Roll Center Variator for Adjustable Suspension Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems, such as those using Watt's linkage, do not allow for adjustments in roll center height due to changes in vehicle center of gravity or load height, and do not facilitate testing of roll center to center of gravity induced moments, requiring significant driver attention and time to change suspension components for varying roll center heights.
Innovation Solution
A roll center variator with a first and second transverse locating device, an adjustable spacing mechanism, and simple links attached to the vehicle axle, allowing for adjustable roll center height through a screw-threaded rod or scissor jack mechanism, enabling multiple roll center heights and reduced driver effort during cornering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed Watt's linkage suspension is used, then the suspension provides stable road holding and axle positioning, but it cannot adjust roll center height to accommodate changes in vehicle center of gravity or load height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by replacing the fixed Watt's linkage with an adjustable mechanism that allows the roll center height to be dynamically changed. The simple links connected to the adjustable spacing mechanism enable the roll center position to be varied according to different vehicle loads or center of gravity positions, transforming a static suspension system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the suspension system into distinct adjustable components: the first and second simple links, the adjustable spacing mechanism, and the transverse locating devices. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the roll center height without affecting the overall suspension structure, enabling versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If current transverse locating devices are used for testing, then the device structure is simple, but significant driver attention is required to determine appropriate cornering speed and testing is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the roll center height to be adjusted to different predetermined positions. This capability transforms the testing process by enabling systematic variation of roll center parameters to study their effects on vehicle dynamics, significantly improving testing efficiency and reducing the need for driver intervention in determining test parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the adjustable spacing mechanism with multiple predetermined roll center height positions. This allows testers to select from pre-established configurations rather than determining parameters during testing, reducing driver attention requirements and accelerating the testing process.
3Measurement precision
If suspension components are changed to test different roll center heights, then accurate roll center effects can be studied, but the time required to change components is great and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the roll center height dynamically adjustable through the simple links and adjustable spacing mechanism, eliminating the need to physically change suspension components. The roll center can be quickly repositioned to different predetermined heights, maintaining measurement precision for studying roll center effects while dramatically reducing the time and cost associated with component changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single suspension system that can accommodate multiple roll center heights through adjustment, rather than requiring different component sets for each test condition. The adjustable spacing mechanism serves multiple functions by enabling variation of roll center position while maintaining the integrity of the overall suspension system.
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 variator reduces vehicle roll during cornering, allows for quick and infinite variability in roll center height testing, and decreases the time required to test roll center effects, making it applicable to various axles and suspension systems.
Implementation Method 1
The variator includes a screw-threaded rod threadably engaged with the adjustable spacing mechanism, wherein rotation of the rod in one direction increases a distance between a first point and a second point of the spacing mechanism and rotation in the opposite direction decreases the distance between the first point and the second point.
Data Source
AI summary
A roll center variator is described, generally including a first transverse locating device, a second transverse locating device, an adjustable spacing mechanism, and first and second simple links attached to the spacing mechanism and a vehicle axle. Each of the transverse locating devices has two ends attached to opposing sides of a vehicle frame. The spacing mechanism is attached at a first point to the first locating device and at a second point to the second locating device. The first and second locating devices are comprised of a Watt's linkage, Panhard rod, or other transverse locating device. The variator includes a screw-threaded rod engaged with the spacing mechanism, wherein rotation of the rod in one direction increases a distance between a first point and a second point of the spacing mechanism and rotation in the opposite direction decreases the distance between the same two points.