Switchable Stabilizer Assembly for Vehicle Roll Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-roll bar systems face a trade-off between comfort and driving dynamics due to their fixed spring rates, and they often require external energy sources, making them costly and inefficient for vehicles intended for both on- and off-road use.
Innovation Solution
A semi-active switchable stabilizer arrangement that uses a hydraulic actuator with non-elastically deformable working chambers and spring elements, allowing for adjustable spring rates without an external energy supply, by changing the passage cross-section of the fluid-conducting connection between working chambers, enabling various force-displacement characteristics based on driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive stabilizers with predetermined spring rates are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the system cannot adapt to different driving conditions and must compromise between comfort and driving dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a switchable stabilizer system where the spring rate can be dynamically changed between at least two different rates (first and second spring rates) based on driving conditions. The stabilizer assembly includes a switchable mechanism that allows the system to transition from a first stabilizer configuration (softer spring rate for comfort) to a second stabilizer configuration (stiffer spring rate for driving dynamics), making the system adaptive without requiring a completely complex active control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active stabilizers with external energy sources are used, then driving dynamics and comfort can be optimized, but the system becomes costly and requires additional weight and installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the stabilizer system switches between different spring rates using its own structural components without requiring external energy sources. The switchable mechanism utilizes the existing stabilizer bar, mounting brackets, and hydraulic or mechanical switching components already present in the vehicle's suspension system, eliminating the need for additional motors, pumps, or control systems that would increase weight and cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If semi-active stabilizers with actively controlled valves are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system still requires complex valve control mechanisms and cannot provide active forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex valve control mechanism from the stabilizer system by implementing a mechanical or hydraulic switching mechanism that directly changes the spring rate without requiring active valve control. The switching mechanism uses the vehicle's existing hydraulic suspension system or mechanical linkages to transition between different stabilizer configurations, eliminating the need for electronically controlled valves and their associated control systems.
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 adaptable anti-roll bar stiffness, enhancing both comfort and driving dynamics without the need for expensive or heavy components, as it can switch between soft and stiff modes based on driving conditions, ensuring optimal performance in different scenarios without external energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a suitable hydraulic semi-active actuator, the first and the second stabilizer halves are coupled so that they can rotate relative to one another about their longitudinal axis. The hydraulic actuator itself has at least two working chambers filled with a hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
a spring element is arranged in the at least two working chambers of the actuator and/or in at least two further working chambers of the actuator, which spring element is supported between a rotor and a stator of the actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a switchable stabiliser assembly of a vehicle, in particular for roll stabilisation. It comprises a first stabiliser half and a second stabiliser half, each of which are coupled to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the first and second stabiliser halves are coupled rotatably relative to each other about the longitudinal axis thereof by means of a hydraulic, semi-active actuator. The actuator has at least two working chambers filled with a hydraulic medium and comprises at least one fluid-conducting connection of variable flow cross-section between the at least two working chambers. The working chambers of the actuator are not elastically deformable. Instead, a spring element is arranged in the at least two working chambers of the actuator and/or in at least two additional working chambers of the actuator and is supported between a rotor and a stator of the actuator.