Elasto-Hydraulic Bushing With Offset Pivot for Suspension Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bushings in vehicle suspension systems have a fixed axis of rotation, limiting their application and flexibility, as they cannot transform rotational motion into translational motion or vice versa, and their fixed pivot point can interfere with cabin space, compromising both performance and design options.
Innovation Solution
The development of a dynamically configurable elasto-hydraulic bushing system that can transform rotational motion into translational motion and vice versa, with a pivot point that can be shifted or offset, allowing for adjustable effective modulus of elasticity, enabling improved suspension kinematics and flexibility in design and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional bushing with a fixed axis of rotation is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability and design flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing system employs a movable pivot point that can shift position dynamically based on operating conditions, transforming the static fixed-axis design into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the bushing to adapt to different suspension events (turns, accidents, road conditions) while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through controlled mobility rather than complete reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The effective modulus of elasticity is made configurable and adjustable, allowing the bushing to change its mechanical properties according to different operational requirements. This parameter change capability enables the same bushing structure to provide different levels of compliance and support, significantly improving adaptability without requiring multiple different bushing designs
2Area of stationary object
If a fixed pivot point is used in the bushing, then the structure is stable, but the cabin space is compromised and design options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot point is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to shift position to optimize cabin space utilization. The dynamic positioning capability enables the pivot point to occupy different spatial locations based on suspension event requirements, effectively increasing available cabin space while maintaining suspension stability through controlled rather than rigid positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional bushing cannot transform rotational motion into translational motion, then the device complexity is low, but the functionality and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing system incorporates hydraulic mechanisms that enable transformation between rotational and translational motion. Fluid pressure and flow control allow the system to convert rotational input from suspension movement into translational output for actuator control, significantly enhancing functionality while managing complexity through established hydraulic principles rather than complex mechanical linkages
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
This solution enhances vehicle suspension performance by allowing the bushing system to adapt to various events such as turns, accidents, or road conditions, providing a smoother ride and increased design flexibility without sacrificing cabin space, while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first chamber fluidly connected to a second chamber within the elastomeric member, wherein a rotation of the suspension arm causes a fluid to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber thereby causing the suspension arm to translate
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric member disposed between the first rigid portion and the second rigid portion
Implementation Method 3
an elastomeric member disposed between the first rigid portion and the second rigid portion
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension including one or more elasto-hydraulic bushings that can enable adjustment of the kinematic pivot point. The suspension can include a bushing system having a single buishing or a coupled bushing pair interactively arranged and configured to transform rotational motion into translational motion or vice versa by the expansion and contraction of one or more reservoirs.