Vehicle Suspension Pre-Load Adjustment Mechanism Preventing Spring Reaction Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle suspensions with pre-load adjustment mechanisms, large loads can cause the adjuster and controller to turn due to the reaction force of the spring, leading to pre-load changes, making it difficult to adjust the pre-load effectively without using complex structures like double nuts.
Innovation Solution
A pre-load adjustment mechanism that includes a pre-load controller and an intermediate member, where the pre-load controller fits into the outer circumferential portion and is movable by turning on a thread portion, with a long groove and engagement portions to restrict turning and prevent reaction force-induced pre-load changes, allowing easy adjustment without a double nut structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double nut structure is used to prevent turning, then the pre-load can be prevented from changing due to reaction force, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lock member as an intermediary component between the adjuster and the reaction force. The lock member engages with a groove in the adjuster to prevent turning, while being actuated by a simple locking mechanism (such as a pin or clip) that can be operated manually or automatically. This intermediary structure prevents the need for complex double nut arrangements while maintaining pre-load stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pre-load adjustment mechanism into separate functional components: an adjuster for pre-load adjustment, a lock member for preventing turning, and a simple actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple structure, avoiding the need for a complex integrated double nut structure.
2Ease of operation
If a simple adjustment mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to prevent turning under large load is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member serves as an intermediary that provides anti-turning capability without complicating the adjustment operation. The simple actuating mechanism (pin, clip, or manual lever) operates the lock member to engage or disengage from the groove, allowing the operator to easily adjust pre-load while maintaining the ability to prevent turning under load through the locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can be easily engaged and disengaged during adjustment operations, then automatically locks to prevent turning under load. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to switch between easy adjustment mode and secure locking mode, satisfying both ease of operation and reliability requirements.
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
The mechanism effectively prevents pre-load changes caused by the spring's reaction force, allowing for easy and precise adjustment of the pre-load, even under large loads, without the need for complex structures like double nuts, and supports the intermediate member to prevent tilting and ensure stepwise adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
the pre-load controller (71) fits in an outer circumferential portion (60a) of the one end portion (60) and is movable in the stroke direction by turning on a thread portion (60b) of the outer circumferential portion (60a)
Data Source
AI summary
In a suspension for a vehicle including a pre-load adjustment mechanism, the pre-load adjustment mechanism includes a pre-load controller and an intermediate member, the pre-load controller being arranged at one end portion and receiving a spring, the intermediate member being sandwiched between the pre-load controller and the spring, the pre-load controller fits in an outer circumferential portion of the one end portion and is movable in the stroke direction by turning on a thread portion of the outer circumferential portion, the one end portion includes a long groove portion in the outer circumferential portion, the long groove portion extending in the stroke direction, the intermediate member has a ring-shape and is movable in the stroke direction, the outer circumferential portion being inserted to the ring-shape, and the intermediate member includes an engagement portion that engages with the long groove portion.