Eccentric Bushing for Trailer Suspension Camber Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension assemblies for vehicles, such as box trailers and caravans, face difficulties in adjusting camber and toe-in due to the complexity of the camber adjustment mechanism, particularly requiring square bushes that are not built to tight tolerances, leading to limited adjustment options.
Innovation Solution
A bushing with a sleeve body having a cylindrical outer surface and an eccentric inner bore that allows for pivotal movement, equipped with a circumferential collar and engagement portions for interlocking with the suspension assembly, enabling adjustable camber and toe-in through varying the position of the engagement portions, and incorporating lubricant flow features for reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a square bush is used for camber adjustment, then the suspension assembly can be adjusted for camber and toe-in, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric bushing design where the bore is intentionally offset from the centerline of the bushing body. This asymmetric geometry enables both camber and toe-in adjustment functions within a single symmetric-looking component, eliminating the need for complex square bush mechanisms while maintaining full adjustability capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it provides suspension assembly rotation, enables camber adjustment through its eccentric bore, and facilitates toe-in adjustment through its engagement portions. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If square tubes are used with loose tolerances, then manufacturing is easier, but the clearance of the bush must be kept to a minimum requiring multiple bush sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the bushing by introducing an eccentric bore configuration. This parameter change allows the same bushing design to accommodate varying clearances and fit different tube sizes without requiring multiple bushing variants, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing incorporates engagement portions that can be positioned at different locations around the bore perimeter, creating a dynamic adjustment capability. This allows the single bushing design to adapt to different tube dimensions and tolerance ranges by selecting appropriate engagement portion positions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size bushings
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing for an independent suspension assembly, said suspension assembly being adapted to pivot relative to a trailer or a vehicle frame, the bushing comprising: a sleeve body having a substantially cylindrical outer surface for engaging the suspension assembly; and an inner bore of the sleeve body extending along a first longitudinal axis, said first axis being eccentrically disposed with respect to a second longitudinal axis of the cylindrical outer surface; wherein during use the bore is adapted for engaging a spindle and allowing the suspension assembly to pivot relative to the spindle.