Overlapping Linear Actuators for Adjustable Vehicle Track Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspensions with adjustable track width are not suitable for passenger vehicles due to lack of independent wheel suspension and stability issues at high speeds, and existing solutions are complex and costly to implement on a large scale.
Innovation Solution
A wheel suspension system with overlapping linear actuators that allow independent wheel movement and adjustable track width, optimizing the ratio of narrow to wide track positions and reducing steering effects, while enabling active camber control and four-wheel steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are arranged without overlap in conventional configurations, then the structure is simpler, but the ratio of narrow track to wide track is less optimized and spring travel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators are arranged to overlap in the transverse direction of the vehicle, utilizing the transverse dimension to improve the narrow track to wide track ratio. This dimensional arrangement allows the actuators to be positioned such that they overlap when viewed from above, optimizing the track width adjustment range without requiring additional actuator length in the longitudinal direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple actuators by arranging them to overlap in the transverse direction. This merging approach allows the actuators to work together more efficiently, maximizing the track width adjustment capability while maintaining a compact structure that does not increase overall vehicle width excessively.
2Length of moving object
If connecting elements between wheel and body are shorter, then the structure is more compact, but the wheel has less freedom of movement and maximum spring travel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging actuators to overlap in the transverse direction, the patent effectively increases the functional length of the connecting elements without proportionally increasing the physical space occupied. The overlap configuration allows the actuators to provide greater leverage and freedom of movement for the wheel while maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional suspension designs are used, then the implementation is simpler, but independent wheel suspension and spring-mounting are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the suspension system into independent wheel units, each with its own actuators for track width adjustment and spring-mounting. This segmentation allows each wheel to be suspended and controlled independently, enabling features like individual wheel camber control and independent spring-mounting, which are essential for modern vehicle performance and safety.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex actuator combinations with rotational and linear movement are used, then track width adjustment is achieved, but the system becomes too complex for safe and reliable large-scale application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs actuators that perform multiple functions: they control track width adjustment, provide spring-mounting, and enable independent wheel suspension. By designing actuators with multi-functionality, the system achieves complex capabilities without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and improving reliability for large-scale application.
Data Source
AI summary
Wheel suspension comprising a frame suitable for connection to a body of a vehicle and comprising a first and second wheel which together define a track width, and wherein the first wheel is connected to the frame via a first set of actuators and wherein the second wheel is connected to the frame via a second set of actuators such that by means of operating the actuators the track width is adjustable between a narrow track, characterized in that the first set of actuators overlaps in the transverse direction of the vehicle with the second set of actuators.