Utility Vehicle Axle Adjustment via Eccentric Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle adjustment systems for commercial vehicles are prone to contamination, corrosion, and complexity, which compromises operational safety due to the susceptibility of spindles and the complexity of assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
An axle adjustment system comprising a frame unit, an eccentric element, and an adjusting unit, where the eccentric element has specific contours for engagement, allowing for secure positioning and pivoting relative to each other through controlled rotation, eliminating the need for moving parts like threads and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spindle or threaded rod is used for axle adjustment, then the track can be adjusted, but the system becomes susceptible to contamination, corrosion, and damage from thrown-up parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded rod or spindle from the adjustment system, replacing it with an eccentric element mechanism. This removal of the vulnerable threaded components directly addresses the contamination and corrosion issues while maintaining the track adjustment functionality through the eccentric element's rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the threaded mechanical system with an eccentric rotational mechanism. Instead of using threads that are prone to contamination and corrosion, the system uses an eccentric element that rotates within a bearing block, providing a more robust mechanical system resistant to the harmful factors mentioned.
2Reliability
If a spindle or threaded rod is used for axle adjustment, then the track can be adjusted, but the assembly process becomes complex with a large number of necessary assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the adjustment system into distinct functional components: the eccentric element, the bearing block with guide area, and the fastening means. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to assemble and maintain, reducing the overall assembly complexity compared to a integrated threaded rod system.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting the threaded rod and its associated complex assembly requirements, the invention simplifies the assembly process. The eccentric element mechanism requires fewer assembly steps and less precise alignment, directly reducing the device complexity mentioned in the contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If an eccentric element with two contours is used, then the adjusting unit can be securely positioned and pivoted, but the structural complexity of the eccentric element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the adjustment mechanism through its eccentric geometry, guides the adjusting unit through the bearing block's guide area, and enables pivoting motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, actually simplifying the overall structure despite the eccentric element's dual contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of circular contours in the eccentric element and bearing block enables smooth rotational and pivoting motions. The curved geometry naturally guides the adjusting unit through its range of motion, providing ease of operation while the contours are simple circular features that do not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.
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 robust, simple, and safe method for track adjustment, enhancing operational safety by preventing contamination and corrosion, and reducing the effort required for assembly, while maintaining precise positioning of the axle relative to the vehicle frame.
Implementation Method 1
the eccentric element has a first contour via which the adjusting unit with the eccentric element in engagement can be brought and wherein the eccentric element has a second contour via which the frame unit can be brought into engagement with the eccentric element. The first contour is arranged eccentrically to the second contour
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to the axle adjustment for axles of utility vehicles, comprising a frame unit (2), an eccentric element (4), and an adjustment unit (6), wherein the eccentric element (46) has a first contour (42), by means of which one of the units, the frame unit (2) or the adjustment unit (6), can be brought into engagement with the eccentric element (4), and the eccentric element (4) has a second contour (44), by means of which the respective other unit can be brought into engagement with the eccentric element (4), and the first contour (42) is arranged eccentric to the second contour (44), and wherein the frame unit (2) and the adjustment unit (6) are secured in a predetermined position in an adjustment direction (L) and supported pivotably relative to each other by setting a certain angle of twist (a) of the eccentric element (4).