Ride Steer Adjustment via Threaded Insert Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in adjusting ride steer without disassembly, as previous designs like externally-threaded split sleeves do not allow for post-assembly adjustments due to their secure engagement at the initial assembly position, leading to variations in ride steer that exceed acceptable limits.
Innovation Solution
A ride steer adjustment device featuring an annular insert sleeve with external threads that mate with internal threads on the knuckle steer arm, allowing for adjustable distance between the tie rod and knuckle steer arm, enabling precise adjustment of ride steer without disassembly, using a flange with detents and a clocking pin for locking and unlocking the insert sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an externally-threaded split sleeve is used to secure the ball stud to the knuckle steer arm, then the connection is durable and securely engaged at initial assembly, but the ride steer cannot be adjusted without disassembling the split sleeve, knuckle steer arm, and ball stud
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into three main components: the knuckle steer arm with internal threads, the adjustable ball stud with external threads, and a locking mechanism with a clamp and set screw. This segmentation allows the ball stud to be adjusted relative to the knuckle steer arm while maintaining a secure connection, resolving the contradiction between durability and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball stud is designed with adjustable positioning capability through the locking mechanism. The clamp can be positioned at different locations along the ball stud, and the set screw can be adjusted to change the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod. This dynamic adjustability allows ride steer to be optimized without compromising connection durability.
2Ease of manufacture
If dimensional variation of components and geometric variation at joints are present, then manufacturing is easier and assembly is simpler, but the ride steer variation exceeds acceptable thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable ball stud allows for changing the distance parameter between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod. By adjusting this parameter, the ride steer can be fine-tuned to compensate for dimensional and geometric variations in other components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the required precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism with clamp and set screw provides a self-adjusting capability that allows the system to compensate for variations in component dimensions and joint geometry. The operator can adjust the ball stud position to achieve the correct ride steer without requiring precision manufacturing of all components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If active suspension technology is used to minimize vertical disturbances, then vertical stability is improved, but lateral disturbances are more easily perceived and require near zero ride steer
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable ball stud enables precise adjustment of the tie rod angle by changing the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod. This parameter adjustment allows the ride steer to be minimized to near zero, reducing lateral force disturbances while maintaining the vertical stability provided by active suspension technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A ride steer adjustment device for a vehicle includes an insert sleeve that has an opening configured so that the insert sleeve has an interference fit with a tie rod ball stud when the tie rod ball stud extends through the opening. The insert sleeve has external threads and is configured to be threaded to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. A distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod is adjustable by turning the insert sleeve relative to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. Adjusting the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod changes the angle of the tie rod and thereby the ride steer.