Roll Control Actuator with Rotary Mechanism for Variable Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer bar mechanisms for vehicle suspension systems are complex and expensive, failing to provide a simplified method for adjusting stiffness to balance roll stiffness and ride quality during turning maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A roll control actuator with an outer housing and internal mechanism forming fluid chambers of varying volumes, controlled by a valve that adjusts stiffness by allowing or preventing fluid flow between the chambers, hydraulically locking the bar portions together to increase stiffness during cornering and reducing stiffness for improved ride quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilizer bar is made stiffer to reduce vehicle rollover during turning, then roll stability is improved, but ride quality and handling characteristics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer bar employs a variable stiffness mechanism that dynamically adjusts its rigidity based on driving conditions. During cornering maneuvers, the bar increases stiffness to prevent rollover, while during normal driving, it maintains lower stiffness for improved ride quality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between roll stability and ride comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of stiffness in the stabilizer bar based on operational conditions. By using a control system with sensors and actuators, the bar's rigidity parameter is adjusted in real-time, allowing the system to optimize both roll stability during turning and ride quality during normal operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable stiffness control mechanisms are implemented in the stabilizer bar, then roll stiffness adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator system to control the variable stiffness of the stabilizer bar. This approach provides smooth, continuous adjustment of bar rigidity without requiring complex mechanical linkages or electronic control systems, thereby achieving adaptability while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional complex mechanical variable stiffness mechanisms with a more simplified actuator-based system. By using pneumatic or hydraulic actuators instead of mechanical linkages, the system achieves the same functionality with reduced complexity and improved reliability.
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 provides active control of roll stiffness, enhancing vehicle stability during cornering without compromising ride quality, by selectively adjusting the stabilizer bar's stiffness in response to driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
When the control valve is closed, the accumulator is isolated from the roll control actuator and fluid flow through the fluid chambers cannot occur due to the differing fluid volumes. The first and second bar portions are hydraulically locked together
Implementation Method 2
The control includes a control valve in fluid communication with an accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
A roll control actuator for a stabilizer bar includes an outer housing that is fixed to a first bar portion and a paddle member that is fixed to a second bar portion. The roll control actuator includes multiple fluid chambers with different fluid volumes. A control is used to selectively adjust roll stiffness of the stabilizer bar and includes a control valve in fluid communication with an accumulator. The first and second stabilizer bars can rotate relative to each other when the control valve is open to decrease roll stiffness and provide good ride quality. When the control valve is open, fluid flows freely between the fluid chambers. The first and second bar portions are hydraulically locked together when the control valve is closed to increase roll stiffness during cornering maneuvers. When the control valve is closed, the accumulator is isolated from the roll control actuator and fluid flow through the fluid chambers cannot occur due to differing fluid volumes.