Spindle Sleeve and Washer for Wheel Alignment Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle systems fail to effectively adjust camber, toe, and thrust angles, leading to uneven tire wear and alignment issues, particularly in vehicles carrying heavy loads or navigating uneven road surfaces, due to the inherent rigidity and geometry of typical axles which cause flexing and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a spindle sleeve with an outer and inner surface of revolution, oriented at desired angles to induce specific camber, toe, and thrust angles, combined with a washer that prevents rotation of the spindle sleeve, allowing for precise adjustment of wheel alignment without requiring extensive disassembly or labor, and enabling use on either side of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the axle stiffness is increased to resolve camber issues, then the alignment stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the alignment adjustment function into separate components: the spindle sleeve provides camber adjustment while the toe arm assembly provides toe adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently rather than requiring the entire axle to be stiffened, thereby maintaining alignment stability without increasing overall material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the fixed axle and the rotating spindle assembly. It provides the necessary camber adjustment through its angled configuration while the toe arm assembly mediates the toe angle adjustment, allowing alignment correction without modifying the axle structure itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid axle structure is used to maintain alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to road conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities to the traditionally static rigid axle system. The spindle sleeve can be rotated to different camber angles, and the toe arm assembly can be adjusted for different toe angles, allowing the alignment to be dynamically adapted to various road conditions and operational requirements while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes in the alignment system by allowing the spindle sleeve to be positioned at different camber angles and the toe arm assembly to be adjusted for different toe angles. This provides adaptability to various road conditions while maintaining precision through defined adjustment positions and locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the spindle sleeve is made rotatable for adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment adjustment function from the main spindle assembly and places it in separate, dedicated components: the spindle sleeve for camber adjustment and the toe arm assembly for toe adjustment. This extraction simplifies the adjustment operation while containing the complexity in modular components that can be independently manufactured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer with the protrusion acts as an intermediary that prevents unwanted rotation of the spindle sleeve while allowing controlled adjustment. This simple intermediary component enables ease of operation for alignment adjustment without significantly increasing the overall device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the camber angle is increased to compensate for road slope, then the tire wear is improved, but the brake alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides dynamic adjustment capability where the spindle sleeve can be rotated to different camber angles to compensate for road slope and reduce tire wear. The brake alignment is maintained through the precise angular relationship between the spindle sleeve and the brake mounting surfaces, which are designed to maintain proper alignment across the adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes in camber angle through the rotatable spindle sleeve while maintaining brake alignment through carefully designed geometric relationships. The brake mounting surfaces are positioned and angled such that camber adjustments do not compromise brake alignment, allowing both parameters to be optimized simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A spindle sleeve and washer for adjusting the camber, toe, or thrust angle of a vehicle wheel to a desired predetermined angle which allows for use of existing hub and spindle assembly without permanent modification to the vehicle.