Pneumatic Locking Turnplate for Stable Wheel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel alignment systems face challenges in securely locking the turnplate during alignment procedures, particularly when vehicles are rolled onto lifts, as standard locking pins may not provide sufficient stability and may allow unwanted movement.
Innovation Solution
A locking turnplate design featuring a cylinder body with a piston and mid-plate assembly, supported by ball bearings, which uses pressurized air or fluid to compress the bearings and prevent relative movement between the top and mid-plates, ensuring stable positioning during wheel alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent turnplate movement during alignment, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic cylinder with a piston that moves in response to air pressure applied to an annular cylinder chamber. When pressure is applied, the piston moves toward the mid-plate, causing the cylinder body to pull downward on the bushing and top plate, compressing the ball bearings and locking the turnplate in place. This pneumatic mechanism provides reliable locking without complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing acts as an intermediary element between the cylinder body and the top plate. It translates the downward pull from the cylinder body into compression of the ball bearings, thereby mediating the locking action. The bearing assembly with multiple spaced ball bearings serves as an intermediary mechanism that converts the locking force into prevention of relative motion between the top plate and mid-plate.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic cylinder provides reliable locking through controlled air pressure application. The piston responds predictably to pressure changes, moving to engage or disengage the locking position. This pneumatic actuation ensures consistent and reliable locking behavior without the need for complex mechanical locking sequences or multiple locking points.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the locking force, acts as a structural support element, and enables both locked and unlocked states through a single integrated component. The bearing assembly similarly provides both support for the top plate and the locking mechanism through the compression of ball bearings, reducing the need for separate locking components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the turnplate structure is made more robust to prevent movement, then stability improves, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly with multiple spaced ball bearings provides dynamic adaptability. When the turnplate is locked, the ball bearings are compressed between the top plate and mid-plate, preventing movement and providing stability. When unlocked, the ball bearings can move freely, allowing the top plate to pivot smoothly. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to provide both stability during alignment and ease of operation when repositioning is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball bearings serve as an intermediary between the rigid top plate and mid-plate structures. They transmit forces when locked while allowing relative motion when unlocked, mediating between the conflicting requirements of stability and operational ease. The bearing retainer holds the ball bearings in position while allowing them to function as the dynamic element in the system.
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 design provides enhanced stability and secure locking of the turnplate, allowing for precise wheel alignment procedures by preventing unwanted movement, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of vehicle wheel alignment.
Implementation Method 1
A top plate is supported above the mid-plate by a bearing assembly including a plurality of spaced ball bearings
Implementation Method 2
applying a pressure to the cylinder chamber presses the piston toward the mid plate and causes the cylinder body to pull downward on the bushing and the top plate in order to compress the ball bearings
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a locking turnplate includes a cylinder body having a cylinder chamber. A piston is received in the cylinder chamber and a mid-plate is disposed above the cylinder chamber of the cylinder body. A top plate is supported above the mid-plate by a bearing assembly including a plurality of spaced ball bearings. A bushing is fixedly attached to the top plate and extends through an aperture in the mid-plate. The bushing includes a flange that engages a bottom shoulder of an aperture of the cylinder body, wherein applying a pressure to the cylinder chamber presses the piston toward the mid plate and causes the cylinder body to pull downward on the bushing and the top plate in order to compress the ball bearings and prevent the top plate from moving relative to the mid plate.