Bump Steer Measurement Using Linear Actuation and Toe Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional apparatuses for measuring bump steer lack sufficient accuracy and precision for fine adjustment, leading to undesirable tire heat, wear, and steering instability due to excessive self-steering of vehicle wheels.
Innovation Solution
A bump steer measurement apparatus utilizing a linear actuator, first and second linear potentiometers, and a computing device to accurately measure toe changes during suspension compression and rebound, calculating bump steer through a processor-driven method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional apparatus are used to measure bump steer, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision and accuracy are insufficient for fine adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent measurement points (first and second measurement points on the wheel hub) that can be adjusted and measured separately. This segmentation allows for precise local measurements at critical locations while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement methods with an automated system comprising sensors, actuators, and a controller. The controller automatically processes measurement data from multiple points to calculate bump steer, eliminating manual measurement operations and significantly improving precision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bump steer is not accurately measured and corrected, then the apparatus remains simple, but tire heat and wear increase due to excessive self-steering
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures bump steer at multiple points during suspension compression and rebound, then the controller processes this data to calculate actual bump steer values. This feedback mechanism enables identification and correction of excessive self-steering that causes tire heat and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures parameters beyond what conventional systems do - specifically measuring at both compression and rebound phases with multiple measurement points on the hub. This excessive measurement approach ensures complete capture of self-steering effects that lead to tire damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bump steer is not accurately measured, then the measurement system remains simple, but steering instability occurs due to constant toe changes during suspension stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures bump steer parameters throughout the entire suspension stroke, capturing data during both compression and rebound phases. This continuous measurement ensures complete monitoring of toe angle changes that affect steering stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds measurement in multiple spatial dimensions by placing measurement points at different locations on the wheel hub (first and second measurement points). This multi-dimensional measurement approach fully characterizes the complex toe changes during suspension movement, enabling comprehensive stability analysis.
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
Provides precise measurement and correction of bump steer, minimizing tire heat and wear, and enhancing steering stability by accurately determining and adjusting toe angles.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator positionable to engage and operable to move the vehicle suspension through suspension stroke
Implementation Method 2
a first linear potentiometer positionable to contact a flat plate mounted to the vehicle hub of the vehicle along a flat plate first vertical margin during movement of the vehicle suspension through the suspension stroke
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension bump steer measurement apparatus and method of measuring bump steer in a vehicle suspension for productive management of toe change throughout compression and rebound of a vehicle suspension.