Vehicle Stabilizer Control Apparatus with Motor Current Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer control apparatuses for vehicles require increased space due to locking arrangements, leading to difficulties in mounting and result in high electric power consumption and heat load during steady-state driving maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer control apparatus with an electric motor actuator that includes a turning determination device and controller to manage electric current based on vehicle turning operations, prohibiting current when turning is decreased, thereby reducing energy consumption and heat load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking arrangement is added to the slewing drive to stabilize the stabilizer halves, then the rolling motion suppression is improved, but the longitudinal length of the apparatus is increased making it difficult to mount on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a separate mechanical locking arrangement and integrates it into the electric motor's control system. By using the motor's inherent holding capability through controlled current application, the dedicated locking mechanism is eliminated, reducing the longitudinal length while maintaining stabilizer control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both the driving function (actuating the stabilizer) and the locking function (holding the stabilizer position) through appropriate control of electric current. This eliminates the need for a separate locking mechanism, resolving the contradiction between reliability and compactness.
2Reliability
If the electric motor is continuously fed with electric current to maintain stabilizer position, then the stabilizer control reliability is improved, but the electric power consumption and heat load are increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous current supply, the patent employs periodic or intermittent current application to the electric motor. The motor receives current only when actuation is needed or when holding position is required, and remains unenergized during steady-state conditions. This periodic action maintains stabilizer control reliability while dramatically reducing electric power consumption and heat load during normal operation.
3Reliability
If the electric motor is continuously fed with electric current to maintain stabilizer position, then the stabilizer control reliability is improved, but the heat load to the electric motor is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic current supply to the electric motor rather than continuous supply. The motor is energized only when actuation or position holding is required, and remains unenergized during steady-state operation. This reduces the cumulative heat generation in the motor while maintaining adequate stabilizer control reliability through timely current application when needed.
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 apparatus effectively reduces energy consumption and heat load by controlling electric current distribution according to vehicle turning operations, maintaining efficient stabilizer control while minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator having an electric motor disposed between the stabilizer bars
Implementation Method 2
reducing heat load to the electric motor or the like
Data Source
AI summary
In a stabilizer control apparatus for a vehicle, a stabilizer includes a pair of stabilizer bars disposed between a right wheel and a left wheel of the vehicle, and an actuator having an electric motor disposed between the stabilizer bars. A turning determination device is provided for determining a turning operation of the vehicle. And, a controller is provided for controlling the electric motor in response to the result determined by the turning determination device. The electric motor is substantially prohibited from being fed with electric current, when the turning operation of the vehicle is being decreased.