Intelligent stabilizer bar system and vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligent variable stiffness stabilizer bar system for vehicles. The system includes a stabilizer bar body made of shape memory alloy, a heating assembly, an electronic control unit, a vehicle attitude sensor, a temperature sensor, a power supply, and a relay. The stabilizer bar body is formed of a shape memory alloy with reversible phase transition properties, exhibiting different elastic moduli depending on the phase transition state. The heating assembly heats the stabilizer bar body to trigger the phase transition. The electronic control unit controls the heating assembly's start and stop based on the roll angle signal from the vehicle attitude sensor and implements temperature protection control based on the temperature sensor signal. The system can adjust the stabilizer bar stiffness according to changes in the vehicle's roll angle, thereby controlling the vehicle's roll response and improving the vehicle's anti-roll capability and driving comfort. This invention also discloses a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive suspension technology. Specifically, this invention relates to an intelligent stabilizer bar system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The stabilizer bar (also known as an anti-roll bar) is a key component of the car's suspension system. Its function is to connect the left and right wheels to suppress body roll when the vehicle is turning, cornering, or driving on uneven roads, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability and handling safety.

[0003] Traditional stabilizer bar systems generally employ rigid torsion bar structures, using a torsion bar of fixed stiffness to achieve mechanical linkage between the left and right wheels. The design logic of this type of structure is based on performance optimization under a single operating condition: while a high-stiffness torsion bar can effectively suppress body roll during cornering and improve handling stability, the rigid connection causes vibrations from the left and right wheels to be transmitted between them when driving on bumpy or uneven roads, significantly reducing ride smoothness and comfort. Conversely, while a low-stiffness torsion bar can improve adaptability to uneven roads and enhance comfort, its roll suppression capability is insufficient under conditions such as high-speed cornering and emergency lane changes, easily leading to loss of vehicle control and affecting driving safety. Therefore, the inherent limitations of traditional constant-stiffness stabilizer bars prevent them from simultaneously meeting the dual demands of comfort and handling in different road conditions and driving modes.

[0004] To address these issues, the industry has gradually developed electronically controlled variable stiffness stabilizer bar technology, primarily including hydraulically driven and electrically driven types. However, these existing electronically controlled stabilizer bar systems still have significant technical shortcomings: On the one hand, hydraulically driven stabilizer bars rely on complex structures such as hydraulic pipelines and valve bodies, posing a risk of hydraulic oil leakage. Furthermore, the inherent characteristics of hydraulic transmission lead to system response delays, making it difficult to quickly adapt to changes in road conditions. On the other hand, electrically driven stabilizer bars require auxiliary components such as reduction gears and torque sensors, resulting in complex structures, high manufacturing costs, and high energy consumption, which is detrimental to vehicle energy conservation and emission reduction, especially unsuitable for energy-sensitive models such as new energy vehicles. In addition, regardless of whether the drive method is hydraulic or electrically driven, key drive components suffer from wear and aging, affecting the long-term reliability and service life of the system.

[0005] In summary, existing automotive stabilizer bar systems, whether traditional constant stiffness or existing electronically controlled variable stiffness, suffer from problems such as an inability to balance comfort and handling, complex structure, response delay, or high energy consumption, making it difficult to meet the modern automotive development requirements for high-performance, high-reliability, and low-energy-consumption suspension systems.

[0006] This invention provides an intelligent stabilizer bar system, specifically addressing how to automatically adjust roll stiffness based on road conditions and driving modes to improve vehicle roll resistance and ride comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides an intelligent stabilizer bar system, the purpose of which is to automatically adjust the roll stiffness according to road conditions and driving modes, thereby improving the vehicle's anti-roll capability and driving comfort.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an intelligent stabilizer bar system, comprising: The stabilizer bar body is made of a shape memory alloy with reversible phase transition properties, which is used to exhibit different elastic moduli under different phase transition states; A heating component, disposed on the stabilizer bar body, is used to heat the stabilizer bar body to trigger a phase change therein; The electronic control unit is connected to the vehicle attitude sensor, temperature sensor and relay respectively, and is used to control the start and stop of the heating component according to the roll angle signal of the vehicle attitude sensor; A vehicle attitude sensor is used to detect the vehicle roll angle and send the roll angle signal to the electronic control unit; A temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the stabilizer bar body and send a temperature signal to the electronic control unit; and A relay, which is used to connect or disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply and the heating component under the control of an electronic control unit; The electronic control unit controls the heating components based on the vehicle roll angle signal to keep the stabilizer bar body in different phase change states, thereby adjusting the stabilizer bar stiffness.

