Indexable Washer Sleeve for Wheel Alignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel alignment systems for vehicles, particularly trailers, face challenges in adjusting camber, toe, and thrust efficiently, leading to irregular tire wear due to axle flexing under load and uneven road surfaces, and existing solutions require significant disassembly and labor for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an indexable pair of washers and a sleeve with non-concentric inner and outer surfaces allows for adjustments to camber, toe, and thrust by rotating the sleeve relative to the spindle, enabling precise alignment without disassembly, and can be retrofitted to existing axle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the axle stiffness is increased to resolve camber issues, then the camber stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment adjustment function is segmented from the axle structure itself and implemented through separate indexable washers and alignment mechanisms. This allows the axle to maintain its original lightweight design while adding alignment correction capability through modular components that can be independently adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamically adjustable alignment parameters through indexable washers with multiple angular positions. Instead of a fixed rigid structure, the system allows real-time adjustment of camber, toe, and thrust angles to adapt to different loading conditions and road surfaces, eliminating the need for excessive axle stiffness.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment adjustment methods are used, then the alignment precision can be achieved, but the labor time and disassembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indexable washers are pre-configured with multiple predetermined angular positions that correspond to specific alignment values. This preliminary preparation of alignment positions allows technicians to simply rotate the washers to the desired position rather than performing time-consuming measurements and adjustments, achieving precise alignment quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is designed to be self-adjusting through the indexable washer mechanism that maintains its position without requiring complex locking procedures or specialized tools. The design enables field adjustments by end users without needing to return to the manufacturer or service center.
3Strength
If the axle is designed to be rigid, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to different road conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static, fixed alignment of a rigid axle into a dynamic, adjustable system. The indexable washers enable the axle to adapt its alignment parameters (camber, toe, thrust) to different road conditions and loading scenarios while maintaining the structural integrity of the rigid axle itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in alignment parameters without altering the physical structure or dimensions of the axle. By rotating the indexable washers to different angular positions, the effective alignment parameters are changed to suit different operating conditions, providing versatility without compromising axle strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for wheel alignment provides an indexable pair of washers in conjunction with a sleeve having non-concentric inner and outer surfaces that allow for adjustments to camber, toe, and thrust. The system can be retrofitted to existing axle systems using a sleeve that fits over the spindle of the axle. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the spindle provides for adjustment to wheel alignment. The indexable washers can be used to determine the precise amount of adjustment and fix the position of the sleeve once adjusted. The system can be implemented regardless of the circumferential position (i.e. azimuthal orientation) of a keyway or groove on the axle spindle that is typically used to lock the position of the axle nut.