Claims:
1. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle comprising:
plurality of threaded bush assembly (16) configured to adjustably couple a spindle (6) and a spindle bracket assembly (17) for adjusting the wheel toe and camber angles.

2. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spindle bracket assembly (17) is configured with a spindle bracket (4) and a plate (5) provided with tapped holes (7) for securing the threaded bush assembly (16) to adjustably couple the spindle (6) with the spindle bracket (4).

3. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said threaded bush assembly (16) is configured with a threaded bush (8) and a check nut (10) for rigidly securing the threaded bush (8) at a desired position on the spindle bracket assembly (17).

4. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said threaded bush (8) is configured with internal (14) and external threads (15) for rigidly securing the threaded bush (8) in tapped hole (7) of plate (5) through external threads (15) and securely mounting said spindle (6) on the threaded bush (8) through bolts (9).

5. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said threaded bush (8) is configured with slot (13) for rotating the threaded bush (8) to vary the length of the threaded bush (8) between the spindle (6) and the spindle bracket assembly (17) for adjusting the toe and camber angles.

6. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said check nut (10) is configured to be mounted on the external threads (15) of the threaded bush (8) for locking the position of the threaded bush (8) at a desired length.

7. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said threaded bush (8) are configured to be mounted on 4 corners of the plate (5) for adjusting the toe and camber angles.

8. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the camber angle of the wheel is configured to be adjusted by rotating the desired top two or bottom two threaded bush (8) by the allen key (10).

9. A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toe angle of the wheel is configured to be adjusted by rotating the desired front two or rear two threaded bush (8) by the allen key (10).

10. The method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle comprising the steps of:
• loosening the check nut (10) and rotating top two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) to a desired position for adjusting the negative camber angle and locking the check nut (10) again;
• loosening the check nut (10) and rotating bottom two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) to a desired position for adjusting the positive camber angle and locking the check nut (10) again;
• loosening the check nut (10) and rotating front two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) to a desired position for adjusting the toe in angle and locking the check nut (10) again;
• loosening the check nut (10) and rotating rear two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) to a desired position for adjusting the toe out angle and locking the check nut (10) again.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOR REAR TWIST BEAM SUSPENSION