[0009] The stabilizer bar body is made of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy and has a hollow structure with a preset outer diameter and wall thickness.

[0010] The phase transformation temperature range of the shape memory alloy is 50°C to 80°C.

[0011] The heating assembly includes a heating resistance wire wound around the outer periphery of the stabilizer bar body.

[0012] The heating resistance wire is a nickel-chromium wire with a preset diameter and pitch.

[0013] The temperature sensors are installed at both ends of the stabilizer bar body; When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the electronic control unit controls the relay to disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply and the heating component.

[0014] When the electronic control unit does not receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor, the electronic control unit controls the relay to remain in the open state; The electronic control unit controls the relay to close when the vehicle roll angle exceeds a preset threshold to activate the heating assembly; and controls the relay to open when the vehicle roll angle is below the preset threshold.

[0015] The vehicle attitude sensor includes a gyroscope for detecting the three-axis attitude of the vehicle, and the vehicle attitude sensor is installed at the center of gravity of the front and rear axles of the vehicle.

[0016] The stabilizer bar body is connected to the vehicle subframe via a high-temperature resistant rubber component, which is used to maintain the mounting structure between the stabilizer bar body and the heating assembly.

[0017] The high-temperature resistant rubber component is made of fluororubber.

[0018] The signal response time of the electronic control unit is less than 20ms, and the response time of the vehicle attitude sensor and temperature sensor is less than 50ms.

[0019] The present invention also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned intelligent stabilizer bar system.

[0020] The intelligent stabilizer bar system of this invention adopts a shape memory alloy variable stiffness stabilizer bar, combined with a vehicle attitude sensor, a contact temperature sensor and a heating resistance wire, which can automatically adjust the roll stiffness according to road conditions and driving mode, thereby improving the vehicle's anti-roll capability and driving comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view of a schematic diagram of a variable stiffness active control stabilizer bar system based on shape memory alloy provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a stabilizer bar provided in this application; Figure 3 This is a left view of a variable stiffness active control stabilizer bar system based on shape memory alloy provided in this application; Figure 4 This is a top view of a variable stiffness active control stabilizer bar system based on shape memory alloy provided in this application; The markings in the above diagrams are as follows: 1-Stabilizer bar body, 2-Electronic control unit (ECU), 3-Vehicle attitude sensor, 4-Temperature sensor, 5-Heating resistance wire, 6-High temperature resistant rubber, 7-DC battery, 8-Relay, 9-Stabilizer bar pressure plate, 10-Wiring harness. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and complete.

[0023] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly associated with those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] Firstly, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an intelligent stabilizer bar system, including: The stabilizer body 1 is made of a shape memory alloy with reversible phase transition characteristics, which is used to exhibit different elastic moduli under different phase transition states; A heating component is disposed on the stabilizer bar body 1 and is used to heat the stabilizer bar body 1 to trigger a phase change therein. The electronic control unit 2 is connected to the vehicle attitude sensor 3, the temperature sensor 4 and the relay 8 respectively, and is used to control the start and stop of the heating component according to the roll angle signal of the vehicle attitude sensor 3. The vehicle attitude sensor 3 is used to detect the vehicle roll angle and send the roll angle signal to the electronic control unit 2; Temperature sensor 4 is used to detect the temperature of the stabilizer bar body 1 and send a temperature signal to the electronic control unit 2; and Relay 8 is used to connect or disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply and the heating component under the control of the electronic control unit 2. The electronic control unit 2 controls the heating assembly to keep the stabilizer bar body 1 in different phase change states based on the vehicle roll angle signal, so as to adjust the stiffness of the stabilizer bar.

