Variable Rate Stabilizer Bar With Cam Torque Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stabilizer bars in vehicle suspension systems either fail to prevent vehicle roll during turning or compromise independent wheel movement over rough terrain, as they provide uniform torque transfer and lack adjustable stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A variable rate stabilizer bar system with a torque transfer regulator, featuring a cam and tab/groove assembly, allows for adjustable torque transfer between stabilizer bar members, enabling active control of torque distribution and independent suspension, including manual adjustment options and overload protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid stabilizer bar is used to prevent vehicle roll during turning, then anti-roll performance is improved, but wheel independence over rough terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer bar employs a dynamic torque transfer mechanism using a cam and cam follower assembly that allows the torque transfer ratio to vary based on operating conditions. The cam profile is designed to provide different torque transfer characteristics during turning versus rough terrain operation, enabling the system to adapt between preventing body roll and allowing independent wheel movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque transfer parameter dynamically through the cam mechanism. During turning, the cam geometry provides higher torque transfer to prevent body roll, while during rough terrain operation, the torque transfer is reduced to allow independent wheel movement. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If uniform torque transfer is provided by conventional stabilizer bars, then structural simplicity is maintained, but performance adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam and cam follower assembly introduces dynamic control to the stabilizer bar system. The cam profile varies the torque transfer ratio based on the relative motion between stabilizer bar members, providing adaptive performance without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is self-regulating based on the operating conditions. As the stabilizer bar members move relative to each other during different driving scenarios, the cam automatically adjusts the torque transfer ratio without external control input, providing adaptability while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a softer stabilizer bar is used to allow independent wheel movement, then wheel independence is improved, but vehicle roll prevention during turning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism dynamically adjusts the effective stiffness of the stabilizer bar based on operating conditions. During turning, the cam geometry increases torque transfer to enhance body roll resistance, while during rough terrain operation, it reduces torque transfer to maintain wheel independence. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between softness and stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added to control torque transfer, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam and cam follower assembly provides automatic, self-regulating torque transfer control based on the relative motion of stabilizer bar members. The system responds to driving conditions without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining adaptability.
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
The system effectively prevents vehicle roll during turns while allowing independent wheel movement over rough terrain, providing customizable torque transfer based on driving conditions, enhancing vehicle handling and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The torque transfer regulator may include a cam, which may be operatively coupled to the first stabilizer bar member and may have a first cam surface
Implementation Method 2
The torque transfer regulator may include a tab and groove assembly. The tab and groove assembly may be configured to allow the cam to translate axially along the first stabilizer bar member
Implementation Method 3
The torque transfer regulator may include an energy source, which may be operatively coupled to at least one of the stabilizer bar members. The energy source may be configured to bias the cam toward the second stabilizer bar member
Implementation Method 4
Each stabilizer bar member may be configured to experience a torque about their longitudinal axis upon movement of the respective ground-engaging element relative to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of variable rate stabilizer bars are disclosed, including apparatus, vehicle, and kit implementations. Embodiments may have first and second stabilizer bar members. Each stabilizer bar member may be adapted to be operatively coupled to a respective, opposite ground-engaging element of a vehicle. Each stabilizer bar member may be configured to experience a torque about their longitudinal axis upon movement of the respective ground-engaging element relative to the vehicle when operatively coupled to the ground-engaging elements. Embodiments may have a torque transfer regulator, which may be operatively coupled to both stabilizer bar members. The torque transfer regulator may be configured to transfer a portion of the torque experienced by one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member. Some embodiments may provide for active control of the degree of torque transfer from one ground-engaging element's suspension system to the other.