Multi-Output Actuator Assembly for Differential Suspension Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator assemblies for vehicles, such as those used for propulsion and active suspension, are limited in their ability to reflect forces/torques between the support structure and the chassis, preventing additional outputs and requiring integration with the chassis for operation, which constrains translational motion and relies on specific structural features.
Innovation Solution
The development of actuators that include a motor, transmission, and support structure, where the motor provides input torques and the transmission constrains these torques to produce summated or differential torque outputs, allowing reflected forces/torques to be applied between the support structure and the chassis, enabling multiple outputs and flexible integration with various chassis structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single motor is used to power multiple subsystems with gears and switches, then cost is reduced, but the subsystems cannot be used concurrently and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is divided into multiple independent stators, each capable of generating torque independently. This allows different stators to be activated simultaneously to power multiple subsystems concurrently, while maintaining a single motor structure for cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each stator in the motor is designed to be functionally independent and interchangeable, allowing any stator to drive any subsystem. This multi-functional design enables the single motor to adapt to various operational requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the motor output is directly coupled to the chassis, then integration simplicity is improved, but the ability to reflect forces/torques between support structure and chassis is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as an intermediary component between the motor and the chassis. It provides a mounting interface that allows the motor to be integrated simply while enabling force and torque reflection capabilities through its connection to the chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with specific local properties at the motor mounting location to enable force reflection. This localized design allows the motor to maintain simple integration while the support structure provides the necessary mechanical characteristics for force/torque reflection at that specific location.
3Productivity
If reactive torques are applied to the stators, then multiple outputs are enabled, but the translational motion of the spindle is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The motor integrates multiple stators around a common rotor and spindle, merging their torque outputs into a single rotational system. This allows multiple torque sources to be combined while maintaining a fixed spindle position, enabling multiple outputs without translational motion of the spindle.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as a counterweight or reaction mass for the stators. When reactive torques are applied to the stators, the support structure absorbs these reactions, allowing multiple torque outputs to be generated without causing the spindle to translate.
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
These actuators can provide a range of outputs varying in magnitude and direction, enabling anti-dive and anti-squat functions, and can be integrated with various suspension systems without requiring specific structural features on the chassis, enhancing vehicle stability and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Electric motors are used to convert electricity into a mechanical force and/or motion
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary actuator includes a motor, a transmission, and a support structure. The motor includes two torque sources that apply respective input torques to a rotor, which rotates about a rotation axis in response to a net input torque. The torque sources are arranged such that the input torques are additive, resulting in a vector-summated torque output. The torque sources also generate corresponding reactive torques that are applied to the first stator and the second stator. The transmission couples and constrains the first stator and the second stator such that rotational motion of one stator causes counter rotation of the other stator. Thus, the reactive torques are subtractive resulting a differential torque output. In some applications, the differential torque output is used to actuate a suspension of a vehicle. The actuator is also coupled to the vehicle via the support structure, which also reflects a reaction force or torque to actuate other subsystems (e.g., anti-dive, anti-squat).