Active Geometry Control Suspension Link Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current active geometry control suspension systems are complex, costly, and heavy, increasing manufacturing costs and vehicle weight, while also limiting design freedom and fuel efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates an assist link with a first and second link, a clutch assembly, and a driving unit with a hydraulic or electromagnetic actuator, eliminating the need for a control lever to reduce weight and complexity, allowing for improved turning stability and reduced fuel consumption by selectively connecting and releasing the links during vehicle operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a control lever is used in the active geometry control suspension, then the system can provide turning stability in high speed turning, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturning stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the control lever from the system entirely, extracting this complex component while maintaining the essential function of active geometry control through a simplified link assembly that directly connects the wheel assembly to the vehicle body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into functional segments: the assist link assembly (first and second links), the clutch assembly for selective engagement, and the driving unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a control lever is used in the active geometry control suspension, then the system can provide turning stability, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturning stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the control lever and replacing it with a simpler link assembly and clutch mechanism, the patent reduces the number of precision-machined components required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the turning stability function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective components such as the clutch assembly with friction disks and spring mechanism, which can be manufactured more economically than precision control levers, while still achieving the desired functional outcome

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the assist arm is lowered by the control lever, then turning stability is provided, but the total weight of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturning stabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control lever is completely removed from the system, eliminating its weight contribution. The replacement link assembly uses lighter materials and simpler construction, reducing overall system weight while maintaining the geometric control function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a control lever that pushes or pulls the assist arm, the patent inverts the approach by using a link assembly that passively follows wheel movement and uses spring-loaded clutch mechanisms to engage only when needed, reducing the weight of active control components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If the connecting point is connected to the vehicle body, then turning stability is achieved, but the toe-in adjustment capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturning stabilityVSAvoidtoe-in adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch assembly enables the connecting point to dynamically transition between connected and disconnected states. During normal driving, the connecting point is engaged for stability. During turning or bumping, the clutch disengages automatically, allowing the link assembly to move freely and achieve toe-in adjustment without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes vehicle weight, and enhances fuel efficiency by simplifying the system and improving handling performance during high-speed turns through controlled toe-in and understeering.

Implementation Method 1

The driving unit may include a hydraulic actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuator: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS7905500B2Active geometry control suspension

Publication Date: 2011.03.15 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An active geometry control suspension may reduce production cost with simple scheme and provide design freedom. An active geometry control suspension of the present invention includes an assist link including a first link of which an end is rotatably connected to a vehicle body and a second link of which an end is connected to the first link and the other end is rotatably connected to a wheel, a clutch assembly selectively connecting a connecting portion of the first link and the second link to the vehicle body and a driving unit operating the clutch assembly.