Invertible Stabilizer Bar Assembly for Roll-Stiffness and Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems face challenges in simultaneously achieving desirable off-road and on-road performance, as stabilizer bars that enhance on-road handling hinder off-road suspension articulation, and existing disconnect systems can be complex and difficult to reengage.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly with a stabilizer bar system that can be configured in three states: connected, disconnected, and inverted, using an actuator assembly and inverter housing to alter the physical connections between stabilizer bars and the chassis coupler, allowing for optimized performance in various driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizer bar is connected to increase roll-stiffness for improved on-road handling, then handling characteristics are improved, but suspension articulation is hindered for off-road driving
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer bar system transitions from a static connected/disconnected configuration to a dynamic three-state system (connected, disconnected, inverted) that can adapt its characteristics in real-time. The actuator assembly enables the inverter housing to move between positions, allowing the stabilizer bar to change its functional state dynamically based on driving conditions, thereby achieving both high roll-stiffness when needed and full articulation when required
2Adaptability or versatility
If a disconnect system is provided to improve suspension articulation, then off-road performance is improved, but device complexity increases and reengagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the disconnect function with an inversion function into a single integrated system. The inverter housing serves dual purposes: it can disconnect the stabilizer bar from the chassis coupler OR invert its orientation, eliminating the need for separate disconnect mechanisms. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to improve suspension articulation when needed
3Stability of the object's composition
If increased spring rates are used to achieve higher roll rates, then roll-stiffness is improved, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer bar system segments the roll-control function from the ground clearance function. By using a disconnectable and invertible stabilizer bar configuration, the system provides roll-stiffness only when needed (through the connected or inverted states) while allowing full suspension travel and ground clearance when the stabilizer bar is disconnected. This eliminates the need for increased spring rates to achieve roll-stiffness, thereby preserving ground clearance
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly for a vehicle may include a first stabilizer bar operably coupled to a first wheel on a first side of the vehicle, a second stabilizer bar operably coupled to a second wheel on a second side of the vehicle, and an chassis coupler comprising an inverter housing and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly may be operable to arrange the first stabilizer bar and the second stabilizer bar in a selected one of a connected state, a disconnected state, and an inverted state. The inverter housing may be alternately constrained to one of the first stabilizer bar or the chassis coupler based on a position of the actuator assembly to define each of the connected state, the disconnected state and the inverted state.