[0026] Specifically, the present invention provides an intelligent stabilizer bar system that can automatically adjust the roll stiffness according to road conditions and driving mode. The assembly includes: stabilizer bar body 1, electronic control unit 2 (ECU), vehicle attitude sensor 3, contact temperature sensor 4, heating resistance wire 5, fluororubber (FKM), DC battery 7, electronically controlled relay 8, and stabilizer bar pressure plate 9.

[0027] In this embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer bar body 1 is made of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy. The stabilizer bar body 1 has a hollow structure with a preset outer diameter and wall thickness. The stabilizer bar body 1 is mounted on the front subframe of the vehicle at four points via M12 bolts. The diameter of the stabilizer bar body 1 is 23mm, and the wall thickness is 5mm. The stabilizer bar body 1 has shape memory function; when subjected to severe deformation, it can autonomously recover its original state. The phase transformation temperature range is 50℃ to 80℃. When the temperature reaches this range, the stabilizer bar body 1 undergoes a phase transformation, changing from a low-temperature phase (martensite) to a high-temperature phase (austenite), and the elastic modulus changes from (20-30 GPa) to (70-100 GPa). It has an automatic recovery function after deformation, and its fatigue life is >10. ^ 6 times, the structural form is as follows Figure 1 As shown.

[0028] In this embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 2 (ECU) is connected to the vehicle body attitude sensor 3 and the temperature sensor 4, receives and processes the sensor signals, and outputs electrical signals to control the opening and closing of the relay 8, thereby outputting commands to start heating and stop heating, with a response time of <20ms.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, the vehicle attitude sensor 3 includes a gyroscope for detecting the vehicle's three-axis attitude. There are two vehicle attitude sensors 3, which are fixed to the center of gravity of the front and rear axles of the vehicle using M4 bolts. The longitudinal distance between the two attitude sensors 3 is approximately equal to the vehicle's wheelbase, and their lateral positions are approximately at the vehicle's center. The vehicle roll angle is detected in real time using a three-axis gyroscope (X, Y, and Z axes), and signals are sent to the electronic control unit 2. The response time is <50ms. The structure is as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor 4 is a contact temperature sensor, and there are two temperature sensors 4. The two temperature sensors 4 are respectively distributed at both ends of the stabilizer body 1 along its length direction by M4 bolts, and detect the surface temperature of the stabilizer body 1 in real time. The response time of the temperature sensor 4 is <50ms, and the structure is as follows. Figure 2 As shown.

[0031] In this embodiment of the invention, the heating assembly includes a heating resistance wire 5 wound around the outer periphery of the stabilizer body 1. The heating resistance wire 5 is a nickel-chromium wire (NiCr) with a preset diameter and pitch. The diameter of the heating resistance wire 5 is 2mm, the pitch of the heating resistance wire is 5mm, and it is uniformly wound on the stabilizer body 1. The heating resistance wire 5 can control the heating temperature according to the magnitude of the current, with a maximum heating temperature of <70℃ and a melting temperature of 1200℃-1500℃.

[0032] When the temperature detected by temperature sensor 4 exceeds the preset temperature threshold, electronic control unit 2 controls relay 8 to disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply and the heating component.

[0033] When the electronic control unit 2 does not receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 4, the electronic control unit 2 controls the relay 8 to remain in the open state; The electronic control unit 2 is used to control the relay 8 to close when the vehicle roll angle exceeds a preset threshold to activate the heating component; and to control the relay 8 to open when the vehicle roll angle is below the preset threshold.

[0034] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the electronically controlled relay 8 is fixed to the vehicle body. It is triggered by an electronic control signal to open and close, controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU), which determines the opening and closing of the power supply. The power supply is a DC battery 7, which can provide 12V 5A of voltage and current, and the output current is DC.

