Vehicle Suspension Geometry Adjustment Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting vehicle suspension geometry, such as the pit toe-in and pre-setting methods, face limitations in achieving optimal toe-in and camber values, especially in multi-link suspensions, leading to non-optimal handling and long reworking times, while the geometry adjustment method is inflexible and not suitable for high production rates.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment assembly that allows for a stable connection of an adjustable plate to the wheel disc, enabling continuous adjustment without the need for tooling changes, using electrical actuators to adjust the position of locating elements and displacement means to adjust the wheel disc's position in space, facilitating the adjustment of toe-in, camber, and translation of the disc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed cylinders are used to establish a single and invariable orientation of the contact element, then the orientation is stable and precise, but the device cannot adapt to different suspension types and requires tooling changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed cylinders with electrical actuators that can dynamically adjust the orientation of the adjustable plate. The actuators enable the contact element to adapt its position and orientation according to different suspension types while maintaining precise control through electronic feedback systems, thus achieving both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using electrical actuators to vary the positional parameters of the contact element. Instead of being constrained to a single fixed orientation, the system can change multiple parameters (position, angle, orientation) electronically, allowing adaptation to different suspension configurations while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled parameter adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tooling changes are made to adapt to different suspension types, then the device can handle various configurations, but production is interrupted and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single adjustable assembly that can perform multiple functions for different suspension types. The electrical actuators and adjustable plate configuration allow the same device to accommodate various suspension geometries without requiring physical tooling changes, thus maintaining continuous production and avoiding downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the contact element through electrical actuators enables the system to rapidly reconfigure for different suspension types during production. This eliminates the need for manual tooling changes and interruptions, maintaining high productivity while providing versatility across different vehicle models and suspension configurations.
3Productivity
If all screws are tightened except adjustment screws, then assembly can proceed, but toe-in and camber adjustment requires subsequent reworking in the pit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing toe-in and camber adjustments during the main assembly process using the adjustable plate and electrical actuators. The system pre-adjusts the wheel disc orientation to precise values before final tightening, eliminating the need for subsequent reworking in the pit and ensuring both productivity and precision are achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from encoder sensors that detect the orientation of the wheel disc to automatically control the electrical actuators. This closed-loop feedback ensures that toe-in and camber values are precisely achieved during assembly, eliminating the need for post-assembly reworking and ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained throughout the process.
4Measurement precision
If lasers or potentiometer feelers are used to detect wheel disc orientation, then precise measurement is achieved, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using encoder sensors integrated into the adjustable assembly itself to detect the position and orientation of the contact element and wheel disc. The measurement system is built into the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external measurement devices like lasers or potentiometer feelers, thus reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder sensors provide direct feedback to the control system about the wheel disc orientation and actuator position. This integrated feedback mechanism simplifies the measurement system by using the existing moving parts and sensors of the adjustment assembly itself, rather than requiring complex external measurement equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly for adjusting the geometry of a vehicle suspension. The assembly according to the invention comprises an adjustment head, which includes a supporting plate and an adjustable plate connectable in rigid manner to said wheel discs of the suspension. Such head comprises a joint, which connects the two plates defining a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis for the adjustable plate with respect to the supporting plate. The assembly according to the invention comprises connection means for connecting the adjustable plate to wheel disc. The assembly further comprises toe-in adjustment means, comprising at least one first locating element for the adjustable plate, the position of which is adjustable along a first adjustment axis. The assembly further comprises camber adjustment means, comprising at least one second locating element for said adjustable plate, the position of which is adjustable along a second adjustment axis. According to the invention, the position of said locating elements is defined as a function of the required toe-in and camber values. The assembly further comprises displacement means configured to move said head in the space along at least one displacement axis and independently from the activation of said connection means.