Applicant:
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
Floor 3, 4, Plot-18, Nanavati Mahalaya,
Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai 400001,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a rear wheel alignment arrangement having a threaded bush with both external and internal threads along with check nuts for adjusting the toe and camber angles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventionally, rear twist beam axles being non driven axles in car, the fixed type wheel alignment is prevalently used. This fixed type of rear wheel alignment is achieved by machining of defined toe and camber values on the plate where the spindle and brake system is mounted. As this toe and camber being fixed, there is no scope for user to adjust the wheel geometry variation happening in between the usage of car. This facility of toe-camber adjustment is there in high-end type of suspensions such as Multi-link, double wishbone and control blade suspension being used on premium segment cars. However, rear twist beam type suspension, being popular in larger volume car segments such entry and medium range segment, does not have this facility of adjustable toe and camber due to cost and weight burden. Hence, there is a need of cost and weight effective way of for easy adjustment of toe and camber for aligning the rear wheel.
[0003] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above and any other limitations associated with the prior arts.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle.
[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost and weight effective way of for easy adjustment of toe and camber for aligning the rear wheel.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a threaded bush having both external and internal threads along with check nuts for toe and camber alignment of rear wheel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Before the present a system and method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to a particular a system and method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension as there may be multiple possible embodiments, which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations, versions, or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a system and method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] The present invention discloses a system and method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle having a cost and weight effective way of for easy adjustment of toe and camber for aligning the rear wheel. A threaded bush having both external and internal threads on it outer and inner surface respectively along with check nuts is introduced in between the spindle and the twist beam welded structure which engages through tapped holes on camber plate for toe and camber alignment of rear wheel. As per the adjustment required the respective threaded bush is tightened or loosened for aligning the wheel.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention discloses a system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle comprising of plurality of threaded bush assembly (16) configured to adjustably couple a spindle (6) and a spindle bracket assembly (17) for adjusting the wheel toe and camber angles.
[0010] The spindle bracket assembly (17) is configured with a spindle bracket (4) and a plate (5) provided with tapped holes (7) for securing the threaded bush assembly (16) to adjustably couple the spindle (6) with the spindle bracket (4). The threaded bush assembly (16) is configured with a threaded bush (8) and a check nut (10) for rigidly securing the threaded bush (8) at a desired position on the spindle bracket assembly (17). The threaded bush (8) is configured with internal (14) and external threads (15) for rigidly securing the threaded bush (8) in tapped hole (7) of plate (5) through external threads (15) and securely mounting said spindle (6) on the threaded bush (8) through bolts (9). The threaded bush (8) is configured with slot (13) for rotating the threaded bush (8) to vary the length of the threaded bush (8) between the spindle (6) and the spindle bracket assembly (17) for adjusting the toe and camber angles. The check nut (10) is configured to be mounted on the external threads (15) of the threaded bush (8) for locking the position of the threaded bush (8) at a desired length. The threaded bush (8) are configured to be mounted on 4 corners of the plate (5) for adjusting the toe and camber angles. The the camber angle of the wheel is configured to be adjusted by rotating the desired top two or bottom two threaded bush (8) by the allen key (10). The toe angle of the wheel is configured to be adjusted by rotating the desired front two or rear two threaded bush (8) by the allen key (10).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the present subject matter is not limited to the specific a system and method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle disclosed in the document and the figures.
[0012] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0013] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the wheel alignment arrangement of rear twist beam.
[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a rear twist beam suspension system with wheel alignment arrangement.
[0015] Figure 3 illustrates the adjustment method for wheel alignment of rear wheel.
[0016] Figure 4 illustrates the line diagram of wheel alignment arrangement of rear twist beam.
[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a cross section view of the threaded bush.
[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a threaded bush assembly.
[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a spindle bracket assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any system and method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle and, similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, system and method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle is now described.
[0021] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described but is to be accorded the widest scope consist in this regard, in a generic sense.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, in such a twist beam suspension system, a pair of trailing arms 1 and 1' is coupled to each other by a torsion beam (2). A pair of joints 3 and 3', each having a bushing, is provided on front ends of the trailing arms 1 and 1', respectively. The front end of each trailing arm 1, 1' is pivotably mounted to an automobile body (not shown) through each joint 3, 3'.
[0023] Furthermore, a spindle bracket assembly 17 is welded to the rear end of each trailing arm 1, 1'. A wheel is coupled to each spindle bracket 17 by a wheel bracket.
