Front Suspension Geometry With Coupled Camber and Toe Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for road vehicles, particularly sports cars, require multiple active components to adjust both the camber and toe-in angles, which complicates the design and increases the number of mechanical and electronic parts.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly with an active telescopic camber tie-rod that adjusts the camber angle, which also automatically adjusts the toe-in angle, reducing the number of active components by integrating a fixed toe-in tie-rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate telescopic tie-rods are provided for both camber and toe-in angle adjustment, then both angles can be independently adjusted, but the number of active components and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camber and toe-in angle adjustment functions into a single integrated suspension arm (3) that performs both adjustments simultaneously through one active telescopic tie-rod (2). This eliminates the need for separate active components for each function, directly resolving the contradiction by combining multiple functions into one mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension arm (3) is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously controls both camber and toe-in angles. By making this single component universal in its function, the system achieves both angle adjustments without requiring multiple specialized components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adjustability.
2Device complexity
If a fixed tie-rod is used for toe-in adjustment, then the structure is simpler, but the toe-in angle cannot be actively adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixed structural support function with the active adjustment function into a single integrated suspension arm (3). This arm provides both the structural framework and the active control capability through its connection to the telescopic tie-rod (2), allowing the system to achieve both simplicity and adjustability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension arm (3) transitions from a static structural element to a dynamic component that can actively change position and orientation. By making the arm dynamic through its connection to the telescopic tie-rod, the system enables active toe-in angle adjustment while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and active adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple active tie-rods are provided for camber and toe-in control, then precise independent control is achieved, but the mechanical and electronic parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single telescopic tie-rod (2) that simultaneously controls both camber and toe-in angles. This consolidation reduces the number of mechanical and electronic components from what would be required for separate control systems, while the integrated suspension arm (3) ensures precise control of both angles through their coupled geometric relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The single telescopic tie-rod (2) is designed with universal control capability, allowing it to influence both camber and toe-in angles through its connection to the multi-functional suspension arm (3). This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized actuators, reducing component quantity while maintaining control precision through the arm's geometric design.
Data Source
AI summary
A road vehicle having a fixed chassis, two front wheels, and a suspension assembly provided for each front wheel positioned between the fixed chassis and the corresponding front wheel. Each suspension assembly comprises an upper lever and a rod. The upper lever comprises an active tie-rod configured to change the camber angle of the corresponding front wheel and the other rod is realised in the form of a fixed tie-rod configured to change the toe-in angle of the corresponding front wheel. The active camber tie-rod is a telescopic type tie-rod to vary its length. The active camber tie-rod and the fixed toe-in tie-rod being are coupled on one side to the chassis and on the other side to the wheel at such points of the space that activating the active tie-rod simultaneously modifies both the camber angle and the toe-in angle.