Double-Acting Freewheel for Vehicle Wheel Camber Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for adjusting camber and/or toe of vehicle wheels face challenges in maintaining the set target position when parked, as reaction torques can cause unwanted adjustments due to the delayed locking of wrap spring brakes, potentially leading to movement from the target position.
Innovation Solution
A double-acting freewheel mechanism that locks in its rest position without external torque, using a clamp body unit and spring elements to securely hold the locking position, preventing reaction torque transmission until a driving torque exceeds the locking torque, and amplifying the locking torque with reaction torque for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wrap spring brake is used as a locking element, then torque transmission from the drive motor to the actuating element is enabled, but the locking position is only achieved after reaction torque buildup, allowing reaction torque to act on the drive motor and potentially move the actuating element from its target position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to assume its locking position in advance, before any reaction torque acts on the drive motor. This preliminary locking action prevents the actuating element from moving during reaction torque buildup, ensuring the target position is maintained without delay.
2Reliability
If a wrap spring brake is used, then torque transmission is enabled, but the structure is complex and requires external energy for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to lock automatically based on the direction of torque transmission, without requiring external control signals or complex brake mechanisms. The system uses the inherent mechanical properties of the freewheel to achieve locking and unlocking functions, eliminating the need for external energy input and simplifying the overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element delays locking until reaction torque buildup, then torque transmission can occur, but the actuating element may move from target position during the delay
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element locks in advance before reaction torque acts on the drive motor, preventing any movement of the actuating element from its target position. This preliminary locking ensures position accuracy is maintained while still allowing torque transmission when needed.
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 double-acting freewheel effectively maintains the target position of the actuating element by preventing reaction torque transmission to the drive motor, ensuring reliable adjustment even when the vehicle is parked, and enhancing the locking torque through a self-amplifying effect.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements to securely hold the locking position
Implementation Method 2
preventing reaction torque transmission to the drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
A device for adjusting camber and/or toe of a vehicle wheel includes a rotatable actuating element arranged between a wheel-side carrier part of a wheel carrier and an axle-side guide part thereof and adjustable by a rotary drive unit. A double-acting freewheel is disposed in a driving path between the rotary drive unit and the actuating element and configured to assume a release position in which the driving path is enabled for transmission of a driving torque from the rotary drive unit onto the actuating element, and to assume a locking position in which a locking torque is generated in opposition to a reaction torque directed from the actuating element to the rotary drive unit. The freewheel is constructed to open in the presence of the driving torque generated by the rotary drive unit and closes in the presence of the reaction torque generated by the actuating element.