Suspension Joint Mounting Plate With Slugs for Wheel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint mounting solutions for vehicle steering and suspension systems often require configurational changes that compromise clearance and space, making installation more difficult and less streamlined.
Innovation Solution
A joint mounting kit featuring a mounting plate with elongated slots and a variety of slugs with different wheel adjustment dimensions, allowing for precise camber and caster adjustments while maintaining ease of installation and a streamlined design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configurational changes are made to the mounting plate structure to accommodate joint positioning variations, then camber and caster adjustment capability is improved, but clearance and space for installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is segmented into multiple positioning holes arranged in specific patterns, allowing selection of different hole combinations to achieve various camber and caster adjustments. This segmentation provides adjustment versatility without requiring complex structural changes to the overall mounting plate design, thereby maintaining installation clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed with multiple positioning holes that serve multiple functions: adjusting camber angle, adjusting caster angle, and accommodating different joint positions. This multi-functionality allows a single mounting plate design to provide comprehensive adjustment capabilities without adding additional components that would reduce installation space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning holes are added to the mounting plate for adjustment, then adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate features multiple positioning holes segmented into different groups or patterns, where each group corresponds to specific adjustment ranges. This segmentation allows comprehensive adjustability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the holes are integrated into the plate rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate uses replicated positioning hole patterns that can be used in different configurations. Instead of designing complex unique features for each adjustment scenario, standardized hole patterns are copied and arranged to provide various adjustment options, simplifying the design process and reducing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting plate structure is streamlined to improve installation ease, then installation time is reduced, but adjustment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate incorporates multiple precisely positioned holes in a segmented arrangement, allowing selection of the optimal hole combination for each specific adjustment need. This segmentation provides fine adjustment precision while maintaining a streamlined structure, as the precise positioning is achieved through the hole locations rather than complex structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate utilizes changes in positional parameters (hole locations and arrangements) to achieve precise adjustment capabilities. By varying the positions of the positioning holes in a systematic pattern, the design achieves fine adjustment precision without adding structural complexity, maintaining both installation ease and adjustment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint mounting kit comprises a mounting plate and slugs to enhance adjustability of the vehicle suspension system. A fastener is configured to be received in the mounting hole to at least partially retain the mounting plate to a vehicle component, and a slug is configured to be received in the mounting hole with the fastener. The slug has a slug height that is equal to or less than a height of the mounting hole interior wall. In another implementation, the joint mounting kit comprises a plurality of slugs, with two or more slugs having different wheel adjustment dimensions. In yet another implementation, the slug has a tool removal recess to help facilitate slug removal.