Crossbar Active Suspension Layout for Bump Steer Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion control systems for vehicles face challenges in effectively managing vertical and lateral loads, leading to issues such as flanking load paths, bump steer, and vibration, which are not adequately addressed by traditional suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a crossbar connected to both wheel assemblies via ball joints, with active suspension actuators mounted vertically to transmit forces directly to the crossbar, decoupling vertical and longitudinal motions, and incorporating wheel hop dampers to counteract wheel hop, while allowing relative lateral motion through lateral decoupling linkages or telescopic joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional suspension systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but flanking load paths and bump steer occur leading to poor ride quality
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into independent vertical and lateral motion control paths. Vertical motion is controlled by actuators connected to the crossbar, while lateral motion is controlled by decoupling linkages, allowing each function to be optimized independently without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
A crossbar is introduced as an intermediary component between the wheel assemblies and the actuators. The crossbar serves as a force transmission element that decouples the load paths, allowing vertical forces to be transmitted directly to the actuators without creating flanking load paths through the vehicle body
2Reliability
If active suspension actuators are added to control vertical loads, then ride quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar serves multiple functions: it connects the wheel assemblies to the actuators, transmits vertical forces, and provides a mounting structure for the wheel hop dampers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel hop dampers are combined with the vertical motion control system by mounting them on the crossbar or actuators, allowing simultaneous control of wheel hop and vertical suspension functions through an integrated structure rather than separate independent systems
3Force
If crossbar is rigidly connected to wheel assemblies, then vertical force transmission is efficient, but lateral motion is constrained causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the crossbar and wheel assemblies is made dynamic through decoupling linkages that allow the system to adapt its constraints based on the type of motion. During vertical motion, the linkages maintain force transmission, while during lateral motion, they allow free movement to maintain stability
4Object-affected harmful factors
If wheel hop dampers are added to counteract wheel hop, then wheel hop is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hop dampers are merged with the existing vertical motion control structure by mounting them on the crossbar or actuators. This integration allows the wheel hop control function to be added without requiring completely separate mounting structures or independent control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system that a crossbar that is pivotally connected to a first structure and is pivotally connected to a second structure. The system also includes a first actuator that is located near the first structure and is connected to the crossbar. The system also includes a second actuator that is located near the second structure and is connected to the crossbar.