Adaptive Roll Stabilizer Damping for Off-Road Rigid Axles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing off-road commercial vehicle systems face challenges in achieving reliable and cost-effective roll stability across various operating conditions, particularly in difficult terrains, with conventional damping methods being inadequate for optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle component comprising a chassis with a drive train featuring two rigid axle units connected by a roll stabilizer device, equipped with controllable damper elements that can be adjusted based on sensor-detected parameters, allowing for adaptive damping properties to enhance roll stability and damping performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional damping methods are used, then the structure remains simple, but roll stability is insufficient under various operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll stabilityVSAvoiddamping system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic damping system where the damper characteristic can be continuously adjusted based on operating conditions. The control unit receives signals from sensors detecting vehicle state (acceleration, speed, steering angle) and automatically modifies the damping force characteristics in real-time, transforming a static damping system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying road conditions and driving scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the damping parameter (damping force) as a variable that can be adjusted according to operating conditions. Through the control unit and actuator mechanism, the system modifies the damper's characteristic parameter dynamically, allowing the same physical damper to provide different damping levels suitable for different situations such as normal driving, off-road, or high-speed conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed damping characteristics are used, then the device is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to different operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoiddamping system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor vehicle state parameters (acceleration, speed, steering angle, suspension position) and feed this information to the control unit. The control unit processes these signals and adjusts the damper characteristics accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to changing operating conditions without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal damping system that can handle multiple operating conditions and driving scenarios through a single integrated system. The same damper assembly with adjustable characteristics serves various functions - from normal road driving to off-road conditions - eliminating the need for multiple fixed-damping systems and reducing overall system complexity while increasing versatility.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dampers with different characteristics are provided, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing multiple physical dampers with different fixed characteristics, the patent uses a single damper assembly whose characteristics can be dynamically changed through control mechanisms. This dynamic approach allows one physical component to replace what would otherwise require multiple components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the ability to adapt to different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves different damping characteristics by changing the parameters of a single damper system rather than using multiple dampers with fixed parameters. Through adjustable mechanisms controlled by the control unit, the same physical damper can operate at different damping levels, reducing manufacturing complexity and part inventory requirements while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides significantly improved driving characteristics by offering targeted and reliable damping, adapting to different off-road requirements and operating conditions, thereby enhancing the vehicle's stability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

At least one damper device with at least one damper element, in particular for damping a rolling movement of the vehicle, is assigned to the roll stabilizer device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4069531B1Vehicle component for a commercial vehicle, in particular an off-road vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 GENERAL DYNAMICS EURO LAND SYST MOWAG GMBH
  • EP4069531B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4069531B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4069531B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle component (1) for an off-road utility vehicle (100), comprising a chassis (2) and a power train (12) that can be accommodated on the chassis (2). The power train (12) comprises two rigid axle units (3), each having a torque tube frame (4). The torque tube frames (4) are connected to one another in articulated manner by means of a roll stabiliser device (5) fastened to the chassis (2). The roll stabiliser device (5) is assigned a damper device (6) for damping a roll movement of the vehicle (100). The damper element (7) comprises a controllable damper (9). The damper device (6) comprises a control device (26) which is suitable and configured for the adjustment of a damper parameter of the controllable damper (9) according to a characteristic variable that is stored and/or can be detected by sensor.