam Tube Support With Adjustable Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drum brake cam tube support arrangements face challenges in maintaining consistent contact with cam tubes due to variations in tube locations and diameters, leading to vibration and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A three-piece cam tube support system with adjustable jaws and a base, featuring oblong slots and inclined end sections, allows for independent installation and secure clamping of cam tubes of varying diameters, accommodating different locations and reducing vibration through a camming action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If supports are designed to accommodate variations in cam tube locations, then adaptability is improved, but consistent contact with cam tubes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates movable jaws with oblong slots that allow dynamic adjustment to accommodate variations in cam tube location and diameter. The jaws can shift position within the oblong slots to maintain consistent contact while adapting to different tube positions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and consistent contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The oblong slot geometry enables parameter changes in the position and orientation of the jaws relative to the base. This allows the support to adjust its configuration to match varying cam tube parameters (location and diameter) while maintaining reliable contact through the camming action of the inclined end sections.
2Reliability
If supports are designed to maintain consistent contact with cam tubes, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to location variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism through oblong slots allows the support to maintain consistent contact force while adapting its position. The jaws can move within the slots to accommodate location variations, ensuring reliable contact is maintained across different installation positions and tube configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a three-piece assembly with adjustable jaws is used, then adaptability to various tube diameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into three functional segments (base and two jaws) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively providing adaptability to various tube diameters. The modular design enables simple assembly and adjustment without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
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
The system ensures consistent contact and reduced vibration by self-centering and tightly clamping the cam tube, accommodating various diameters and locations without the need for precise alignment or welding, making it suitable for both new and retrofit installations.
Implementation Method 1
The inclined end sections of the jaws are bent relative to these central portions to provide the jaws with a camming action as the fasteners are tightened
Data Source
AI summary
A support arrangement, operable to clamp a cam tube for a drum brake assembly in position relative to an adjacent vehicle component, includes a first jaw having a first pair of arms, each of which has an one opening in an inclined end section, a second jaw having a second pair of arms, each of which has an opening in an inclined end section, and a base associated with the vehicle component and having a third pair of arms. Each of the third pair of arms also has an opening in its end section. Bolts or other such fastener elements are receivable within aligned sets of openings in the first, second, and third pairs of arms, permitting displacement of the first and second jaws relative to the base upon adjustment of the fasteners so that the jaws grip the tube and clamp the tube in its proper position. A clamping process is also described.