Rocker Arm Fixing Assembly for Tool-Free Camber and Toe Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing systems for rocker arms in vehicles, particularly in all-electric vehicles, face challenges due to reduced space and require tools for assembly, making them cumbersome and impractical for adjusting toe-in and camber angles.
Innovation Solution
A compact fixing system featuring a threaded rod with dual threads and cams, a locking cavity, and an elastic clip that allows for tool-free adjustment and locking of the rocker arm to the vehicle chassis, enabling quick and economical adjustment of toe-in and camber angles even in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional screw/cam assembly is used for fixing the rocker arm, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the assembly requires tools and adequate space for positioning and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clip automatically engages with the cam and rocker arm assembly when the nut is tightened, providing self-locking functionality without requiring separate locking components or tools. The elastic deformation of the clip creates automatic engagement and retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged into the nut-cam-clip assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms such as cotter pins or circlips. The clip integrates the locking action directly into the tightening process.
2Reliability
If a conventional screw/cam assembly with multiple components is used, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the overall size and complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from the conventional assembly. By removing cotter pins, circlips, and separate locking mechanisms, the design achieves secure locking with fewer parts, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a locking element, a retaining element, and a positioning element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the assembly.
3Reliability
If conventional locking components like cotter pins and circlips are used, then the locking is secure, but adequate space is required for their positioning and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clip is nested within the space between the cam and the rocker arm assembly, utilizing existing clearance rather than requiring additional external space. The clip engages in the longitudinal groove of the cam, fitting into the existing geometric constraints of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clip, being a flexible component, can deform to engage and lock in confined spaces. Its elastic nature allows it to flex into position and maintain locking without requiring large clearance zones for insertion and manipulation.
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
Enables easy, quick, and economical adjustment and locking of the rocker arm in tight spaces, suitable for all-electric vehicles without the need for tools, ensuring efficient angular adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic clip shaped as an open ring, the elastic clip being housed in the groove of the second nut so as to hold the pin in the positioning hole
Implementation Method 2
a first nut, screwed onto the first thread of the rod to lock the position of the first cam in the longitudinal direction; and a second nut, screwed onto the second thread of the rod to lock the position of the second cam
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing system for a rocker arm of a vehicle suspension has a threaded rod having a first thread, a second thread and a locking cavity. The fixing system has a first cam, integral for rotation with the threaded rod by shape-fitting coupling, a second cam integral for rotation with the threaded rod by shape-fitting coupling, a first nut, screwed onto the first thread to lock position of the first cam, and a second nut, screwed onto the second thread to lock position of the second cam and having a locking portion having a circumferential groove and a positioning hole passing through the circumferential groove. An elastic clip shaped as an open ring is accommodated in the circumferential groove for retaining a pin in the positioning hole. In a screwed position of the second nut, the pin fits into the locking cavity and locks the position of the second nut.