Electromechanical Roll Stabilizer Backlash Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical roll stabilizers experience disturbing noises and vibrations due to backlash in the transmission when changing the direction of rotation, which current mechanical solutions fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical roll stabilizer control method that evaluates stabilizer torque and adjusts motor torque in response to changes in rotational movement and direction of rotation to apply a torque preload, optimizing the acoustics by reducing backlash through dynamic torque adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical solutions such as spring-loaded gears or damping elements are introduced to reduce backlash, then noise and vibrations during direction changes are reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and vibrationsVSAvoidtransmission structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical backlash reduction solutions (spring-loaded gears, damping elements) with an electronic control system that adjusts motor torque. The control device monitors transmission output torque and dynamically adjusts motor torque to prevent tooth flank separation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical modifications while achieving the same noise and vibration reduction效果

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the torque parameter dynamically by adjusting motor torque based on transmission output torque conditions. When backlash is detected or anticipated, the control device increases motor torque to maintain tooth flank contact, thereby reducing noise and vibrations without modifying the mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the transmission is designed with minimal backlash for precision, then positioning accuracy improves, but noise and vibrations increase during direction changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnoise and vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic torque adjustment to maintain optimal tooth flank contact during operation. The control device continuously monitors transmission output torque and adjusts motor torque in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing load conditions and prevent backlash-induced noise while preserving positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control device monitors transmission output torque and uses this information to adjust motor torque. This closed-loop control ensures that tooth flanks remain in contact during direction changes, eliminating noise and vibrations while maintaining the precision benefits of minimal backlash design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach effectively reduces noise and vibrations by minimizing backlash in the transmission, enhancing the acoustic performance of the roll stabilizer system.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor (7) and a transmission (8), wherein the first stabilizer part (106) and the second stabilizer part (108) are rotatable relative to one another by means of the electric motor (7) and the transmission (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Evaluating a stabilizer torque between the first stabilizer part and the second stabilizer part in order to detect a change in rotational movement of the transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque measurement: Torque

Implementation Method 3

changing a motor torque generated by the electric motor (7) as a function of the change in rotational movement and a direction of rotation of the electric motor (7) in order to reduce backlash in the transmission (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBacklash reduction through torque preload: Backlash

Data Source

PatentEP3630508B1Method for actuating an electromechanical roll stabiliser for a vehicle, control device and roll stabiliser system

Publication Date: 2021.01.20 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for actuating an electromechanical roll stabiliser (104) for a vehicle (100). The electromechanical roll stabiliser (104) comprises a first stabiliser part (106), a second stabiliser part (108), an electric motor (7) and a transmission (8), wherein the first stabiliser part (106) and the second stabiliser part (108) can be rotated relative to one another by means of the electric motor (7) and the transmission (8). In the method, a stabiliser torque is evaluated between the first stabiliser part (106) and the second stabiliser part (108), in order to detect a rotational movement change of the transmission (8). Finally, a motor torque generated by the electric motor (7) is changed according to the rotational movement change and a rotational direction of the electric motor (7) such that a gear tooth clearance in the transmission (8) is reduced in the rotational movement change.