Active Suspension Control Rod Decouples Lateral Wheel Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active vehicle suspension systems face challenges in effectively decoupling lateral motions such as fore-aft and side-side movements from the active suspension element, leading to inefficient force transmission and increased mass contributions from the suspension and steering linkages, which affect the overall control and comfort of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a linear electromagnetic actuator with a stator rigidly attached to the vehicle frame and an armature movable relative to the stator, coupled with a control rod that mechanically decouples the active suspension element from lateral wheel motions, allowing for independent movement of the wheel relative to the frame and reducing bending loads on the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the active suspension element is rigidly coupled to the wheel assembly through suspension linkage, then the suspension can support vehicle mass, but lateral motions (fore-aft and side-side) are transmitted to the active suspension element, causing inefficient force transmission and increased mass
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the active suspension element from the wheel assembly by introducing a control rod as an intermediate component. The active suspension element is rigidly attached to the chassis while the control rod connects to the wheel assembly, creating distinct functional segments that reduce unwanted mechanical coupling and improve force transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control rod acts as an intermediary component between the active suspension element and the wheel assembly. This mediator allows the active suspension element to remain mechanically isolated from lateral wheel motions while still transmitting vertical suspension forces, thereby reducing the mass of the suspension linkage and improving force transmission efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the active suspension element is coupled to suspension linkage and steering linkage, then the system can control wheel position, but the steering linkage adds complexity and the active suspension element becomes mechanically coupled to lateral wheel motions
Solution Approach 1:
The active suspension element is extracted from the traditional suspension linkage and steering linkage system. By rigidly attaching it to the chassis and using a separate control rod to connect to the wheel assembly, the system eliminates the need for complex linkage mechanisms while maintaining wheel position control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control rod serves multiple functions: it transmits vertical suspension forces from the active suspension element to the wheel assembly, allows lateral wheel motions without transmitting them to the actuator, and maintains wheel position control. This multi-functional component reduces overall system complexity compared to separate suspension and steering linkages.
3Strength
If the active suspension element allows lateral wheel motion transmission, then the suspension linkage can accommodate wheel movement, but bending loads increase on the actuator and force transmission becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control rod acts as a mediator that allows lateral wheel motions to occur without transmitting bending loads to the active suspension element. It connects the wheel assembly to the actuator in a way that permits lateral movement while maintaining efficient vertical force transmission, thereby reducing bending loads and improving force transmission efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the active suspension element is mechanically coupled to lateral wheel motions, then the suspension system can accommodate steering and lateral movements, but the mass of the suspension and steering linkages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the mechanical coupling by rigidly attaching the active suspension element to the chassis while using a separate control rod to connect to the wheel assembly. This segmentation allows lateral movements to be accommodated at the wheel assembly level without increasing the mass of the suspension linkage, as the control rod is a minimal-mass connector that permits lateral motion.
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 configuration enhances the force transmission efficiency, reduces the mass contributions from suspension and steering linkages, and improves the vehicle's ability to attenuate vertical, fore-aft, and side-side motions, leading to improved ride comfort and control by minimizing the flexing mass during lateral excitations.
Implementation Method 1
a linear electromagnetic actuator having a stator and an armature that is movable relative to the stator
Data Source
AI summary
An active suspension system for a vehicle includes an active suspension element that is substantially rigidly attached to a frame of the vehicle such that a motion of an armature of the active suspension element is mechanically decoupled from a lateral motion of a wheel of the vehicle. A control rod is attached between the active suspension element and the wheel of the vehicle.