Self-locking Cam Washer Surface Profile for Vehicle Alignment Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam washer bolts can unintentionally rotate due to loading on their surface profile, leading to potential vehicle misalignment and accelerated tire wear, as they do not effectively prevent rotation under load.
Innovation Solution
A cam washer bolt design with a surface profile defined by the equation {x=A·cosθ·Bμθy=A·sinθ·Bμθ} or {x=A·cosθ·eμθy=A·sinθ·eμθ}, where A is the shortest distance from the point of rotation, B is determined by the longest distance, θ is the position angle, and μ is the coefficient of friction, ensuring a friction angle less than a predetermined value to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional cam washer surface profile is used, then the cam washer bolt can rotate to adjust alignment, but the bolt may unintentionally rotate under load causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The surface profile parameters of the cam washer are mathematically defined to control the friction angle. By changing the geometric parameters (shortest distance A, longest distance B, position angle θ) and incorporating the coefficient of friction μ into the surface profile equation, the friction angle is maintained below a predetermined value throughout the surface, preventing unintended rotation while preserving adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cam washer surface profile uses a curved mathematical form rather than a straight or flat design. The equation creates a specific curvature pattern that ensures the friction angle remains controlled at all points on the surface, allowing the bolt to be adjusted intentionally while resisting unintentional rotation under load
2Reliability
If the friction angle is increased to prevent rotation, then the cam washer bolt remains stable, but the bolt cannot be adjusted for alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The surface profile is designed with specific parameter relationships that maintain the friction angle below a predetermined threshold. By carefully selecting and relating the parameters A (shortest distance), B (longest distance), and θ (position angle) in the mathematical equation, the design achieves the optimal balance where the friction is sufficient to prevent unintended rotation but insufficient to prevent intentional adjustment
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple cam washer surface profile is used, then the manufacturing is easy, but the friction angle cannot be controlled to prevent rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The surface profile is defined by a mathematical equation with specific parameters (A, B, θ, μ) that can be directly input into manufacturing systems. This parametric definition allows for precise control of the friction angle characteristics while maintaining ease of manufacture through computer-aided design and manufacturing processes that can interpret and execute the mathematical definition
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 cam washer bolt maintains a consistent friction angle less than the predetermined value along its surface profile, preventing unintended rotation and thus ensuring accurate vehicle alignment and reducing tire wear by locking the cam washer in place under load.
Implementation Method 1
any point along the outer surface profile is configured to provide a friction angle less than a predetermined value to prevent the cam washer bolt from rotating under a load acting on the outer surface profile
Data Source
AI summary
A cam washer for a vehicle suspension system includes a point of rotation about which the washer is configured to rotate, and an outer surface profile where any point along the outer surface profile is configured to provide a friction angle less than a predetermined value to prevent the cam washer bolt from rotating under a load acting on the outer surface profile, the outer surface profile being a function of: i) a shortest distance from the point of rotation to the outer surface profile, ii) a longest distance from the point of rotation to the outer surface profile, iii) a position angle of the outer surface profile, and iv) a coefficient of friction of a material of the washer.