Caster-Camber Plate Assembly With Interlocking Adjustment Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional caster-camber plate assemblies suffer from limitations such as less than optimal strength, limited adjustability, incompatibility with original equipment components, and complex installation, which reduce their reliability and versatility in adjusting caster and camber settings for vehicle suspensions.
Innovation Solution
A caster-camber plate assembly design featuring a fastener plate, lower and upper adjustment plates with interlocking structures, allowing independent adjustment of caster and camber, compatibility with stock springs and original equipment components, and simplified installation, enhancing structural strength and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional caster-camber plate assemblies are used, then basic adjustment functionality is provided, but structural strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The caster-camber plate assembly utilizes composite construction with reinforcement elements integrated into the plate structure. The plate incorporates high-strength material zones and reinforcement ribs that create a composite structural system, enhancing overall strength while maintaining adjustment functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional caster-camber plate assemblies are used, then basic adjustment is possible, but adjustability range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: camber adjustment slots in the caster-camber plate, caster adjustment slots in the mounting plate, and separate fastening systems. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of camber and caster parameters without interfering with each other, expanding the overall adjustability range.
Solution Approach 2:
The design adds adjustment dimensions by incorporating both camber adjustment (via slots in the caster-camber plate) and caster adjustment (via slots in the mounting plate) simultaneously. This multi-dimensional adjustment capability allows the system to achieve a broader range of suspension geometry settings compared to single-dimension adjustment systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional caster-camber plate assemblies are used, then adjustment functionality is provided, but compatibility with original equipment components is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The caster-camber plate assembly is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to interface with both original equipment spring isolators and dust boots. The mounting structure incorporates standardized attachment points and clearance specifications that enable integration with stock suspension components while maintaining adjustment functionality.
4Ease of operation
If conventional caster-camber plate assemblies are used, then adjustment capability is provided, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The caster-camber plate and mounting plate are pre-configured with appropriately positioned slots and fastening holes during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of adjustment features eliminates the need for complex field modifications or custom drilling operations during installation, simplifying the installation process while maintaining full adjustability capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A caster-camber plate assembly has a fastener plate including fastening members. A lower adjustment plate has a first side face positioned adjacent a first side face of the fastener plate such that fastening members of the fastening plate extend therethrough. The lower adjustment plate is moveable with respect to the fastener plate along first and second translation axes. An upper adjustment plate has a first side face thereof positioned adjacent a second side face of the lower adjustment plate with the fastening members extending therethrough. The upper adjustment plate and the lower adjustment plate are jointly configured for allowing the upper adjustment plate to be moveable with respect to the fastener plate along the second translation axis. A plate interlocking structure accommodates relative movement between the adjustment plates along the first translation axis and effectively inhibits relative movement between the adjustment plates along the second translation axis.