Coil-Over Shock Preload Ring for On-Chassis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting coil spring preload in coil-over shock absorbers are crude and inefficient, often requiring tools like spanner wrenches, hammers, and slip-joint pliers, which are cumbersome and difficult to use when the shock absorber is installed on a chassis.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shock absorber system featuring a dual-part adjustment ring assembly and a shock adjuster tool with a lever arm and tool grip portion that allows for easy and efficient adjustment of the coil spring preload using frictional grips and rotational mechanisms, enabling precise control without the need for additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tools like spanner wrenches, hammers, and slip-joint pliers are used to adjust coil spring preload, then the adjustment can be performed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and difficult when the shock absorber is installed on a chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment ring and the tool interface into a single integrated component. The adjustment ring includes built-in engagement features (such as slots or notches) that directly receive adjustment tools, eliminating the need for separate spanner wrenches or other external tools. This merging of functions allows the adjustment mechanism to be operated directly as part of the shock absorber assembly, significantly improving ease of operation while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment ring is designed to be self-contained with integrated tool engagement features, allowing the system to adjust its own preload without requiring external specialized tools. The ring structure includes built-in interfaces that accept simple adjustment tools, enabling the shock absorber to service itself during maintenance operations, thereby improving operational ease and reducing the need for complex external tooling.
2Productivity
If traditional adjustment methods are used, then the preload can be adjusted, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment ring is segmented into distinct functional zones: a preload adjustment interface, a locking mechanism interface, and a tool engagement interface. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized for its specific function, enabling quick and efficient adjustment operations. The separated locking mechanism can be independently engaged or disengaged, allowing for rapid preload changes without requiring complete disassembly or complex multi-step procedures, thereby improving productivity and reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment ring includes pre-configured engagement features and locking mechanisms that are prepared in advance for quick tool interface. The locking mechanism can be preliminarily positioned or pre-loaded, allowing for rapid engagement and disengagement during adjustment operations. This preliminary preparation of the adjustment interface enables technicians to perform preload adjustments quickly without requiring time-consuming alignment or setup procedures, significantly improving adjustment efficiency and reducing time loss.
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 system provides a user-friendly and efficient method to adjust coil spring preload, enhancing precision and ease of use, reducing the complexity and effort required in automotive service operations.
Implementation Method 1
using frictional grips and rotational mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
a rotation of the adjustment ring assembly causes a rotation of the adjustment ring
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable shock absorber system includes: a coil over shock absorber with a spring and a lockable adjustment ring; a protective cover assembly, optionally including top and bottom cover portions; a shock adjuster tool with a lever arm and a tool grip portion, including a band assembly, and a tool attachment assembly, including a connector member and a tool member; such that the tool grip portion detachably connects to the peripheral mounting surface of the lockable adjustment ring; whereby the shock adjuster tool can be used to adjust a preload of the coil-over shock absorber. Alternatively, 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, which detachably connects with the adjustment ring assembly.