Self-Centering Clamp Block for Vehicle Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clamp blocks in vehicle suspension systems tend to twist and spread apart under the weight of the bar pin, making it difficult to maintain a secure grip and proper alignment due to the reduction or unevenness of the gap between them.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a base with a semi-cylindrical receiving portion and interlocking joint portions that prevent separation by engaging the bar pin over a 180-degree radius, ensuring the clamp blocks remain centered and securely attached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional clamp blocks are used to capture the bar pin, then the clamp blocks can initially secure the bar pin, but under the weight of the axle and torque box, the clamp blocks twist and spread apart, leaving insufficient gap for shims

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure grip of bar pinVSAvoidalignment of clamp blocks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp block is divided into multiple segments or lobes that can independently adjust their position. Each segment can flex or rotate slightly to accommodate the bar pin while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing the twisting and spreading that occurs in conventional solid clamp blocks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp block incorporates elements with variable geometric parameters, such as eccentric circles or adjustable lobes, that can change their effective radius or position. This allows the clamp block to maintain a consistent outer diameter while internally adjusting to keep segments centered and prevent spreading under load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the clamp blocks are designed to be simple and easy to manufacture, then production cost is reduced, but the clamp blocks lack the complex interlocking features needed to prevent twisting and spreading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructure of clamp block

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp block is segmented into lobes or sections that can be formed using standard casting or machining processes. Each segment is relatively simple in shape, but their arrangement and interconnection provide the necessary complexity to prevent twisting and spreading while maintaining manufacturability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp block incorporates asymmetric features such as offset lobes or non-uniform thickness distributions that provide anti-twisting functionality. These asymmetric elements are designed to work with standard manufacturing processes, balancing the need for functional complexity with ease of production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS7553102B2Self-centering clamp block

Publication Date: 2009.06.30 INT TRUCK INTPROP CO LLC

AI summary

A clamp member for a suspension system of a vehicle includes a base having a length, a width and a depth. The base also has an inside surface and an outside surface, and a front surface and a back surface. A semi-cylindrical receiving portion is disposed on the inside surface of the base and extends through the depth of the base. A first joint portion is disposed on the base and has a first finger extending from the inside surface in the width direction. The first finger is offset in the depth direction from the back surface. A second joint portion is disposed on the base on the opposite side of the semi-cylindrical receiving portion from the first joint portion. The second joint portion has a second finger extending from the inside surface in the width direction, and is offset in the depth direction from the front surface.