Active Suspension Normal Force Control for Split-Traction Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems struggle to maximize traction on surfaces with varying coefficients of friction, as limited slip differentials and traction control systems are inadequate in dynamically adjusting wheel-to-surface normal forces to optimize traction distribution.
Innovation Solution
An active suspension system controlled by a control system that adjusts wheel normal forces based on relative traction levels, increasing normal force on wheels with high traction and decreasing it on wheels with low traction, using actuators to dynamically change the wheel-to-body distance and manage vehicle weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If limited slip differentials or locking differentials are used to prevent differential slip between wheels, then traction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the normal force on each wheel dynamically adjustable through active suspension actuators. The system continuously monitors wheel slip and traction conditions, then actively modifies the normal force distribution in real-time to optimize traction at each wheel independently, replacing static mechanical differentials with dynamic control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of normal force applied to each wheel based on detected traction conditions. By varying the normal force parameter dynamically through active suspension, the system optimizes the friction force (F = μN) at each wheel contact patch, allowing adaptation to varying surface conditions without complex mechanical differential mechanisms
2Reliability
If braking is applied to slipping wheels to reduce speed and transfer torque, then traction is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively adjusting the normal force on wheels before significant slip occurs. By detecting early signs of traction loss and preemptively modifying normal force distribution, the system prevents wheel spin and reduces the need for energy-intensive braking interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of weight transfer during braking into a benefit by using active suspension to deliberately and controllably transfer weight to wheels with better traction. This controlled weight transfer increases normal force and friction at high-traction wheels, improving overall vehicle propulsion efficiency without the energy loss associated with brake-based traction control
3Reliability
If active suspension system dynamically adjusts normal force distribution, then traction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the active suspension system perform multiple functions: it provides both ride comfort (traditional suspension function) and traction optimization (new function). By integrating traction control into the existing active suspension infrastructure, the system avoids adding separate dedicated traction control mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while achieving improved traction
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the active suspension's own actuators and control capabilities to perform traction optimization. The suspension system serves itself by leveraging its existing ability to adjust wheel positions and forces, eliminating the need for separate traction control hardware and reducing overall system complexity
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
Enhances traction by optimizing weight distribution, allowing vehicles to maintain or regain traction on uneven surfaces, improving vehicle stability and propulsion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using actuators to dynamically change the wheel-to-body distance and manage vehicle weight distribution
Implementation Method 2
Enhances traction by optimizing weight distribution, allowing vehicles to maintain or regain traction on uneven surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A control system (300) for controlling an active suspension system (104) of a vehicle (100), the control system comprising one or more controller (301), wherein the control system is configured to: obtain (908) information indicative of relative traction levels between different wheels (FL, FR, RL, RR) of the vehicle; and in dependence on the information, control (912) the active suspension system to increase normal force through a wheel (FR) of the vehicle having relatively high traction compared to one or more other wheels (FL, RL, RR) of the vehicle, and decrease normal force through a wheel (FL) of the vehicle having relatively low traction compared to one or more other wheels (FR, RL, RR) of the vehicle.