Vehicle Strut Mount with Motor-Driven Leadscrew for Camber Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the camber angle of a vehicle's wheel to improve handling during turns is difficult and time-consuming, often requiring disassembly of components and can lead to uneven tire wear.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a leadscrew, a strut movable along the leadscrew, and a motor connected to a rotating shaft, actuated by a computer to adjust the camber angle based on user input, allowing for automatic adjustment without manual disassembly, and includes a shock absorber and steering knuckle for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of camber angle is performed, then handling during turns is improved, but adjustment time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motor-driven leadscrew system. The motor automatically rotates the leadscrew to move the strut to the desired camber position, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment through automated control. The computer-controlled motor system automatically positions the strut based on input parameters, allowing the vehicle to adjust its own camber angle without external intervention or manual operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If camber angle is adjusted for track driving, then handling performance is improved, but tire wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of camber angle based on driving conditions. The system can switch between different camber positions (conventional driving vs. track driving modes), optimizing tire contact and handling performance for each condition while minimizing unnecessary wear during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the camber angle parameter dynamically according to the selected operation mode. By adjusting this geometric parameter only when needed (track mode) and returning to neutral position for conventional driving, the system optimizes performance while reducing overall tire wear.
3Extent of automation
If automated motor-driven adjustment is implemented, then adjustment ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven leadscrew mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts camber angle, maintains positional stability, and can be integrated with existing suspension systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing automated control without requiring entirely separate systems.
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
Enables easy adjustment of the camber angle to improve handling during turns while minimizing tire wear by evenly distributing tire contact with the road, and allows for seamless switching between different operation modes such as conventional driving and track driving.
Implementation Method 1
a leadscrew, a strut movable along the leadscrew upon rotation of the leadscrew
Implementation Method 2
a motor drivably connected to a rotating shaft that is mounted to the leadscrew
Implementation Method 3
The assembly can further include a shock absorber disposed between the wheel and the strut
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a leadscrew, a strut, and a motor. The strut is movable along the leadscrew upon rotation of the leadscrew. A camber angle of a wheel is changeable according to movement of the strut along the leadscrew. The motor is drivably connected to a rotating shaft that is mounted to the leadscrew.