Control Moment Gyroscope Vehicle Suspension Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems are inadequate in directly counteracting forces that affect a vehicle's angle and position, leading to instability and reduced safety and performance, especially during turns and off-road conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) into the vehicle's suspension system, which generate torque about the roll axis to create additional normal force on the inner tires, mitigating rollover and slip by actively controlling the gimbal assembly and rotor spin to stabilize the vehicle's frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional suspension components (springs, dampeners, hydraulics) are used to absorb forces, then the impact on vehicle position is reduced, but the system cannot directly counteract forces affecting vehicle angle and position
Solution Approach 1:
A control moment gyroscope (CMG) is introduced as an intermediary device between the vehicle chassis and the suspension system. The CMG generates reactive torques that directly counteract external forces affecting vehicle angle and position, bridging the gap between passive suspension components and active vehicle attitude control requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the suspension by incorporating a controllable rotational element (the CMG rotor). By varying the spin speed and gimbal angle of the rotor, the system dynamically adjusts the torque output to actively counteract forces, transforming the suspension from a passive force-absorbing system to an active force-counteracting system
2Device complexity
If passive suspension components are used, then the system is simple in structure, but it cannot actively control vehicle attitude during turns and off-road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is transformed from a static, passive structure to a dynamic, active system by incorporating the CMG with its controllable rotor. The rotor's spin speed and gimbal angle can be dynamically adjusted in real-time to adapt to varying driving conditions, enabling active vehicle attitude control during turns, off-road conditions, and other challenging scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The control moment gyroscope serves multiple functions: it acts as both a suspension component and an active attitude control device. The same CMG mechanism provides both passive suspension support through its mounting structure and active torque generation through the controlled rotor, reducing the need for separate systems and improving overall system versatility
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
Enhances vehicle stability during turns and off-road conditions, increasing maximum safe speed, reducing wear on suspension components, and preventing rollover and slip, thereby improving passenger comfort and extending suspension system lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) into the vehicle's suspension system, which generate torque about the roll axis to create additional normal force on the inner tires
Implementation Method 2
control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) into the vehicle's suspension system, which generate torque about the roll axis
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention describe methods, apparatuses, and systems for enhanced vehicle stabilization solutions. Embodiments of the invention may receive sensor information from at least one sensor coupled to a vehicle having two or more wheels, the at least one sensor coupled to at least one of a wheel, a suspension component, or a frame of the vehicle. A tilt angle of the vehicle is determined from the received sensor information, the tilt angle comprising an offset angle from a reference plane for the vehicle. A controller transmits a command to one or more control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) coupled to the frame of the vehicle to produce a total angular moment based, at least in part, on the tilt angle of the vehicle.