Forecarriage Anti-Roll System with Dynamic Rod Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-roll systems for three-wheeled motor vehicles require large and costly actuators to maintain balance and prevent rolling, and symmetrical blocking of both wheels increases overall dimensions and costs.
Innovation Solution
A forecarriage with an anti-roll system using a connecting rod-crank kinematic mechanism that blocks roll movements through a static mechanical constraint, allowing smaller and more cost-effective actuators, and enabling symmetrical blocking without significant size or cost increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large actuators are used to maintain balance and prevent rolling, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first configuration where the rod connects to both rolling wheels for active roll blocking, and a second configuration where the rod disconnects from one wheel to allow independent suspension movement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same mechanical structure to provide both rigid roll blocking when needed and flexible suspension travel when needed, eliminating the need for oversized actuators that would be required to maintain balance under all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-roll system is segmented into two independent blocking mechanisms: one acting on the first rolling wheel through the rod connection, and another acting on the second rolling wheel. This segmentation allows the system to block rolls independently at each wheel, providing balanced roll control without requiring a single large actuator to control both wheels simultaneously, thereby reducing actuator size and system complexity.
2Reliability
If symmetrical blocking of both wheels is implemented, then reliability is improved, but overall dimensions and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of roll blocking and suspension movement into a single rod mechanism. The same rod that blocks rolls by connecting to both wheels also enables independent suspension travel when disconnected from one wheel. This merging eliminates the need for separate symmetrical blocking mechanisms for each wheel, achieving reliable roll blocking without increasing overall system dimensions.
3Reliability
If the rod connects to both rolling wheels, then roll blocking is improved, but suspension movement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the rod connections based on operational requirements. In the first configuration, the rod connects to both rolling wheels to provide effective roll blocking. In the second configuration, the rod disconnects from one wheel, allowing that wheel's suspension to move independently. This dynamic switching enables the system to adapt between roll blocking mode and suspension movement mode, maintaining both functions without compromise.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a forecarriage of a rolling motor vehicle with three or four wheels, comprising: a forecarriage frame (16); at least one pair of front wheels (10′), (10″) kinematically connected to each other and to the forecarriage frame by a kinematic roll mechanism (20) which enables the same to roll in a synchronous and specular manner; an anti-roll system (100) comprising a rod (110) having a first (111) and a second end (112) opposite each other which connect by means of hinging means (101′, 101″; 102′, 102″) a first (60) and a second anchoring portion (60) of forecarriage 8 directly to each other. At least one of said first and second anchoring portions is subject to roll movements of said two front wheels. The hinging means are configured to passively follow the movements of the two anchoring portions. The hinging means (101′, 101″) at the first end of the rod comprise at least a first roll hinge (101′) which has its hinge axis substantially orthogonal to a rolling plane of the two front wheels and is connected to the first anchoring portion. The anti-roll system comprises a first blocking device suitable to reversibly block a rotation angle a of the rod with respect to the first roll hinge at the first end (111).