Independent Camber and Caster Adjustment for MacPherson Strut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobiles with fixed camber and caster settings, such as the 2005+ Ford Mustangs, lack adjustability, which is undesirable for competitive driving applications where precise handling is required, leading to increased tire wear and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A camber and caster adjustment apparatus comprising stacked plates with threaded fastening members and a thrust bearing assembly, allowing independent adjustment of camber and caster angles by securing the coil spring-strut assembly to the strut tower, enabling precise control of wheel alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed camber and caster settings are used, then maintenance is reduced and factory performance is satisfactory for everyday commuting, but adjustability is lost and performance for competitive driving cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assembly is segmented into multiple adjustable components: a strut tower plate with multiple mounting holes, a strut mount plate with adjustable positioning holes, and a lower control arm plate with adjustable camber slots. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of caster (via strut tower plate hole selection) and camber (via control arm plate slot position) without requiring complete redesign of the suspension system, thereby achieving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system transitions from a static, fixed-geometry design to a dynamic, adjustable geometry system. The adjustable plates with multiple hole patterns and slots enable the camber and caster angles to be dynamically reconfigured based on driving conditions (street vs. track), allowing the vehicle to adapt its handling characteristics while maintaining structural integrity through standardized mounting interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If negative camber is increased for road racing, then tire grip during cornering is improved, but tire wear increases and straight-line stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables precise parameter changes in camber angle through the adjustable control arm plate, which features multiple slots at different positions and orientations. Users can select specific slot positions to achieve exact camber angles (e.g., -2 degrees for road racing, 0 degrees for drag racing) based on the desired balance between cornering grip and straight-line stability, thereby optimizing tire performance for specific driving conditions without excessive wear.
3Reliability
If caster angle is adjusted for straight-line stability, then steering response and stability improve, but adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable strut tower plate serves multiple functions: it provides caster adjustment through selective hole positioning, maintains structural support for the strut assembly, and interfaces with both the vehicle chassis and the adjustable lower components. This multi-functionality allows caster adjustment without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving straight-line stability while minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus allows for the independent adjustment of caster and camber for vehicles utilizing MacPherson strut front suspensions. The apparatus has, in stacked arrangement, a fastener plate, a lower plate, and an upper plate. Camber adjustments are generally made by manipulation of the lower plate and caster adjustments are generally made by manipulation of the upper plate. The upper plate may be mounted in two different positions to allow for different camber adjustments, such as for competitive situations and non-competitive situations. The device utilizes a thrust bearing having a race in the upper face of the spring perch and an opposing race which mounts around the base of the bearing cup.