Electronically Disconnectable Sway Bar for Adaptive Roll Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sway bar systems do not provide dynamic control over the stiffness of the sway bar, leading to suboptimal performance in various driving conditions, such as rock crawling and high-speed cornering, which can result in motion sickness and loss of control.
Innovation Solution
A sway bar system with electronically controlled connectors and damper links that allow remote control of the physical connection and disconnection between the sway bar and the vehicle, incorporating a control system that adjusts the stiffness based on sensor inputs and user preferences, enabling dynamic adjustment of the sway bar's stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the sway bar is continuously connected to the vehicle suspension, then vehicle stability during high-speed cornering is improved, but suspension articulation during slow maneuvering and rock crawling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sway bar system transitions from a static continuous connection to a dynamic on-demand connection through electronically controlled connectors. The connectors can be remotely actuated to connect or disconnect the sway bar from the suspension based on driving conditions, enabling the system to adapt between stability-oriented and articulation-oriented modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sway bar connection system is divided into separable segments through the electronically controlled connectors. Each connector independently controls the connection between the sway bar and suspension components, allowing selective disconnection of specific sway bar ends while maintaining connection at other ends, thereby enabling nuanced control over suspension behavior.
2Reliability
If the sway bar stiffness is increased for better handling, then vehicle control during high-speed maneuvers is improved, but driver comfort during slow maneuvering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sway bar stiffness by controlling the connection state of the electronically controlled connectors. During high-speed maneuvers, the connectors maintain connection to provide high stiffness and improved vehicle control. During slow maneuvering, the connectors can disconnect to reduce stiffness and improve driver comfort, eliminating the need for compromise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sway bar is disconnected during rock crawling, then suspension articulation is improved, but vehicle stability during high-speed cornering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronically controlled connectors enable real-time transition between connected and disconnected states based on driving conditions. During rock crawling, the connectors disconnect to allow maximum suspension articulation. During high-speed cornering, the connectors automatically reconnect to restore vehicle stability, providing optimal performance for each operating condition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sway bar system (180) comprising: a sway bar (12) having a first end and a second end; an electronically controlled connector (93L, 93R) to provide a remotely controllable physical connection and disconnection capability between a first location on a vehicle and said first end of said sway bar (12); and said second end of said sway bar (12) for coupling to a second location on said vehicle.