[0024] Referring to portion R1 of FIG. 1 and to FIG. 2, a plate (5) is provided between each spindle bracket 4, 4' and each wheel bracket. The inclination of each wheel bracket from a lengthwise direction (with respect to the front and back of the automobile) and from a vertical direction (with respect to the height direction of the automobile) is adjusted by changing the thickness of the plate (5) through cutting. Therefore, the toe angle and the camber angle of each wheel are determined.
[0025] For reference, a toe angle means an angle between the longitudinal axis of the automobile and each wheel, a front portion of which is angled inward or outward when viewing the automobile in a plan view. The toe angle of each wheel can be set to a previously designed value by adjusting the forward and backward angle of the associated plate (5). The camber angle means an angle between the vertical axis of the automobile and each wheel, an upper portion of which is angled inward or outward. The camber angle can be set to a previously designed value by adjusting the vertical inclination of the associated plate (5).
[0026] For adjusting the toe and camber angles a plurality of threaded bushes (8) are introduced in between the spindle bracket (4) and the wheel bracket which engages through tapped holes (7) on the plate (5). The threaded bush (8) has both internal (14) and external threads (15) in order to adjust the angle of plane forming from the array of threaded bushes (8), this plane is the toe and camber angle plane. The threaded bush (8) has allen key slot (13) on the inner face of mounting provided on twist beam axle. In addition to this a check nut (10) is provided and it has been fitted on the external threads (15) on same face to lock the position of threaded bush (8). Spindle (6) is fitted on the on the face of all the bushes (8) with the help of bolts (9) engaging internal threads (14) of bushes (8).
[0027] To adjust the camber angle of the wheel following steps are to be followed:
a) For negative camber – Loosen the check nut (10) and rotate top two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) and lock the check nut (10) again. Repeat this process till camber angle is adjusted.
b) For positive camber – Loosen the check nut (10) and rotate bottom two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) and lock the check nut (10) again. Repeat this process till camber angle is adjusted
[0028] To adjust the toe angle of the wheel following steps are to be followed:
a) For toe in – Loosen the check nut (10) and rotate front two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) and lock the check nut (10) again. Repeat this process till toe angle is adjusted.
b) For toe out – Loosen the check nut (10) and rotate rear two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) and lock the check nut (10) again. Repeat this process till toe angle is adjusted.
[0029] A system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle comprises of a spindle bracket assembly (17) is configured with a spindle bracket (4) and a plate (5) provided with tapped holes (7) for securing the threaded bush assembly (16) to adjustably couple the spindle (6) with the spindle bracket (4). A threaded bush assembly (16) is configured with a threaded bush (8) and a check nut (10) for rigidly securing the threaded bush (8) at a desired position on the spindle bracket assembly (17). The threaded bush (8) is configured with internal (14) and external threads (15) for rigidly securing the threaded bush (8) in tapped hole (7) of plate (5) through external threads (15) and securely mounting said spindle (6) on the threaded bush (8) through bolts (9). The threaded bush (8) is configured with slot (13) for rotating the threaded bush (8) to vary the length of the threaded bush (8) between the spindle (6) and the spindle bracket assembly (17) for adjusting the toe and camber angles. The check nut (10) is configured to be mounted on the external threads (15) of the threaded bush (8) for locking the position of the threaded bush (8) at a desired length. The threaded bush (8) are configured to be mounted on 4 corners of the plate (5) for adjusting the toe and camber angles. The the camber angle of the wheel is configured to be adjusted by rotating the desired top two or bottom two threaded bush (8) by the allen key (10). The toe angle of the wheel is configured to be adjusted by rotating the desired front two or rear two threaded bush (8) by the allen key (10).
[0030] The method for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle is performed in the following steps:
• loosening the check nut (10) and rotating top two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) to a desired position for adjusting the negative camber angle and locking the check nut (10) again.
• loosening the check nut (10) and rotating bottom two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) to a desired position for adjusting the positive camber angle and locking the check nut (10) again.
• loosening the check nut (10) and rotating front two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) to a desired position for adjusting the toe in angle and locking the check nut (10) again.
• loosening the check nut (10) and rotating rear two threaded bush (8) in anticlockwise direction by using allen key (11) to a desired position for adjusting the toe out angle and locking the check nut (10) again.
[0031] Further, the invention can be used, but not limited to, in the following applications.
[0032] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following:
[0033] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle.
[0034] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a cost and weight effective way of for easy adjustment of toe and camber for aligning the rear wheel.
[0035] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a threaded bush having both external and internal threads on it outer and inner surface respectively along with check nuts for toe and camber alignment of rear wheel.
[0036] Although implementations for system for wheel alignment of rear twist beam suspension of a vehicle have been described in language specific to structural features and/or system, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations.
[0037] Figures 1-7 are now described using the reference numbers stated in the below table.
Reference Numeral Description
1, 1’ Trailing arm
2 Torsion beam
3, 3’ Pair of joints
4. 4’ Spindle bracket
5 Plate
6 Spindle
7 Tapped holes on the plate
8 Threaded bush
9 Bolts
10 Check nut
11 Allen key
12 Spanner
13 Allen key slot
14 Internal thread of the bush
15 External thread of the bush
16 Threaded bush assembly
17 Spindle bracket assembly