Active Suspension Spring Force Axis Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active suspension systems require increased installation space and are prone to wear and corrosion when adjusting the force acting axis of a coil spring, leading to reduced lifespan and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An active suspension system with a spring force acting axis adjustment device mounted between the upper and lower seat plates and arms, utilizing a servomotor, worm gear, and worm wheel to adjust the force acting axis of the coil spring, minimizing space and friction-related damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the force acting axis of the coil spring is adjusted by rotating the coil spring between the upper and lower arms, then the wheel rate and vehicle height can be adjusted, but the installation space is increased and the coil spring is prone to wear and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (seat plate rotation device with servomotor, worm gear, and worm wheel) between the coil spring and the arms. This intermediary allows adjustment of the force acting axis without directly rotating the coil spring, thereby preventing wear and corrosion at the coil spring ends while maintaining adjustability of wheel rate and vehicle height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coil spring is rotated to adjust the force acting axis, then the wheel rate and height can be changed, but friction and abrasion increase leading to reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The seat plate rotation mechanism acts as an intermediary that transfers the adjustment function away from the coil spring. The servomotor drives the worm gear which rotates the worm wheel, thereby rotating the seat plate. This intermediary transmission mechanism eliminates direct friction and abrasion on the coil spring, extending its lifespan while maintaining adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional adjustment mechanism is used to vary the force acting axis, then the suspension characteristics can be changed, but the installation space between chassis and lower arm is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the seat plate rotation device is integrated within the existing suspension structure. The servomotor, worm gear, and worm wheel are compactly arranged in the space between the upper arm and lower arm, nesting the adjustment mechanism within the available volume without requiring additional installation space between the chassis and lower arm.
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 allows for flexible adjustment of the vehicle's wheel rate and height, reduces manufacturing costs, extends the lifespan of components, and enhances riding comfort by minimizing abrasion and corrosion, thereby improving the system's reliability and marketability.
Implementation Method 1
a servomotor, a worm gear, and a worm wheel may be mounted between the upper seat plate and the upper arm or between the lower seat plate and the lower arm
Implementation Method 2
a worm gear, and a worm wheel may be mounted between the upper seat plate and the upper arm or between the lower seat plate and the lower arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an active suspension system allowing the force acting axis of a spring to be controlled, wherein a control means for the force acting axis of a spring is installed either between an upper seat plate and an upper arm, or between a lower seat plate and a lower arm so as to allow the wheel rate and vehicle height to be controlled by varying the force acting axis of the coil spring, and a manipulation unit capable of controlling the operation of the control means for the force acting axis of a spring is installed inside the vehicle. By varying the force acting axis of the coil spring, the present invention can significantly improve the marketability of the suspension system and reliability of the vehicle by varying the ride quality.