Modular Clevis Mount Assembly for Tool-Free Spring Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems face challenges in efficiently changing vehicle springs without damaging critical joints or requiring specialized tools, especially in field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece modular clevis mount assembly comprising an adapter mount and a modular clevis, allowing for easy detachment and replacement of springs without disturbing the critical joint between the adapter mount and the damper shaft, using common tools and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a traditional integrated clevis mount is used to secure the spring, then the joint between the clevis and damper shaft remains intact, but the spring cannot be changed without damaging the critical joint or requiring specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis mount is divided into two separate components: a stationary clevis portion that remains attached to the damper shaft, and a removable mounting portion that secures the spring. This segmentation allows the spring to be replaced by simply detaching and reattaching the removable portion without affecting the critical joint between the clevis and damper shaft, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of spring replacement and joint integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the clevis is made as a single-piece integrated structure, then structural strength is maintained, but spring replacement requires specialized tools and may damage the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis mount is segmented into a stationary portion and a removable portion connected via a fastening mechanism. This allows the structure to be manufactured as separate components that assemble into a strong integrated unit, while enabling easy spring replacement by simply operating the fastening mechanism with common tools, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
A fastening mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stationary clevis portion and the removable mounting portion. This intermediary component provides a controlled interface that allows easy detachment and reattachment for spring replacement while maintaining structural strength when engaged, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and ease of manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If the clevis mount is designed for easy spring removal, then field serviceability improves, but the critical joint between adapter mount and damper shaft may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented so that only the spring-securing portion is removable, while the portion containing the critical joint with the damper shaft remains stationary. This allows field serviceability to be improved through easy spring replacement while the critical joint remains intact and uncompromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-securing function is extracted as a separate removable portion from the critical joint assembly. This extraction allows the spring to be easily removed and replaced in field conditions while the critical joint between the adapter mount and damper shaft remains undisturbed and maintains its integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular clevis comprising, a first wing and a second wing parallel to one another wherein said first wing has a first opening and said second wing has a second opening, said first opening and said second opening to couple with a structural component of a vehicle. The modular clevis further comprising a plurality of adapter openings. An adapter mount comprising, a shaft opening configured to receive and couple with a shaft of a damper. The adapter mount further comprising a plurality of mount openings to align with said plurality of adapter openings of said modular clevis and to couple with said modular clevis via a plurality of fasteners.