Modular Clevis Mount Assembly That Protects the Damper Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems with one-piece clevis designs make it difficult to change springs without disturbing the critical joint between the adapter mount and the damper shaft, often requiring excessive force or specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A modular clevis mount assembly comprising a two-piece design with a modular clevis and an adapter mount, where the adapter mount can pass through the spring and the modular clevis is wider than the spring, allowing for decoupling without affecting the critical joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece clevis design is used, then the structure is simpler and more robust, but it becomes difficult to replace springs without disturbing the critical joint between the adapter mount and damper shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis mount assembly is divided into two separate components: a modular clevis and an adapter mount. The modular clevis can be removed and replaced independently from the adapter mount, allowing spring replacement without disturbing the critical joint between the adapter mount and damper shaft. This segmentation enables maintenance of the spring component while preserving the integrity of the mounted connection.
2Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied to remove the spring from a one-piece clevis, then the spring can be removed, but the critical joint between the adapter mount and damper shaft may be disturbed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the clevis into modular and adapter components, the spring can be accessed and removed through the modular portion without applying force to the critical joint area. The modular clevis acts as a removable cover that provides access to the spring while the adapter mount remains securely connected to the damper shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular clevis is extracted as a separate removable component from the assembly. This allows the spring to be accessed and removed through the space created by removing the modular clevis, eliminating the need to apply excessive force that could disturb the critical joint between the adapter mount and damper shaft.
3Ease of repair
If specialized tools are used to remove springs from one-piece clevis designs, then spring removal is possible, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The modular clevis design allows spring replacement using basic hand tools for removing the modular clevis fasteners, eliminating the need for specialized spring compression tools or other complex equipment. The segmented design provides direct access to the spring through the removed modular portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular clevis is designed to be removable as a first preliminary step before spring removal. This preliminary action of detaching the modular clevis creates easy access to the spring, eliminating the need for specialized tools that would be required to compress or manipulate the spring in place within a one-piece structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular clevis comprising, a first wing and a second wing parallel to one another wherein said first wing has a first opening and said second wing has a second opening, said first opening and said second opening to couple with a structural component of a vehicle. The modular clevis further comprising a plurality of adapter openings. An adapter mount comprising, a shaft opening configured to receive and couple with a shaft of a damper. The adapter mount further comprising a plurality of mount openings to align with said plurality of adapter openings of said modular clevis and to couple with said modular clevis via a plurality of fasteners.