Adjustable Upper Control Arm for Suspension Camber Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension systems in vehicles compromise between lateral and longitudinal traction optimization due to limitations in controlling camber angle and suspension kinematics, particularly when packaging various elements, leading to suboptimal component lengths.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with a camber gain link that adjusts the effective length of the upper control arm, allowing dynamic control of camber angle through a pivotally connected inner and outer segment, secured by a camber gain link, which can be manually or automatically adjusted using actuators and sensors for optimal traction based on vehicle dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If suspension component lengths are reduced for packaging, then vehicle packaging is improved, but suspension kinematics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses active adjustment mechanisms (actuators, camber gain links) to compensate for the reduced component lengths. By dynamically modifying the effective lever arms and control geometry through actuated movement, the system maintains optimal suspension kinematics despite the compact physical dimensions of the control arms required for modern vehicle packaging.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension for a vehicle includes a knuckle, a lower control arm, an upper control arm, including an inner segment and an outer segment pivotally connected to one another, and a camber gain link interconnecting the upper control arm and the lower control arm, a pivotal position of the inner segment relative to the outer segment defining an effective length of the upper control arm and a camber angle of the knuckle, the camber gain link adapted to secure the pivotal connection of the inner segment and the outer segment and prevent pivotal movement of the inner segment and the outer segment relative to one another, thereby establishing a pivotal position of the inner segment relative to the outer segment, the effective length of the upper control arm and the camber angle of the knuckle.