Electromechanical Wheel Alignment Control for Adaptive Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle suspension systems require manual adjustment of settings like camber, castor, and toe, which is time-consuming and costly for vehicles used for multiple purposes or in varying driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

The development of apparatuses and methods that allow for the monitoring and automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of wheel alignment settings, including camber, castor, and toe, using electromechanical systems that can be retrofitted onto existing suspension systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adjustment of wheel alignment settings is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the time and cost required for adjustment increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electromechanical system that uses a motor-driven actuator to automatically adjust wheel alignment settings. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining relatively simple system structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-adjustment of wheel alignment settings through automated control mechanisms. The electromechanical actuator can automatically modify camber, caster, and toe settings without requiring external manual operation, allowing the system to service itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed suspension settings are used, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to different driving conditions and purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to driving conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms fixed suspension settings into dynamically adjustable parameters. The electromechanical actuator enables real-time modification of wheel alignment settings based on driving conditions, allowing the system to adapt between commuting and sport/recreational uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system design allows a single suspension system to serve multiple purposes through adjustable settings. By enabling modification of camber, caster, and toe parameters, the same vehicle can be optimized for both daily commuting and sport/recreational activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If electromechanical adjustment systems are added, then adjustment speed and precision improve, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electromechanical actuator system that replaces manual adjustment mechanisms. This enables rapid and precise modification of wheel alignment settings through motor-driven control, significantly improving adjustment speed while providing accurate positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12291071B2Wheel alignment systems

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 DOFTEK PTY LTD

AI summary

Apparatuses and systems for monitoring wheel alignment and/or for controlling vehicle suspension settings to adjust alignment. Described herein are alignment monitoring apparatuses for determining wheel alignment (e.g., camber, castor and/or toe). Also described herein are alignment adjusting or control apparatuses for adjusting one or more of camber, caster and/or toe.