Dual-Flange Shock Absorber Adjuster for Extended Preload Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorber adjustment mechanisms face limitations in achieving large adjustments due to increased complexity, difficulty in initial fitting, reduced structural integrity, and packaging issues when trying to accommodate heavier vehicles, as they require longer shafts and more intricate configurations.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber adjuster assembly with two adjustable flanges, one featuring an internal thread and the other an external thread, allowing for simultaneous adjustment of the separation between flanges by screwing along complementary threads, and a tool-engageable mechanism for applying torsional force to facilitate easier adjustment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made longer to allow greater travel of the second flange along the shaft for larger adjustments, then the adjustment range is increased, but the shaft becomes weaker at the long end with additional load from heavier vehicles and initial fitting becomes more difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster is divided into two separate adjustable members (first and second flanges) that can be independently adjusted along the shaft. This segmentation allows each flange to travel a shorter distance along the shaft while collectively achieving a larger adjustment range, thereby maintaining shaft strength without compromising adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces adjustment in two dimensional directions by providing two flanges that can be adjusted independently along the shaft. Instead of requiring one flange to travel the entire adjustment distance, the total adjustment is distributed across two flanges moving in opposite directions, effectively doubling the adjustment range without increasing shaft length or reducing shaft strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made longer to allow greater travel of the second flange, then the adjustment range is increased, but the initial fitting becomes more difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the adjustment function into two flanges, each flange requires less travel distance along the shaft. This reduces the overall length requirements and simplifies the initial fitting process, as the adjuster can be installed in a more compact configuration while still providing the full adjustment range.
3Device complexity
If a single threaded mounting is used for adjusting the spring seat, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment range is limited and larger adjustments require making the shaft longer which creates packaging issues
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is segmented into two flanges that can be independently adjusted, effectively doubling the adjustment range without significantly increasing structural complexity. The dual-threaded mounting on the shaft provides a straightforward mechanism for achieving larger adjustments while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
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
This solution effectively doubles the adjustment range of the shock absorber, simplifies the adjustment process, enhances structural integrity by distributing load more evenly, and addresses packaging challenges, enabling more precise control over spring preload without compromising assembly ease or structural strength.
Implementation Method 1
a first adjustable member comprised of a first flange having a threaded inner surface which is engageable with the first thread of the body so that the first flange can be screwed along the first thread
Implementation Method 2
the shaft of the second adjustable member and which extends beyond the first flange extending inside the windings of the abutting spring end to locate the spring end on the adjuster
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber adjuster assembly comprising at least one spring arranged so as, in use, to extend between a pair of spaced apart spring seats. At least one of the spring seats is adjustable and is formed by a cylindrical body, a first adjustable member and a second adjustable member. The body has a first thread formed on its outer surface and a second thread formed on its inner surface. The first adjustable member includes a first flange having a threaded inner surface which is engageable with the first thread of the body so that the first flange can be screwed along the first thread. The second adjustable member includes a second flange provided on an end of a shaft. The separation between the first and second flanges can thereby be adjusted by moving of either or both of said first and second flanges.