Strut Suspension Height Adjustment Using Nested Spacer Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems require disassembly and repositioning of components to adjust strut suspension height, making it difficult to add or remove lift kits without disconnecting other vehicle parts.
Innovation Solution
A spacer assembly with nesting plates and bolt receiving slots allows for adjustable height adjustments between the strut lower mount and control arm without disassembling suspension components or repositioning the drive shaft, enabling easy installation and removal of spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional lift kits are added to raise vehicle body height, then the vehicle body height is increased, but disassembly or removal of suspension components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer assembly is divided into multiple individual spacer members (first spacer member, second spacer member, etc.) that can be installed independently between the strut lower mount and control arm. Each spacer member is a separate component that can be added or removed without affecting other spacers, allowing incremental height adjustments without disassembly of the suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer members are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with larger spacers containing smaller spacers. This nesting arrangement allows multiple spacer members of different sizes to be stored compactly together, and enables selective installation of specific spacer combinations to achieve desired height adjustments without requiring disassembly of the suspension components.
2Length of moving object
If conventional spacers are installed below the lower mount, then the strut suspension height is increased, but disassembly of suspension components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer assembly utilizes a dynamic bolt installation approach where the bolt is initially installed in a loose condition allowing the spacer members to be positioned and nested between the lower mount and control arm. After the spacers are in place, the bolt is then tightened to secure the assembly. This dynamic sequencing allows spacer installation without disassembly of suspension components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt receiving slot is designed to extend from the edge of the plate into the body of the plate, creating a three-dimensional void space that accommodates the bolt shank. This dimensional feature allows the bolt to be inserted from the side and positioned at different depths, enabling the spacer to be installed and adjusted without removing other suspension components or repositioning the drive shaft.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spacers are added to achieve different heights, then height adjustability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spacer members of different thicknesses are prepared in advance and can be nested together before installation. The desired combination of spacers can be pre-selected and pre-nested to achieve the target height adjustment, then installed as a single unit between the lower mount and control arm. This preliminary preparation reduces installation time by eliminating the need to source and install multiple separate spacer components during the actual installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is described for increasing a range of height adjustment of a strut suspension system. The apparatus includes multiple spacers that together allow for increased range of adjustment and ease of installation.