Switchable Anti-Roll Bar Link for Stability and Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-roll bar systems in vehicles can cause jarring side-to-side body motions and instability, especially when traversing rough terrain, due to their rigid links that transfer torsional forces, leading to reduced articulation and increased risk of inside wheels lifting off the ground during cornering.
Innovation Solution
An anti-roll bar link that can be switched between locked and unlocked states, allowing for adjustable suspension travel, enabling increased articulation when needed, such as off-road, by using a mechanism with a shaft, piston, and locking protrusion or ball aperture configuration, allowing manual or automated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid links are used in anti-roll bar systems, then stability on paved roads is improved, but jarring side-to-side body motions and reduced suspension articulation occur on rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-roll bar link incorporates a telescoping mechanism with extendable segments that allow the link length to dynamically adjust. During off-road operation, the link can extend to accommodate increased suspension articulation requirements, while on paved roads it maintains a fixed shorter length for optimal stability. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between needing rigid stability on roads and flexible articulation on rough terrain.
2Force
If anti-roll bar diameter and stiffness are increased, then body roll reduction is improved, but jarring motions and inside wheel lift increase on rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-roll bar link is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high anti-roll force when needed while absorbing jarring motions through the relative movement between segments. The segmented structure prevents the transmission of harsh vibrations to the vehicle body while still providing adequate roll control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If anti-roll bars are disconnected for off-road use, then suspension articulation is improved, but vehicle stability and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping anti-roll bar link provides dynamic connectivity that adapts to terrain conditions. Unlike complete disconnection, the telescoping mechanism maintains a physical connection between suspension components while allowing increased articulation through extension. This preserves vehicle stability and control characteristics while enabling the suspension articulation needed for off-road performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-roll bar link for a vehicle suspension may be positioned between an anti-roll bar and an articulating arm. The link selectively transfers movement of the arm to the anti-roll bar, depending on a locked or unlocked state. The link includes a body interfacing a slidable shaft. A physical feature selectively locks or unlocks the slidable shaft with respect to the body. The physical feature may include a locking pin, interference with a locking ball, etc. In the locked state, translation of the slidable shaft is restricted, and movement of the arm is transferred through the link to the bar. In the unlocked state, translation of the slidable shaft is permitted, and movement of the arm causes the shaft to translate with respect to the body such that at least a portion of the movement is not transferred to the bar.