Variable-Geometry Suspension via Dynamic Linkage Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems, particularly active and semi-active suspensions, are complex, expensive, energy-intensive, and heavy, making them impractical for widespread adoption due to their high initial cost, significant energy consumption, and difficulty in packaging within vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A variable-geometry suspension apparatus that dynamically adjusts the geometry of passive elements using an actuator, allowing for active control of suspension without the need for complex active or semi-active components, utilizing a compressible member such as a spring, damper, or inerter within a support structure, which can be retrofitted into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active suspension apparatus with electro-hydraulic components is used, then ride comfort and handling performance are improved, but weight, cost, energy consumption, and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electro-hydraulic active suspension components with a passive mechanical linkage system. The six-bar linkage mechanism uses purely mechanical elements (links, pivots, and a spring) to achieve active suspension functionality, eliminating the need for electro-hydraulic actuators and complex control systems while maintaining ride comfort and handling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic six-bar linkage mechanism where the geometry of the linkage changes during operation. The mechanism dynamically adjusts the suspension characteristics through its moving geometry, allowing it to adapt to varying road conditions and vehicle states without requiring active control systems or energy input
2Reliability
If active suspension apparatus with electro-hydraulic components is used, then ride comfort and handling performance are improved, but weight and size increase making packaging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy electro-hydraulic components with lightweight passive mechanical elements. The six-bar linkage is constructed from simple metal links and pivots that are significantly lighter than electro-hydraulic actuators, while the spring provides the necessary force generation without requiring heavy hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The six-bar linkage mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides suspension, controls ride height, manages spring forces, and adapts to varying conditions - all within a single integrated mechanical structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy components for each function
3Reliability
If active suspension apparatus with electro-hydraulic components is used, then ride comfort and handling performance are improved, but initial cost, servicing cost, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive electro-hydraulic systems with a passive mechanical system that requires no external energy input. The spring stores and releases energy mechanically, and the six-bar linkage transmits forces passively, eliminating continuous energy consumption associated with electro-hydraulic actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is self-regulating through its passive mechanical design. The spring automatically adjusts to road conditions and vehicle state, and the six-bar linkage self-adjusts its geometry during operation without requiring external energy input or active control
4Use of energy by moving object
If semi-active suspension with magnetorheological dampers is used, then energy consumption during use is reduced, but performance does not match fully active arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves active suspension performance through dynamic geometric changes in the six-bar linkage mechanism. The changing geometry of the linkage during operation provides adaptive suspension characteristics that match or exceed fully active systems, while consuming minimal energy through passive mechanical operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the six-bar linkage during operation to achieve different suspension characteristics. By varying the linkage geometry through its six-bar mechanism, the system dynamically adjusts ride height and spring forces to match performance requirements without energy-intensive active control
5Device complexity
If passive suspension apparatus is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but inability to dynamically adjust characteristics reduces performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a passive dynamic suspension system where the six-bar linkage automatically changes geometry in response to road conditions and vehicle state. This dynamic geometric adaptation provides active-like performance while maintaining passive simplicity and avoiding complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines passive mechanical elements (six-bar linkage, spring) in a composite arrangement that achieves active suspension functionality. The integration of these simple passive components creates a system that dynamically adapts to conditions without requiring active control, achieving high performance with low complexity
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 provides improved ride comfort and handling while reducing energy consumption and weight, maintaining functionality even if the actuator fails, as passive components continue to operate, thus offering performance akin to active suspension without the drawbacks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (which may be in the form of a coil spring, a leaf spring, a rubber spring or other type of spring) arranged between the mass and the ground
Implementation Method 2
an actuator arranged for applying a torque to a first link of the at least three links
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A variable-geometry suspension apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a resiliently compressible member, such as a coil-over damper, an actuator and support structure, such as a chassis of a vehicle. The resiliently compressible member is mounted to the support structure for compression under the weight of a mass suspendable by the apparatus. The compressible member is mounted with at least one end of the compressible member displaceable in a displacement direction having a component perpendicular to the direction of compression, so that such displacement varies the geometry of the suspension apparatus and thereby varies the compression of the compressible member. The actuator is arranged for displacing the end of the compressible member in the displacement direction to vary the geometry and thereby vary the compression. Applications include motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.