Vehicle Height Control With Variable Spring Reaction Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in maintaining vehicle height and controlling roll behavior, particularly in vehicles with varying load states, leading to issues such as energy inefficiency, limited payload adjustment, and inadequate stability and ride comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle height control system that utilizes a spring reaction force variable device to adjust vehicle height and roll behavior by controlling input torque based on load state, incorporating a motor, clutch unit, reducer, and planetary gear set to maintain torque balance without continuous motor power application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to the motor to prevent back drive after vehicle height adjustment, then the motor maintains its position, but energy consumption of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch unit engages periodically or conditionally rather than continuously, allowing the motor to maintain position only when necessary while reducing energy consumption during normal operation. The clutch can be engaged when the vehicle height needs adjustment and disengaged when the position is maintained, creating a periodic rather than continuous power supply pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring reaction force variable device uses the vehicle's own motion and load changes to maintain motor position through the clutch mechanism, rather than requiring continuous external power input. The system leverages the mechanical properties of the suspension and spring elements to hold position passively when the clutch is disengaged.
2Device complexity
If a stabilizer bar with fixed rigidity is used to control roll behavior, then the vehicle structure is simple, but it is impossible to provide both stability and ride comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The spring reaction force variable device dynamically adjusts the spring reaction force based on vehicle operating conditions, allowing the stabilizer bar to provide appropriate roll control for different scenarios. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt between stability-oriented and comfort-oriented modes, overcoming the limitation of fixed rigidity while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spring reaction force parameter in response to different vehicle conditions, allowing the stabilizer bar to effectively provide both stability and ride comfort. By varying the spring reaction force rather than changing the physical structure, the system achieves adaptable roll control without increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the vehicle height adjustment device controls height within the range of load conditions, then the device operates within design limits, but the change in adjustable payload is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spring reaction force variable device dynamically adjusts the spring reaction force based on detected load conditions, allowing the vehicle height control system to effectively expand its operational range. By adapting the spring reaction force to different payload conditions, the system can reliably control height across a wider payload range than the original design limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring reaction force variable device serves multiple functions: it maintains operational reliability within design limits while simultaneously enabling extended payload adjustment capability. This multi-functionality allows the same device to operate reliably in both normal and extended load conditions.
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 maintains vehicle height within preset ranges, enhances stability and ride comfort, and reduces energy consumption by balancing torque without continuous motor operation.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear set (1522) located between the sun gear (1521) and the ring gear (1523)
Implementation Method 2
an elastic portion (1531) located between the frame (1540) and the ring gear fixing portion (1524)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle height control system includes an arm including a first end portion connected to a vehicle body and a second end portion coupled to a wheel, a bearing unit fixed to the vehicle body, a crank coupled to the bearing unit, a push rod including a first end portion connected to the crank and a second end portion connected to the arm, and a spring reaction force variable device coupled to the bearing unit and configured to vary reaction force applied to the crank.