Electromagnetic Suspension Stroke Position Spring Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic suspension apparatuses do not adjust the spring force of the spring member based on the stroke position of the actuator, limiting improvements in ride comfort, which is dependent on the preset spring constant.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic suspension apparatus that includes an information acquisition unit to monitor the stroke position and a driving force control unit to calculate and adjust the target driving force, reducing the spring force when the stroke position is within a neutral range, thereby improving ride comfort irrespective of the spring constant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed spring constant is preset in the spring member, then the suspension system has simple structure, but ride comfort cannot be improved across different driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spring force adjustable rather than fixed. The driving force control unit dynamically changes the spring force based on the stroke position of the electromagnetic actuator, transitioning the suspension system from a static to a dynamic configuration that adapts to different driving conditions to improve ride comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spring force based on the stroke position of the electromagnetic actuator. By detecting the stroke position and corresponding the spring force to it, the system adjusts the spring force parameter dynamically, enabling improved ride comfort without requiring multiple physical spring components
2Ease of operation
If the spring force is reduced when the stroke position is in the neutral range, then ride comfort is improved, but the support force during large displacements may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying different spring force characteristics to different stroke position ranges. In the neutral range, the spring force is reduced to improve ride comfort, while in non-neutral ranges (larger displacements), the spring force is increased to provide adequate support. This localized adjustment optimizes performance for each operating condition
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 solution effectively enhances ride comfort by dynamically adjusting the spring force based on the stroke position, regardless of the preset spring constant, thereby improving the damping performance of the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic actuator operates to generate the driving force related to the vibration damping of the vehicle body by converting rotational motion of the electric motor into linear motion of the ball screw mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to obtain an electromagnetic suspension apparatus capable of meeting a request to improve ride comfort irrespective of a magnitude of a spring constant preset in a spring member. The electromagnetic suspension apparatus includes an electromagnetic actuator that generates a driving force related to vibration damping of the vehicle body, an information acquisition unit that acquires information on a stroke position of the electromagnetic actuator, and an ECU that calculates a target driving force of the electromagnetic actuator and controls a driving force of the electromagnetic actuator using the calculated target driving force. When the stroke position acquired by the information acquisition unit is in a neutral range including a neutral position, the ECU corrects the target driving force so as to reduce a spring force related to the spring member as compared with when the stroke position is in a non-neutral range.