Disconnectable Stabilizer Bar Link for Independent Wheel Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stabilizer bars in vehicles transmit shock between wheels, causing instability and hindering independent wheel movement, especially on uneven terrain due to their torsional stiffness and inability to disconnect effectively.
Innovation Solution
A disconnectable link system for the stabilizer bar, featuring a first link member with a ball joint, a second link member that slides within the first, and a lock shaft with a lock element that can move between engaged and disengaged positions to allow or prevent axial movement between the link members, enabling independent wheel movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizer bar is used to reduce vehicle roll, then vehicle stability is improved, but shock transmission between wheels causes cross-talk and deteriorates ride quality
Solution Approach 1:
The link incorporates a telescoping mechanism with a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion that can slide relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic structure allows the link to change its axial length, enabling it to absorb and isolate shock forces while maintaining the stabilizer bar's roll-resistant function, thereby reducing cross-talk between wheels
2Strength
If the stabilizer bar is made torsionally stiff to reduce roll, then anti-roll performance is improved, but independent wheel travel is hindered especially on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The link is divided into separate telescoping segments (first tubular portion and second tubular portion) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each wheel to travel independently on uneven terrain while the stabilizer bar maintains its torsional stiffness for roll control, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity and adaptive movement
3Adaptability or versatility
If a disconnectable link system is added to allow independent wheel movement, then terrain navigation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link employs a nested telescoping structure where the second tubular portion is received within the first tubular portion. This nested design provides the disconnectable functionality for independent wheel movement while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure, minimizing packaging constraints and reducing complexity compared to alternative disconnectable systems
Data Source
AI summary
A disconnectable link may include a first link member having a generally tubular portion, a first ball joint disposed on the first link member and adapted to engage a first suspension member; a second link member slidably receivable within the first link member; a second ball joint disposed on the second link member and adapted to engage a second suspension member; a lock shaft engaged with the second link member; and a lock element disposed within an aperture in the second link member. Movement of the lock shaft into a first position may cause the lock element to engage the first link member to prevent relative axial movement between the first and second link members, and movement of the lock shaft into a second position may cause the lock element to disengage the first link member to allow relative axial movement between the first and second link members.