Adaptive Hydro-Mechanical Spring Rate Control for Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle suspension springs are fixed or offer variable rates with displacement, limiting the ability to adjust spring rates for different vehicle modes (e.g., sport, ride, off-road) without compromising ride quality or handling performance.
Innovation Solution
A variable spring system that includes a control chamber coupled to a corner actuator, with a valve controlling fluid coupling between first and second springs, allowing dynamic adjustment of spring rates by selecting resistance levels and compensating for vehicle roll and pitch, using a solenoid and processor to manage aperture sizes and fluid volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stiff spring is used, then handling is improved, but ride quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spring rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system uses active control mechanisms (electromagnetic actuators, fluid pressure control) to dynamically change the spring constant based on driving conditions, allowing the suspension to be stiff during cornering for improved handling while remaining soft during normal driving for better ride quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of spring rate (spring constant) from a fixed value to a variable parameter. By controlling fluid pressure or electromagnetic forces, the system adjusts the spring constant k to provide different levels of stiffness, enabling optimization of both handling and ride quality under different operating conditions
2Ease of operation
If a soft spring is used, then ride quality is improved, but handling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spring rate based on detected driving conditions. During cornering or high-lateral-acceleration events, the controller increases the spring constant to provide stiffer support for improved handling, while during straight-line driving or low-lateral-acceleration events, it reduces the spring constant for softer, more comfortable ride quality
3Device complexity
If fixed spring rate is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different vehicle modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable spring system that can adapt to different vehicle modes (sport mode, ride mode, off-road mode) by changing the spring constant. The controller receives input about desired vehicle modes and adjusts the spring rate accordingly, providing multi-mode adaptability while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated system architecture
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
Enables adjustable spring rates to enhance handling and ride quality by dynamically switching between different resistance levels, optimizing vehicle performance across various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
selecting an amount of fluid coupling between a control chamber of a variable spring system and each of a first spring and a second spring
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid configured to control a configuration of the valve
Implementation Method 3
a pump configured to control a fluid volume in the variable spring system
Implementation Method 4
A spring in a vehicle suspension operates by providing a resistance to displacement relative to position to define a spring rate
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle, variable spring system and method of operating a corner actuator coupled to wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle includes the corner actuator and the variable spring system. The variable spring system includes a control chamber coupled to the corner actuator, a first spring, a second spring, and a valve. An applied resistance for the corner actuator is selected by selecting an amount of fluid coupling between the control chamber and each of the first spring and the second spring. A force is absorbed at the wheel using the applied resistance.