Active Suspension Actuator with Arc Groove Slide Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active control suspension systems for vehicles face issues with increased weight and cost, reduced durability, and complex design due to direct force transmission through assist links, requiring large actuators and additional manufacturing processes for toe control.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with slide plates that move vertically along arc-shaped grooves on a member bracket, transmitting vertical driving torque to assist links, and using an eccentric cam-bolt unit to set initial toe without a toe control screw, minimizing external force on the actuator and optimizing wheel tread control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a control lever is used between the actuator and the assist link as power delivery means, then the actuator can transmit driving torque to the assist link, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the control lever from the power delivery path between the actuator and assist link. The actuator's operating rod is directly connected to the assist link, extracting the unnecessary intermediate component (control lever) while maintaining the essential power transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the actuator and assist link by establishing a direct connection through the operating rod. The actuator's linear motion is directly coupled to the assist link's rotation, combining what were previously separate functional elements into a more integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external force is directly transmitted to the actuator through the assist link and control lever, then the actuator can respond to vehicle movements, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball joint as an intermediary element between the assist link and the actuator. This ball joint serves as a mediator that allows force transmission while accommodating misalignment and reducing stress concentration, thereby protecting the actuator from direct external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by using the ball joint and its associated bearing to absorb and distribute external forces before they reach the actuator. This protective arrangement cushions the actuator against lateral forces and moment loads that would otherwise directly compromise its durability.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator generates driving torque corresponding to lateral force transmitted through the assist link, then the control lever can rotate to adjust mounting point position, but large capacity actuators are required making layout design difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ball joint with spherical geometry to enable rotational movement of the assist link. This curved, spherical interface allows the mounting point position to be adjusted through rotation while accommodating multi-directional forces, eliminating the need for large capacity actuators to generate complex torque vectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the ball joint and assist link can rotate and adjust their orientation in response to vehicle movements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying force directions without requiring the actuator to generate maximum torque in all directions simultaneously.
4Ease of operation
If the control lever rotates by actuator driving torque to move the mounting point, then toe-in control is achieved, but wheel tread changes and additional manufacturing processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the toe control screw from the system by establishing a direct connection between the actuator and assist link. Toe control is achieved inherently through the actuator's movement of the assist link mounting point, eliminating the need for separate toe adjustment mechanisms and associated manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the actuator multi-functional by having it perform both the primary function of adjusting the assist link mounting point position and the secondary function of controlling toe alignment. This universal approach consolidates multiple control functions into a single actuator, reducing the number of parts and manufacturing steps required.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating device for an active control suspension system which is provided at both ends of a sub-frame of a vehicle body and connected to one end of an assist link having the other end mounted at a knuckle and which changes a position of a mounting point of the assist link at the vehicle body, may include a member bracket fixedly mounted at each end of the sub-frame, provided with openings formed at both sides and an upper surface thereof, and formed of a pair of slide grooves having arc shape at the both ends thereof to slidably receive a pair of slide plates therein; an actuator connected to both slide plates through a pin-bolt unit; and a cam-bolt unit assembling a bush of the assist link with both slide plates and setting an initial position of the mounting point of the assist link at the vehicle body.