Suspension Spring Adjuster With Helical Slot for Compact Stiffness Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension adjusting devices for automotive vehicles are bulky due to the use of an adjusting sleeve and a receptacle, compromising compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjusting ring that includes a finger in a helical groove and locking means to block rotational mobility, allowing the length of the suspension spring to vary, thereby adjusting stiffness without increasing bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjusting sleeve and receptacle are used to modify spring length, then suspension stiffness can be adjusted, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjusting ring and blocking sleeve into a single integrated component that performs both adjustment and blocking functions. The blocking sleeve is formed as an integral part of the adjusting ring, eliminating the need for separate adjusting sleeve and receptacle components, thereby reducing overall device bulk while maintaining adjustability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting ring serves multiple functions: it acts as both the adjusting mechanism and the blocking mechanism through its integrated blocking sleeve. The helical groove in the blocking sleeve serves dual purposes of guiding the spring and providing the adjustment mechanism, making the device more compact by eliminating dedicated separate components for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A device for adjusting the stiffness of a suspension spring includes a locking sleeve which defines a helical slot for accepting one end of the suspension spring, and an adjusting ring mounted with the ability to rotate relative to the locking sleeve about a main axis. The adjusting ring has a finger which emerges into the helical slot and is able to form an end stop for the end of the suspension spring. Structure is provided for locking the rotational mobility of the adjusting ring relative to the locking sleeve.