Suspension Hanger Bushing Pin Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension hanger assembly adjustment systems face issues with visibility of alignment indicia, wear-off of markings, and the need for wrenches to tighten bushing pins, leading to improper alignment and cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable alignment mechanism with visible index notches and pointers, and a captive bolt head design allowing nut tightening without a wrench, utilizing actuator plates and ring members to align and secure the bushing pin within slots of hanger brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional indicia systems are used for alignment indication, then the alignment position can be marked, but the indicia are not readily visible and may be covered with road debris or wear off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pointer that indicates alignment by pointing to index marks on a ring member, rather than relying on fixed indicia on the bushing pin itself. This copying approach transfers the alignment indication function to a separate, protected component (the ring member with index marks), solving the visibility and durability problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring member with index marks serves as an intermediary between the bushing pin alignment position and the visual indication system. The pointer interacts with this intermediary to provide clear, durable alignment indication that is not subject to road debris or wear issues.
2Ease of operation
If a wrench is mounted on the bushing pin head and nut to facilitate tightening, then the bushing pin can be secured, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing pin head is designed with an integrated hexagonal recess that accepts a hex key or Allen wrench, eliminating the need for separate wrench mounts. The structure serves itself by incorporating the fastening interface directly into the pin head design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the bushing pin head design with an integrated hexagonal recess, merging the structural function of the pin head with the fastening function. This eliminates the need for separate wrench mounting components and simplifies the overall assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If the bushing pin alignment is not properly adjusted, then the assembly is simpler, but the wheels will not be perfectly aligned with the tandem axles
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the ring member with index marks, the pointer on the actuator plate, and the adjustable bushing pin. This segmentation allows for clear visual indication while maintaining adjustment capability, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointer and index mark system provides visual feedback during the adjustment process, allowing the operator to see when proper alignment is achieved. This feedback mechanism enables precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment mechanism for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of a hanger bracket to which a lift arm of a lift axle suspension system is secured. The adjustment mechanism may also be used for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of an auxiliary axle which is of the non-lift type. The adjustment mechanism may also be used for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of a primary axle. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable alignment mechanism of the type described which includes an improved pointer device which visually indicates the alignment position of the bushing pin. Even more particularly, this invention relates to an improved means for securing the bushing pin in its aligned position.