Adjustable Suspension Spring Plate Locking for Low-Wear Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorber and spring assemblies for vehicle suspensions with electromechanical adjustment devices suffer from high electrical energy consumption, long activation times, and high wear due to high friction in the screw/nut screw kinematic mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mechanism to block the relative rotation between the screw and nut screw, utilizing a high-efficiency screw/nut screw kinematic mechanism, such as a ball screw, and an electrically actuated clutch with an electromagnet to control the blocking mechanism, allowing for efficient positioning and maintenance of the spring support plate without continuous motor activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-friction screw/nut screw kinematic mechanism is used to prevent spring plate rotation, then the mechanism maintains position reliably, but electrical energy consumption increases and activation time lengthens
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is segmented into two functional parts: a high-friction screw/nut screw mechanism for preventing rotation, and a separate electrically actuated clutch for controlling the blocking function. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the drawbacks of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically actuated clutch acts as an intermediary between the electric motor and the screw/nut screw mechanism. It controls when the high-friction blocking mechanism is engaged or disengaged, allowing the system to maintain position only when needed rather than continuously, thus reducing energy consumption.
2Reliability
If a high-friction screw/nut screw kinematic mechanism is used to prevent spring plate rotation, then the mechanism maintains position reliably, but activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is segmented into two functional parts: a high-friction screw/nut screw mechanism for preventing rotation, and a separate electrically actuated clutch for controlling the blocking function. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the drawbacks of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically actuated clutch enables periodic engagement and disengagement of the blocking mechanism rather than continuous engagement. The clutch activates the high-friction mechanism only during positioning operations and deactivates it during normal operation, reducing activation time and improving system responsiveness.
3Reliability
If a high-friction screw/nut screw kinematic mechanism is used to prevent spring plate rotation, then the mechanism maintains position reliably, but wear on screw and nut screw threads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is segmented into two functional parts: a high-friction screw/nut screw mechanism for preventing rotation, and a separate electrically actuated clutch for controlling the blocking function. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the drawbacks of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically actuated clutch enables periodic engagement and disengagement of the blocking mechanism rather than continuous engagement. The clutch activates the high-friction mechanism only during positioning operations and deactivates it during normal operation, reducing activation time and improving system responsiveness.
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 reduces electrical energy consumption, shortens activation times, and decreases wear on the screw and nut screw threads, thereby enhancing the efficiency and service life of the shock absorber and spring assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically actuated clutch with an electromagnet to control the blocking mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A shock absorber and spring assembly for a vehicle suspension comprises a shock absorber (10) provided with a spring plate (18) and a spring (12), the bottom of which rests on the latter, the shock absorber assembly also comprising an electromechanical adjustment device for varying in a continuous and controlled manner the vertical position of the lower end of the spring (12), which adjustment device includes a screw and nut screw motion conversion mechanism (24, 26) and a mechanism for blocking the rotation of the screw (24), which blocking mechanism includes a primary disc (50) connected to the screw (24) for conjoint rotation therewith and an auxiliary disc (52) non-rotatably fixed with respect to the screw (24), which discs have respective profiles (50', 52') which engage with one another such that, when mutually engaged, the rotation of the screw (24) is prevented.