Active Suspension Actuator for Distance Deviation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for cushioning an upper suspension part relative to a lower suspension part in vehicles experience temporary deviations from a preset distance due to operational forces, leading to suboptimal vibration isolation and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a spring system with a rotating field magnet actuator and a coupling rod shaft, allowing bidirectional force control to actively maintain the desired distance and counteract movements, combined with a scissor mechanism and spring elements for enhanced stability and vibration damping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a passive spring device is used to cushion the upper suspension part, then the device structure is simple, but temporary deviations from the preset distance occur during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoiddistance precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a passive spring device to an active suspension system with an actuator. The actuator dynamically adjusts the distance between upper and lower suspension parts in real-time, counteracting forces that cause deviations. This dynamic control mechanism continuously maintains the preset distance, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and distance precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through sensors that detect the actual distance between suspension parts and compare it with the preset distance. The control unit processes this feedback information and adjusts the actuator accordingly to eliminate deviations. This closed-loop feedback system ensures high distance precision while managing the increased device complexity through systematic control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If an actuator is added to actively control the suspension distance, then the distance precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance precisionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the actuator system to perform multiple functions: distance control, vibration isolation, and force counteraction. The control unit integrates various control algorithms (height control, vibration control, force control) within a single system, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby managing complexity while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical passive spring elements with an electromechanical actuator system. This substitution enables active control and precise distance maintenance through electromagnetic actuation and electronic control, achieving superior precision while the modular electromechanical design helps manage overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a rotating field magnet drive is used in the actuator, then the vibration isolation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationVSAvoidactuator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action through the rotating field magnet drive, which generates oscillating magnetic fields to produce controlled vibrations or movements in the suspension system. This periodic electromagnetic actuation enables effective vibration isolation by counteracting harmful vibrations through controlled periodic forces, while the integrated drive design manages the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 device effectively minimizes distance deviations and provides improved vibration isolation and comfort by actively controlling the suspension system, maintaining a consistent distance and reducing tilting movements, while also absorbing a broad spectrum of frequencies and loads.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator having a drive designed as a rotating field magnet and a coupling rod designed as a shaft that can be driven by the drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotating field magnet: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a spring device acting between the upper suspension part and the lower suspension part is provided for cushioning purposes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2921343B1Device for suspending a suspension upper part in at least one direction in space with respect to a suspension lower part which can be moved relative to it
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 GRAMMER AG
  • EP2921343B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2921343B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4c
  • EP2921343B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for cushioning a spring upper part (1) in at least one spatial direction (X, Y, Z) relative to a spring lower part (2) that is movable therefrom, wherein a spring device (3) acting between the spring upper part (1) and the spring lower part (2) is provided for cushioning, wherein an actuating element (4) is provided by which a force can be introduced bidirectionally into the device in the direction of action of the spring device (3), wherein the actuating element (4) can be controlled via a control device, wherein the actuating element (4) has a drive (23), preferably designed as a rotating field magnet (14), and a connecting rod (16) designed as a shaft (15) that can be driven by the drive (23), so that a distance between the spring lower part (2) and the spring upper part (1) can be varied by rotating the connecting rod (16).