Wheel Inclination Adjustment via Force Torque Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting the inclination of a motor vehicle's wheel about at least one axis, such as toe and camber angles, do not account for elastic deformations under varying driving conditions, affecting driving dynamics and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that measure forces and torques acting on the wheel, using these measurements to adjust the wheel's inclination, taking into account elastic deformations, with a system comprising a measuring device, a computing device, and an adjustment device to precisely set the toe and camber angles based on actual and target values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wheel inclination is adjusted based on spring deflection only, then adjustment is simple, but precision is insufficient due to unaccounted elastic deformations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel inclination measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines spring deflection measurement with force and torque measurements to comprehensively account for elastic deformations. By merging multiple measurement data sources (spring deflection, forces, torques) into a unified evaluation system, the patent achieves higher measurement precision for wheel inclination while systematically managing the complexity through integrated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces characteristic maps as intermediary elements that translate multiple measurement parameters (forces, torques, spring deflection) into accurate wheel inclination values. These characteristic maps serve as mediators between the complex measurement data and the final inclination adjustment, simplifying the processing while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If forces and torques are measured to account for elastic deformations, then adjustment precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel inclination adjustment precisionVSAvoidmeasurement and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-determines characteristic maps that relate forces, torques, and spring deflection to wheel inclination under various loading conditions. By performing this characterization work in advance, the system avoids complex real-time calculations during operation, thereby achieving high adjustment precision while managing device complexity through pre-computed reference data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measured forces, torques, and spring deflection are continuously monitored and used to adjust wheel inclination via the characteristic maps. This closed-loop feedback system ensures high adjustment precision by constantly comparing actual conditions with target values and making corrective adjustments, while the use of pre-determined maps keeps the control system manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If only kinematic arrangement is considered for wheel inclination, then system is simple, but driving dynamics and comfort are compromised due to unaccounted elastic deformations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving dynamics and comfortVSAvoidsuspension system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static kinematic approach to a dynamic system that actively adapts wheel inclination based on real-time measurements of forces, torques, and spring deflection. By making the suspension system dynamic and responsive to actual loading conditions, the patent improves driving dynamics and comfort while accounting for elastic deformations that occur during vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the suspension system by actively adjusting wheel inclination based on measured forces and torques. Instead of maintaining fixed geometric relationships, the system dynamically modifies inclination parameters to compensate for elastic deformations, thereby improving reliability of driving dynamics and comfort despite increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2210798B1Method for active adjustment of an angle of a wheel on a motor vehicle, in particular fall and track, and corresponding device
Publication Date: 2011.07.13 AUDI AG
  • EP2210798B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The method involves measuring the force (F) acting on a wheel and/or on a shaft and/or measuring a torque (M) as a measuring variable in all direction of a cartesian coordination system, where the torque acts on the wheel and/or on the shaft. The angle of the wheel around an axis is adjusted using an adjusting device (14) depending on the measuring variables. A connection of the actual angle of the wheel around the axis to the measured variable is modeled by a mathematical equation with consideration of flexible deformation of a component, where the wheel is coupled to the component. An independent claim is also included for a device for adjusting angle of a wheel of a motor vehicle, comprising a measuring device.