Rotatable Alignment Insert for Vehicle Caster Camber Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical vehicle component alignment designs use stationary pins, which do not allow for future adjustments in caster and camber alignment, limiting flexibility and precision in component positioning.
Innovation Solution
An alignment system featuring interchangeable concentric and offset pins, with radially-extending tabs and notches, enabling adjustable radial positions and allowing for precise caster and camber alignment adjustments through rotatable alignment members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stationary pins are used for aligning vehicle body components, then the alignment structure is simple and stable, but the alignment cannot be adjusted after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing stationary alignment pins with rotatable alignment members that can be adjusted after assembly. The alignment members are designed to rotate within the alignment insert member, allowing the radial position of the locator pin to be changed to achieve different caster and camber alignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is segmented into multiple independent components: alignment insert member, alignment member, and locator pin. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy adjustment by rotating the alignment member to different positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable alignment members are used to enable future adjustments, then alignment flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment insert member is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different types of alignment members (concentric or offset). The radially-extending tab with notches provides a multi-position locking mechanism that works with various alignment member configurations, enabling one insert member to serve multiple alignment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment member is nested within the alignment insert member, with the locator pin fitting into the notched tab. This nested structure allows the alignment member to be rotated and locked at different positions while remaining contained within the insert member, providing adjustability without requiring separate alignment systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If offset alignment members with multiple notches are used for precise positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identifying markers (analogous to color changes) on the radially-extending tab to indicate the radial position of each notch. These markers make it easy to identify and select the desired alignment position, simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining precise positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is designed to be self-aligning through the geometric relationship between the locator pin and the notched tab. The_locator pin naturally fits into the notches, and the identifying markers provide visual feedback, allowing the operator to achieve precise alignment without complex tools or procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system for aligning a relative position between two components includes a locating member and an alignment insert member configured to couple with the locating member. The alignment insert member includes a radially-extending tab. The radially-extending tab has a plurality of identifying markers to identify a radial position of the locating member. The locating member is rotatable within the alignment insert member to adjust a radial position of the locating member.