Electromechanical Chassis Actuator with Switchable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical chassis actuators for motor vehicles lack the ability to efficiently switch between level-adjustment and damping modes using a single electric motor, and they often require multiple screw drives or complex mechanical designs.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical chassis actuator with two screw drives, one with a rigid connection to the electric motor for damping and another with a switchable coupling for level-adjustment, utilizing a single electric motor that can operate as a generator, and incorporating a magnetorheological fluid coupling for mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electric motor is used for both level-adjustment and damping modes, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to efficiently switch between modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the electric motor and screw drives is made dynamically switchable rather than fixed. The coupling can be engaged or disengaged based on operational mode requirements, allowing the single motor to efficiently transition between level-adjustment and damping functions without permanent mechanical connections for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
A single electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions by coupling to different screw drives depending on the operational mode. The motor serves both as a level-adjustment actuator when coupled to the level-adjustment screw drive and as a damping actuator when coupled to the damping screw drive, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate screw drives are used for level-adjustment and damping modes, then functional versatility is improved, but mechanical complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical system is segmented into two independent screw drives (level-adjustment screw drive and damping screw drive) that can be selectively coupled to the single electric motor. This segmentation allows each screw drive to be optimized for its specific function while sharing a common actuator, reducing overall complexity compared to having completely separate actuator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the single electric motor and the two screw drives. This coupling enables selective mechanical connection to either the level-adjustment screw drive or the damping screw drive, allowing functional versatility without requiring permanent dual connections that would increase mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If rigid connection is used between motor and spindle nut, then damping performance is improved, but level-adjustment flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the electric motor and spindle nut is made dynamic rather than permanently rigid. The coupling allows the motor to be rigidly connected when damping mode is active (providing reliable damping performance) and disconnected when level-adjustment mode is active (providing operational flexibility). This dynamic connection state changes based on the required function.
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 efficient switching between level-adjustment and damping modes with a single electric motor, providing both electromechanical shock absorption and level control functions, while reducing mechanical complexity and enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a magnetorheological fluid coupling for mode switching
Implementation Method 2
The electric motor can be operated as a generator when lowering the level of the vehicle body
Implementation Method 3
it is possible in damping mode for a torque to be actively applied to the rotor coupled to the spindle nut by energizing stator windings in the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical chassis actuator includes a single electric motor and two screw drives. The two screw drives use a common threaded spindle. A spindle nut of the first screw drive is rotationally fixed to the electric motor's rotor and engages the threaded spindle in a back-driveable manner. A spindle nut of the second screw drive is selectively coupled to the electric motor's rotor by a coupler and engages the threaded spindle in a self-locking (not back-driveable) manner. When the coupler is in an engaged position, the actuator operates in a level-adjustment mode. When the coupler is in a released position, the actuator operates in a damping mode.