Vehicle Wheel Suspension Assembly Actuator Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension and steering systems require complex and costly modifications to refine and tune their performance, especially when integrating suspension and steering functions, leading to inefficiencies in handling, stability, and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly featuring a hub assembly with a linkage system that includes linear actuators and a four-bar mechanism, which reduces transverse loads and torques applied to the actuators, allowing for controlled steering, camber, and alignment of the wheel, while also incorporating a spring and damper system for vibration absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional separate suspension and steering systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but refinement and tuning require complicated modifications that are time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate suspension and steering systems into an integrated active suspension steering system. The control unit coordinates both suspension actuators and steering actuators to work together, allowing refinement and tuning to be performed on the integrated system rather than requiring complicated modifications to separate systems, thereby reducing development time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions by managing both suspension control and steering control. It receives input signals from various sensors and generates control signals for both suspension actuators and steering actuators, making the control system universal and reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If integrated suspension and steering systems are used, then handling and stability are improved, but system complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple sensors including acceleration sensors, displacement sensors, and steering angle sensors that provide real-time feedback to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback information and adjusts suspension and steering actuators accordingly, improving vehicle stability through closed-loop control while managing system complexity through coordinated control strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between suspension actuators and steering actuators. It processes sensor inputs and generates appropriate control signals for both subsystems, managing the complexity of the integrated system through centralized coordination rather than requiring complex direct interactions between all components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used for controlling suspension and steering, then control precision is improved, but transverse loads and torques on actuators increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple actuators working in coordination to counterbalance transverse loads and torques. The control unit calculates and distributes forces among suspension actuators and steering actuators, allowing them to share the load and reduce individual actuator stress while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of multiple actuators based on real-time vehicle conditions. The control unit continuously modifies actuator commands to optimize force distribution, allowing the system to maintain high control precision while adapting to varying load conditions and reducing peak transverse loads on individual actuators.
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 solution enhances vehicle stability and comfort by minimizing the loads on actuators, allowing for efficient control of wheel alignment and absorption of vibrations, thereby improving overall vehicle performance with reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The first control arm may further comprise a spring and a damper for absorbing and damping vibrations from the hub assembly
Implementation Method 2
The first control arm may further comprise a spring and a damper for absorbing and damping vibrations from the hub assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A suspension assembly 10 is disclosed having a hub assembly 18 for supporting a wheel 12 for rotation. A first control arm 22 is pivotally connected to the hub assembly 18 and a chassis 14 of the vehicle. A pair of actuators 42, 44 is connected between the chassis 14 and the hub assembly 18 for translating the hub assembly 18 relative to the chassis 14. A linkage 52 including a pivot link 54 is connected to the chassis 14 and the hub assembly 18 proximate to the actuators 42, 44 for reducing transverse loads and torques applied to the actuators 42, 44.