Nose-Dive Reducing Suspension Lock for Motor Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension systems for motor vehicles, particularly tracked vehicles, face challenges in maintaining comfort and minimizing wear during heavy braking, as they often compromise between damping and comfort due to fixed damping settings that do not account for varying terrain and braking conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that monitor braking parameters to prevent compression of spring members during braking, employing a suspension lock mechanism that applies a locking torque or force to counteract vehicle body rotation, allowing for adjustable damping based on wheel forces and braking conditions to enhance comfort and reduce wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the damping is increased to prevent vehicle body rotation during braking, then the vehicle stability is improved, but the comfort during normal drive deteriorates due to excessive damping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle body rotation preventionVSAvoidcomfort during normal drive
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system transitions from a static damping configuration to a dynamic one where the damping characteristic is continuously adjustable. The control unit monitors braking parameters and terrain conditions in real-time, dynamically regulating the damping force to match current operational requirements, thereby achieving both stability during braking and comfort during normal driving

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the damping parameter based on detected conditions. When braking is detected, the damping characteristic is increased to prevent vehicle body rotation. During normal driving on uneven terrain, the damping is reduced to maintain comfort. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for different operational states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a passive damping system with high damping is used to prevent vehicle body rotation during braking, then the stability during braking is improved, but the wear on suspension components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle body rotation preventionVSAvoidsuspension component lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts damping based on actual braking conditions and terrain, applying high damping only when necessary for stability rather than continuously. This reduces unnecessary stress and wear on suspension components while maintaining stability during braking events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The damping parameter is adapted based on the severity of braking and terrain conditions. The control unit regulates the damping characteristic to provide sufficient stability while avoiding excessive damping that would cause increased component wear during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the damping is reduced for comfort during normal drive on uneven terrain, then the comfort is improved, but the vehicle body rotation during braking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort during normal driveVSAvoidvehicle body rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors braking parameters and terrain conditions, using this feedback to regulate the damping characteristic. When braking is detected, the system increases damping to prevent vehicle body rotation. During normal driving, it reduces damping for comfort, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If a semi-active damping system is used to regulate damping based on vehicle movement, then the adaptability is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping regulation based on vehicle movementVSAvoidsuspension system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to handle multiple functions: monitoring braking parameters, detecting terrain conditions, regulating damping characteristics, and preventing vehicle body rotation. By consolidating these functions into a single control system, the patent achieves high adaptability while managing system complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces unwanted rotation and wear by preventing suspension compression during braking, thereby improving comfort and extending the lifespan of vehicle components, while allowing for normal suspension operation on uneven terrain.

Implementation Method 1

spring members arranged for resilient connection between the wheels of the vehicle and said vehicle body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

preventing compression of the spring members by applying a locking torque or a locking force on the spring members or thereby connected components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3074250B1Nose-dive reducing suspension lock arrangement for motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 BAE SYSTEMS HAGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG
  • EP3074250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3074250B1 patent drawingFigure 3a
  • EP3074250B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a suspension system of a motor vehicle (1 ) comprising a vehicle body (4) and a plurality of wheel pairs (2a/2b, 2c/2d), wherein the suspension system comprises spring members (5) arranged for resilient connection between the wheels (2) of the vehicle and said vehicle body (4). The method comprises the step of: monitoring (S1 ) at least one first parameter indicating braking of thee motor vehicle (1 ), and when said parameter indicates braking of the motor vehicle, preventing (S4) compression of the spring members (5) of at least one wheel pair (2a/2b, 2c/2d) of the motor vehicle (1 ) for counteracting a rotation of the vehicle body (4) in connection to braking.