Eccentric Adjustment Bolt for Vehicle Camber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with non-adjustable suspension systems require multiple bolt sizes and types to adjust camber, leading to increased inventory needs for mechanics and parts stores, and limited camber angle adjustment range.
Innovation Solution
A fastener apparatus with a head, neck, lobe, and threaded portion having distinct centerlines, allowing a single-size bolt to fit various suspension systems and providing a greater camber adjustment range, including an adjustment washer and bolt assembly that can be used with U-brackets or flanges in vehicle suspension systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bolt sizes and types are used to adjust camber on non-adjustable suspension systems, then camber adjustment capability is achieved, but inventory requirements for mechanics and parts stores increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment bolt is designed with multiple functional elements (head with gripping surface, eccentric neck, cam lobe, and threaded portion) that allow a single bolt size to perform camber adjustment across various suspension systems. The eccentric geometry enables the bolt to function as both a fastener and a camber adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bolt types.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt incorporates variable geometric parameters through its eccentric neck and cam lobe design. By changing the rotation position of the bolt, the effective camber angle changes continuously, allowing one bolt size to provide multiple adjustment settings across different suspension configurations without requiring different bolt sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fasteners are used to mechanically alter camber, then camber adjustment is possible, but the adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment bolt transforms a static fastener into a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The cam lobe geometry allows the bolt to provide continuous camber adjustment through rotation, converting discrete positional changes into continuous angular adjustment. This dynamic capability expands the adjustment range beyond what traditional fixed-position fasteners can achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt introduces a rotational dimension to the traditionally linear fastening operation. By rotating the bolt around its axis, the camber angle can be adjusted through multiple positions, effectively adding an angular dimension to the adjustment process and significantly expanding the achievable camber range.
3Ease of operation
If camber adjustment is needed on non-adjustable suspension systems, then wheel alignment optimization is possible, but the secure attachment of wheel assembly to suspension system creates difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fastening function and the camber adjustment function into a single integrated component. The adjustment bolt simultaneously secures the wheel assembly to the suspension system and provides camber adjustment capability, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and adjustment mechanisms. This integration maintains attachment strength while enabling easy adjustment.
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 a 20% increase in camber angle adjustment and reduces the number of stock-kept bolt sizes, allowing for more flexible camber adjustments and minimizing inventory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The neck extends eccentrically from the bottom surface of the head and the neck has a second diameter and a second centerline. The first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are different from one another.
Implementation Method 2
The lobe extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the neck and the lobe has a third diameter and a centerline that is the same as the first centerline.
Implementation Method 3
The threaded portion extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the lobe and has a third centerline.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment bolt for adjusting the camber angle in a vehicle. The adjustment bolt includes a head, a neck, a lobe, and a threaded portion. The head is configured to provide a gripping surface for a tightening tool (e.g., pliers, wrench). The head has a first diameter and a first centerline. The neck extends eccentrically from the bottom surface of the head and the neck has a second diameter and a second centerline. The lobe extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the neck and the lobe has a third diameter and a centerline that is the same as the first centerline. The threaded portion extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the lobe and has a third centerline. The first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are different from one another.