Coil-Over Shock Preload Adjustment Using a Detachable Lever Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting coil spring preload on coil-over shock absorbers are crude and inefficient, requiring tools like spanner wrenches, hammers, and drifts, making it difficult to adjust the preload without manual force and precision.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shock absorber system with a dual-part mounting ring and a shock adjuster tool featuring a lever arm and tool grip portion, allowing for detachable connection and rotation of the adjustment ring to adjust the coil spring preload efficiently, using a frictional grip mechanism to tighten or loosen the spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tools like spanner wrenches, hammers, and drifts are used to adjust coil spring preload, then the adjustment can be performed, but the process becomes crude and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool consisting of a lever arm with a tool grip portion that detachably connects to the adjustment ring assembly. This intermediary mechanism translates manual input forces into controlled rotational torque on the adjustment ring, eliminating the need for crude tools like hammers and drifts while improving adjustment efficiency and precision
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment ring is rotated using bare hands, then the operation is simple, but the large static spring rate prevents the ring from being raised or lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into multiple components: an adjustment ring assembly with detachable connection, a lever arm with grip portion, and interlocking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the operator to apply force through the lever arm to overcome the large spring preload, while the detachable connection enables easy assembly and disassembly without requiring excessive force
3Reliability
If the adjustment ring is made lockable to maintain position, then the preload setting is stable, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment ring incorporates a lockable feature that transitions between locked and unlocked states. When unlocked, the ring can be freely adjusted; when locked, it maintains the set preload position. This dynamic capability provides both adjustability and stability without requiring overly complex mechanisms, as the locking feature integrates with the existing adjustment ring structure
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
Enables efficient and precise adjustment of coil spring preload on coil-over shock absorbers, allowing for consistent torque application and controlled preload changes while the shock absorber remains installed, improving the efficiency of shock absorber adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
using a frictional grip mechanism to tighten or loosen the spring
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable shock absorber system includes: a coil over shock absorber with a spring and an adjustment ring; an adjustment ring assembly, which detachably interlocks with the adjustment ring; and a shock adjuster tool with a lever arm and a tool grip portion, including a band assembly; such that the tool grip portion detachably connects to a peripheral mounting surface of the adjustment ring assembly; whereby the shock adjuster tool can be used to adjust a preload of the coil-over shock absorber.