Suspension Strut Thread Insert for Easier Spring Preload Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suspension strut systems for vehicles, particularly motorcycles, face complications in adjusting the preload of coil springs due to the cumbersome handling of clamping rings, which can lead to excessive tightening and potential damage to the damper components.
Innovation Solution
The suspension strut system incorporates a thread insert with a holding and actuating region in the abutment element, allowing for adjustable preload by varying the diameter of the thread insert, which securely fixes the abutment element in place without requiring manual holding, preventing excessive tightening and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping ring is used to fix the abutment element on the cylinder, then the position of the abutment element can be fixed, but the handling becomes complicated and excessive tightening may damage the cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The thread insert is designed to automatically engage with the male thread on the cylinder and secure the abutment element in position without requiring manual intervention or separate clamping operations. The self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually tighten clamping rings, thereby preventing excessive tightening damage while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic clamping ring mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simplified thread insert design. By removing the clamping ring component entirely, the patent eliminates both the handling complexity and the risk of excessive tightening, while the thread insert provides sufficient securing function through its engagement with the male thread.
2Reliability
If a clamping ring is used to fix the abutment element, then the position can be secured, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the clamping ring component from the assembly, significantly simplifying the device structure. The thread insert provides the necessary securing function with fewer parts, eliminating the complexity associated with separate clamping mechanisms while maintaining reliable position fixation of the abutment element.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread insert combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides threading engagement with the cylinder, secures the abutment element in position, and eliminates the need for separate clamping rings. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining fixing reliability.
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
This solution simplifies the adjustment of the suspension strut's preload, ensuring safe and secure fixing of the abutment element, reducing the risk of damper damage and allowing for easier handling during maintenance or operation.
Implementation Method 1
The thread insert has a holding region and an actuating region. The region between the holding region and the actuating region can be arranged in the threads of the male thread of the cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension strut includes a cylinder having a piston moveable in the cylinder, a coil spring arranged around the cylinder, and an abutment element for mounting the coil spring. The position of the abutment element is adjustably fixable along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder with respect to one direction, the cylinder has a male thread, and the abutment element has a female thread corresponding to the male thread. A thread insert is arranged in the abutment element, the thread insert has a holding region and an actuating region, and the region between the holding region and the actuating region can be arranged in the threads of the male thread of the cylinder. A holding means for the holding region is in the abutment element, the actuating region is mounted moveably in the abutment element, and the diameter of the thread insert is variable by movement of the actuating region.