Spring Strut Biasing Ring With Self-Locking Threaded Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension struts for vehicles, particularly motorcycles, face complications in adjusting the preload of coil springs due to the need for a clamping ring that can lead to overtightening and damage to the shock absorber, making it difficult to fix the position of the stop element without risking the integrity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A stop element with a threaded insert that includes a holding and actuation area, where the actuation area is movably mounted and can change diameter, allowing for secure fixation without overtightening, using a resilient design that prevents rotation in one direction and allows adjustment in the other, utilizing a threaded insert that engages and disengages with the external thread to control frictional force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping ring is used to fix the stop element position, then the stop element position can be secured, but the risk of overtightening and damaging the shock absorber cylinder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is designed with self-locking threads that automatically secure the position without requiring a separate clamping ring. The threaded connection inherently prevents loosening through friction and geometric locking, eliminating the need for additional securing components that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a clamping ring to secure the stop element, the invention uses the threaded connection between the stop element and shock absorber cylinder to provide inherent position fixation, extracting the harmful element from the system.
2Reliability
If a clamping ring with screw connection is used to secure the stop element, then the position can be fixed, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and tools required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is merged into the threaded connection itself. The stop element's threads directly engage with the shock absorber cylinder threads, combining the positioning and securing functions into a single integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for separate clamping rings and special tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adjustable positioning, inherent locking through friction, and structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized clamping components and tools, simplifying the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stop element is adjusted by rotating it on the external thread, then the preload can be changed, but the stop element may rotate unintentionally causing faulty adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection provides dynamic adjustment capability through rotation while maintaining static security through friction-based self-locking. The system transitions between movable (during adjustment) and fixed (during operation) states automatically, allowing precise preload modification without unintentional rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction between the threaded surfaces provides continuous feedback that prevents unintentional rotation. As the stop element is rotated for adjustment, the thread friction resists unintended movement, and once positioned, the same friction mechanism maintains the setting, providing inherent feedback that secures the adjustment.
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
The solution allows for simple and secure adjustment of the stop element's position along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder, preventing damage to the piston and ensuring the preload can be adjusted without risking the shock absorber's integrity, enabling safe and effective suspension tuning.
Implementation Method 1
the area between the holding area and the actuating area can be arranged in the threads of the cylinder's external thread
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Shock absorber for a vehicle, in particular for a motorcycle, comprising: • a cylinder (10) with a piston (19) movable in the cylinder (10), • a coil spring (11) arranged at least partially around the cylinder (10), • a stop element (1) for mounting the coil spring (11), wherein the position of the stop element (1) is adjustable and fixable along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder (10) at least in one direction, and wherein the cylinder (10) is provided at least partially with an external thread (20) and the stop element (1) is provided at least partially with an internal thread (21) corresponding to the external thread (20), wherein a threaded insert (2) is arranged in the stop element (1), wherein the threaded insert (2) has a retaining area (3) and an actuating area (4), and the area between the retaining area (3) and the actuating area (4) can be arranged in the threads of the external thread (20) of the cylinder (10).and wherein a holding means (5) for the holding area (3) is provided in the stop element (1), and wherein the actuating area (4) is movably mounted in the stop element (1), and wherein the diameter of the threaded insert (2) can be changed by a movement of the actuating area (4).