Vehicle Suspension Link with Actuator and Lock for Camber Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting vehicle suspension angles, such as camber, castor, or toe, to improve handling during turns is difficult and time-consuming, often requiring disassembly of components and installation of additional links, which are costly and challenging to implement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a suspension link, an arm with pivotally connected actuator and lock, where a computer receives user input to actuate the actuator and lock to move the suspension link to specified angles, adjusting the camber, castor, or toe of the wheel, thereby improving handling without manual disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of suspension angles is performed, then handling during turns can be improved, but the adjustment process becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring disassembly of components
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension link is made movable between fixed positions rather than being permanently fixed. The link can be repositioned between multiple predetermined angles (e.g., 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees) through a mechanical adjustment mechanism that allows the link to slide or pivot between positions, enabling dynamic adaptation of suspension geometry for different driving conditions without requiring full disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension adjustment mechanism is divided into discrete, pre-defined angular positions rather than allowing continuous adjustment. The suspension link has specific stop positions or detents at predetermined angles, allowing the system to offer a limited set of optimized configurations (e.g., 0°, 10°, 20° camber angles) that can be quickly selected based on driving needs, simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If additional suspension links are installed to adjust angles, then handling can be improved, but the cost and complexity of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable suspension link serves multiple functions: it maintains proper wheel alignment during normal driving, enables improved handling during turns through angle adjustment, and can be repositioned for different driving conditions (highway, city, towing). This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate alignment devices or complex adjustable mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while achieving versatile performance
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a suspension link, an arm, an actuator, and a lock. The arm is connected to the suspension link. The arm includes a plurality of holes. The actuator is connected to the arm. The lock includes a pin releasably engageable with the plurality of holes of the arm.