[0035] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stabilizer bar body 1 is connected to the vehicle subframe via a high-temperature resistant rubber component 6. This high-temperature resistant rubber component 6 is used to maintain the mounting structure between the stabilizer bar body 1 and the heating assembly. The high-temperature resistant rubber component 6 is made of fluororubber (FKM), with a continuous operating temperature range of -20℃ to 200℃, a short-term temperature limit of approximately 250℃ (48 hours), and a temperature resistance range of -20℃ to 230℃. Temperature cycling tests show no aging or permanent deformation after cycling from -40°C to 150°C (at least 50 times). The stabilizer bar body 1 is secured to the subframe using four M12 bolts and two stabilizer bar clamps 9.

[0036] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stabilizer bar pressure plate 9 is stamped and welded, with a plate thickness of 3mm and made of Q345B material. It is combined with high-temperature resistant rubber 6 and the stabilizer bar body 1 is fixed to the subframe by four M12 bolts.

[0037] First, two vehicle attitude sensors 3 are installed on the vehicle floor using M4 bolts, distributed at the center of gravity of the front and rear axles, with a longitudinal spacing approximately equal to the vehicle's wheelbase. When the vehicle starts, the vehicle attitude sensors 3 are immediately powered on and begin operation, detecting the vehicle's roll angle in real time with a response time of <50ms, and sending the detection results to the electronic control unit 2 in real time. When the vehicle encounters strong crosswind interference, aggressive driving, or high-speed cornering, if the vehicle attitude sensors 3 detect a roll angle >3°, the electronic control unit 2 intervenes (the electronic control unit 2 is set to output commands when the vehicle attitude angle is >3°, otherwise, it does not output commands) and outputs instructions. When relay 8 closes, the power is connected, and current begins to flow through the heating resistance wire 5. When current flows through the heating resistance wire 5, heating begins. The heat is transferred to the stabilizer bar body 1 through heat transfer (mainly heat conduction and heat radiation). The temperature of the stabilizer bar body 1 rises rapidly. When the temperature reaches 50℃-80℃, the stabilizer bar body 1 undergoes an austenitic phase transformation. At this time, the stabilizer bar body 1 exhibits a high elastic modulus (70-100GPa) characteristic, and the stiffness of the stabilizer bar body 1 increases accordingly (the stabilizer bar is directly proportional to the elastic modulus). After the stiffness of the stabilizer bar body 1 increases, the overall vehicle roll stiffness increases accordingly, thereby suppressing vehicle roll, preventing vehicle rollover, and ensuring vehicle driving stability.

[0038] When the vehicle resumes normal straight-line driving, and the body attitude sensor 3 detects that the body roll angle is <3°, the electronic control unit 2 outputs a command to the relay 8. The relay 8 disconnects, meaning the power supply is disconnected, no current flows through the heating resistance wire 5, and the resistance wire stops heating. The stabilizer bar body 1 cools down naturally, returning to a low-temperature phase (martensite) with a phase transition temperature <50°C. The stabilizer bar body 1 exhibits a low elastic modulus (20-30 GPa), and its stiffness decreases, meaning the overall vehicle roll stiffness decreases. At this time, the absorption rate of lateral road disturbances increases, low-frequency lateral vibrations are completely absorbed, and the lateral vibration of the vehicle body is reduced, thus improving the overall vehicle comfort.

[0039] To prevent the heating resistance wire 5 from overheating and damaging the entire stabilizer bar system, two contact temperature sensors 4 are fixed to each end of the stabilizer bar body 1 using two M4 bolts. The temperature sensors 4 are in close contact with the surface of the stabilizer bar body 1 and monitor the surface temperature of the stabilizer bar body 1 in real time. When the surface temperature of the stabilizer bar body 1 is >100℃, the temperature sensor 4 sends a signal to the electronic control unit 2. After receiving the signal, the electronic control unit 2 sends a signal to the relay 8, which immediately disconnects, stops the power supply, and the heating resistance wire 5 stops heating. The heating resistance wire 5 is then cooled naturally to the operating temperature of the stabilizer bar by air cooling. When the temperature of the stabilizer bar body 1 is <50℃, the temperature sensor 4 sends a signal to the electronic control unit 2 again. The electronic control unit 2 then sends a signal to connect the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, and the heating resistance wire 5 heats the stabilizer bar body 1 again, restoring it to the operating temperature.

