Vehicle Suspension Unit With Electrical Motor for Active Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel suspension systems, particularly those with torsion spring units and rotation dampers, are limited in their ability to operate in an active four force-displacement quadrant suspension mode and cannot regenerate energy or provide immediate adjustments for dynamic loading conditions, including anti-roll control and unsprung mass management.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical motor into the rotation damper and torsion spring unit, connected to an energy storage device, allows for instantaneous adjustment of spring preload and damping, enabling active four quadrant suspension control and energy regeneration, with a compact and modularized design that can handle frequencies up to 15-20 Hz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional passive suspension system with spring and shock absorber is used, then the installation is simple and reliable, but the system is bulky and cannot provide active control of suspension properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torsion spring unit and rotation damper into a single integrated suspension arrangement, merging multiple functions (spring support, damping, and active control) into one compact unit. This integration enables active control capabilities while maintaining space efficiency and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates adjustable torsion spring preload and variable damping characteristics through electrical motors, transforming a static passive system into a dynamic active system. The motors enable instantaneous adjustment of suspension properties to adapt to different road conditions and vehicle loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a torsion spring unit with adjustable preload is used, then active control is improved, but the system cannot operate in active four force-displacement quadrant suspension mode
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated suspension arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides traditional spring support, passive damping, active preload adjustment, and active four-quadrant damping control. The electrical motors enable the system to operate in all four suspension modes (jounce/rebound with compression/extension) by coordinating spring and damper actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor wheel position, velocity, and acceleration, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback enables the electrical motors to adjust spring preload and damper characteristics in real-time, achieving active four-quadrant suspension control.
3Speed
If a rotation damper with electrical motor is used, then instantaneous adjustment is achieved, but energy regeneration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motors in the suspension system are designed to function both as actuators for instantaneous adjustment and as energy harvesters. During damping operations, the motors convert mechanical energy from wheel movements into electrical energy, which is stored and reused, enabling the system to be self-sustaining and reduce overall energy consumption.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact modularized design is used, then space efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension arrangement is divided into distinct modular components: the torsion spring unit, the rotation damper, and the electrical motor assembly. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the final integrated unit. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing processes while achieving compact overall dimensions.
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 a condensed and modularized suspension unit capable of active four quadrant damping, absorbing and regenerating energy, and controlling wheel contact with the road at various frequencies, enhancing comfort and stability by actively managing vertical movements and road irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring unit being part of one of said linkages, wherein said unit comprises an adjustable torsion spring
Implementation Method 2
a rotation damper interconnected by an attachment section
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a suspension of a vehicle wheel (5) by means of a suspension arrangement comprising at least two linkages (2, 8, 10) connecting the wheel (5) to the vehicle chassis (1) and a torsion spring unit (6) being part of one of said linkages (2, 8, 10), wherein said unit (6) comprises a torsion spring (13) and a rotation damper (15) interconnected by an attachment section (15), the damper (14) and the spring (13) are connected to the chassis (1) and the attachment section (15) is connected to the linkage (8, 10). According to the invention, the rotation damper (14) comprises an electrical motor (35), wherein the motor (35) dampens oscillations in the suspension arrangement. The invention also relates to an arrangement for such controlling a suspension of a vehicle wheel.