Steering Wheel Paddle Control for Variable Stabilizer Bar Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stabilizer bars in vehicles can reduce comfort by limiting articulation and axle travel, especially on uneven terrain and during trail driving, as they provide a fixed resistance to body roll which can hinder performance both on- and off-road.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active stabilizer bars with a variable torsion force system and active suspension systems that can modify damping force and ride height in response to driver inputs, using a controller to adjust the stabilizer bar's effect and suspension characteristics based on driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional stabilizer bar is used, then body roll resistance is improved, but vehicle articulation and axle travel are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer bar is designed with a variable torsion force system that allows it to dynamically adjust its stiffness characteristics. The coupler mechanism enables the stabilizer bar to change from a rigid fixed-torsion structure to a flexible variable-torsion structure, allowing the bar to adapt its resistance to body roll based on driving conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing body roll resistance and maintaining vehicle articulation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed torsion force stabilizer bar is used, then handling stability is improved, but comfort on uneven terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer bar system changes the physical parameter of torsion force from a fixed value to a variable value. The coupler mechanism allows the torsion force to vary based on the relative position and movement between stabilizer bar ends, enabling the system to provide high stability during cornering while reducing resistance on uneven terrain to improve comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an active stabilizer bar with variable torsion force is implemented, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active stabilizer bar system is designed to automatically adjust its torsion force characteristics based on driving conditions without requiring complex external control systems. The coupler mechanism and variable torsion force system enable the stabilizer bar to self-regulate its stiffness, reducing the need for additional sensors, actuators, and control electronics, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes first and second wheel assemblies, a steering wheel, a driver-actuatable input supported on the steering wheel, and an active stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar has a first end connected to the first wheel assembly, a second end connected to the second wheel assembly, and a coupler connected between the first and second ends and configured to provide a variable torsion force between the first and second ends. A controller is programmed to, in response to actuation of the driver-actuatable input, command the coupler to modify the torsion force.