[0040] When temperature sensor 4 malfunctions, to prevent heating resistance wire 5 from heating indefinitely, the entire system is set to not work. If electronic control unit 2 does not receive the signal from temperature sensor 4, electronic control unit 2 will not send a signal, relay 8 will not close, and power will not be supplied, thereby ensuring the safety of the entire stabilizer system.

[0041] Based on theoretical and experimental data, the new shape stabilizer body 1 system reduces the tilt angle by about 35%-40% and the low-frequency lateral impact transmission rate by about 28%-32% compared with the traditional fixed elastic modulus stabilizer system. It solves the pain points of the traditional stabilizer's non-adjustable stiffness and complex electronic control system, and has the advantages of fast response, light weight and low energy consumption.

[0042] This novel shape-memory stabilizer bar system not only ensures vehicle comfort during straight-line driving but also improves anti-roll performance during aggressive driving or high-speed cornering, significantly enhancing overall vehicle performance and overcoming the shortcomings of traditional fixed-modulus stabilizer bar systems. The shape-memory alloy material not only reduces deformation of components over long-term use, decreasing the probability of stabilizer bar failure modes, but also extends component lifespan, making it suitable for high-performance electric vehicles, gasoline vehicles, and special-purpose vehicles.

[0043] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a vehicle including an intelligent stabilizer bar system with the above-described structure. This intelligent stabilizer bar system can be referred to... Figures 1 to 4 Further details will not be elaborated here. Since the vehicle of the present invention includes the intelligent stabilizer bar system described in the above embodiments, it possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned intelligent stabilizer bar system.

[0044] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent stabilizer bar system, characterized in that, include: The stabilizer bar body is made of a shape memory alloy with reversible phase transition properties, which is used to exhibit different elastic moduli under different phase transition states; A heating component, disposed on the stabilizer bar body, is used to heat the stabilizer bar body to trigger a phase change therein; The electronic control unit is connected to the vehicle attitude sensor, temperature sensor and relay respectively, and is used to control the start and stop of the heating component according to the roll angle signal of the vehicle attitude sensor; A vehicle attitude sensor is used to detect the vehicle roll angle and send the roll angle signal to the electronic control unit; Temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the stabilizer bar body and send a temperature signal to the electronic control unit; as well as A relay, which is used to connect or disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply and the heating component under the control of an electronic control unit; The electronic control unit controls the heating components based on the vehicle roll angle signal to keep the stabilizer bar body in different phase change states, thereby adjusting the stabilizer bar stiffness.

2. The intelligent stabilizer bar system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stabilizer bar body is made of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy and has a hollow structure with a preset outer diameter and wall thickness.

3. The intelligent stabilizer bar system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The phase transformation temperature range of the shape memory alloy is 50°C to 80°C.

4. The intelligent stabilizer bar system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The heating assembly includes a heating resistance wire wound around the outer periphery of the stabilizer bar body.

5. The intelligent stabilizer bar system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating resistance wire is a nickel-chromium wire with a preset diameter and pitch.

6. The intelligent stabilizer bar system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The temperature sensors are installed at both ends of the stabilizer bar body; When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the electronic control unit controls the relay to disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply and the heating component.

7. The intelligent stabilizer bar system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the electronic control unit does not receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor, the electronic control unit controls the relay to remain in the open state; The electronic control unit controls the relay to close when the vehicle roll angle exceeds a preset threshold to activate the heating assembly; and controls the relay to open when the vehicle roll angle is below the preset threshold.

8. The intelligent stabilizer bar system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The vehicle attitude sensor includes a gyroscope for detecting the three-axis attitude of the vehicle, and the vehicle attitude sensor is installed at the center of gravity of the front and rear axles of the vehicle.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the smart stabilizer bar system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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