Electromechanical Camber and Toe Control for Adaptive Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems require manual and time-consuming adjustments for multiple driving conditions, limiting the ability to quickly alter settings such as wheel alignment, anti-roll bar stiffness, and roll centers, especially for vehicles used in diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
Electromechanical devices and systems that allow for independent or joint control of wheel alignment (camber, castor, and toe) and anti-roll bar settings, enabling automatic or semi-automatic adjustments compatible with existing suspension systems, using actuators and sensors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of suspension settings is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with electromechanical actuators that automatically adjust suspension settings. Motors or actuators are integrated into the suspension system to electronically control camber, toe, and other alignment parameters, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention while improving adjustment speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms where sensors detect driving conditions and automatically trigger actuators to modify suspension settings without driver intervention. The system monitors parameters like vehicle load, road conditions, and driving mode to autonomously optimize suspension configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed suspension settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates for vehicles used in multiple driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from static fixed settings to dynamic adjustable settings. Multiple actuators are positioned at different suspension points to independently adjust camber, toe, and ride height in real-time based on detected driving conditions, allowing the vehicle to adapt between comfort-oriented and performance-oriented configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical suspension system serves multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The same actuators and control system that adjust camber also control toe and ride height, allowing one system to handle various driving modes including comfort, sport, and off-road configurations without requiring separate mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If neutral camber settings are used for road applications, then passenger comfort is improved, but handling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts camber angles based on detected driving mode. During normal road travel, neutral camber settings maintain passenger comfort. When sport mode is activated or performance driving is detected, the actuators automatically adjust camber to more aggressive negative angles to improve handling and tire contact during cornering.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system changes key geometric parameters including camber angle, toe setting, and ride height according to driving conditions. By varying these parameters electronically rather than mechanically, the system can quickly transition between comfort-optimized neutral camber and performance-optimized negative camber configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Electromechanical apparatuses for controlling vehicle suspension settings. Described herein are electromechanical apparatuses for controlling wheel alignment (e.g., camber, castor and/or toe). In particular, described herein are camber adjusting apparatuses for electromechanically adjusting camber or camber and toe that may be retrofitted onto existing vehicle suspensions.