Independent Corner Module Height Control With Variable Torsion Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-height control systems face limitations in adjusting vehicle height across a broader range of load states and in effectively controlling roll behavior, particularly under varying load conditions and during active vehicle movements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-height control system utilizing an independent corner module, which includes a suspension link, a stationary torsion bar, a control torsion bar, and a torsion variation unit. This system adjusts vehicle height by controlling the torsional stiffness of the control torsion bar based on the vehicle's load state and further controls roll behavior by managing the relative torsional angle of the control torsion bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stabilizer bar with fixed stiffness is used to control roll behavior, then roll control is provided, but the vehicle stability and riding comfortability cannot both be satisfied under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stabilizer bar's stiffness adjustable rather than fixed. The control torsion bar's torsional stiffness is varied according to the load state of the vehicle, allowing the system to adapt between different operating conditions. This enables the vehicle to maintain both stability and comfort across varying payload conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed-roll control and adaptive performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the torsional stiffness parameter of the control torsion bar based on the vehicle's load state. The system adjusts this key parameter to match different payload conditions, enabling the stabilizer bar to provide appropriate roll control whether the vehicle is lightly or heavily loaded, thus satisfying both stability and comfort requirements across different scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If a vehicle-height adjustment apparatus using a motor is used to adjust vehicle height, then vehicle height can be adjusted, but electric power must continue to be supplied to prevent back drive, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the vehicle-height adjustment apparatus to maintain its adjusted position through the elastic restoring force of the torsion bar system itself, rather than requiring continuous electric power supply. The torsion bar's elasticity provides a passive holding mechanism that prevents back drive without consuming additional energy, allowing the system to service itself by maintaining height adjustment without ongoing power input.
3Loss of energy
If the suspension depends only on damping force change to reduce accident risk, then shock absorption is provided, but the risk of vehicle overturning due to abrupt rolling motion cannot be effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated system: the height adjustment function and the roll control function. By combining the control torsion bar to perform both height adjustment and roll stabilization, the system achieves comprehensive safety improvement. The merged system simultaneously provides shock absorption through damping and prevents vehicle overturning through active roll control, addressing both aspects of accident prevention that were previously handled separately.
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
The system enables flexible control of vehicle height across varying load conditions, improving stability and comfort by effectively managing roll behavior and adjusting suspension states according to the vehicle's travel state.
Implementation Method 1
a control torsion bar, a first end portion of which is gear-connected to a second end portion of the stationary torsion bar and has a torsional elasticity
Implementation Method 2
controls roll behavior of the vehicle using torsion that occurs due to a phase difference between a bump of a left/right wheel of the vehicle and a rebound stroke
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-height control system of an independent corner module, includes a suspension link connected to a wheel and configured to be rotated according to upward-downward displace of the wheel, a gear unit connected to a vehicle body and a rotational center portion of the suspension link and configured to receive a rotation force from the suspension link, a control torsion bar, a first end portion thereof being connected to the gear unit and the second end portion thereof being connected to a torsion variation unit, the torsion variation unit applying a drive force to adjust a height of the control torsion bar and to maintain the adjusted height, and a controller connected to the torsion variation unit and adjusting the height of the control torsion bar.