Wheel-Mounted Mass Actuators for Active Suspension Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in effectively counteracting external forces applied to wheels, such as bumps and vibrations, due to limitations in packaging and space within the vehicle wheel for active suspension components.
Innovation Solution
The integration of mass actuators within the vehicle wheel, which can accelerate a mass to counteract external forces, and the use of electromagnetic actuators to apply attractive or repulsive forces to the wheel rim, allowing for increased space for these components and longer stroke lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If active suspension actuators are placed inboard within the vehicle body, then space for suspension components is limited, but this conventional packaging approach restricts the size and effectiveness of the actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the suspension actuator from the conventional inboard location within the vehicle body and relocates it to the wheel assembly itself. Specifically, the actuator is positioned in the annular space between the brake rotor and the wheel hub, utilizing previously underutilized space. This extraction from the constrained inboard environment enables larger actuator size and longer stroke lengths, directly resolving the packaging constraint while increasing actuator volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional inboard three-dimensional packaging constraint to a radial dimension utilization within the wheel assembly. By placing the actuator in the annular space between the brake rotor and wheel hub, the design exploits the radial dimension of the wheel assembly that was previously occupied by brake components. This dimensional reconfiguration allows for larger actuator placement without compromising vehicle body space.
2Reliability
If wheel-mounted actuators are used to increase space for components and stroke lengths, then ride comfort improves, but the device complexity within the wheel assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating the suspension actuator into the wheel assembly that already contains brake components. The actuator shares the wheel assembly space with the brake rotor and hub, and can coordinate with the braking system. The electromagnetic motor serves both as a suspension actuator and can potentially contribute to wheel propulsion or steering functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the added suspension functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the suspension actuator function with the existing wheel assembly structure. The actuator is positioned in the annular space between the brake rotor and wheel hub, combining suspension control with the wheel's structural components. The electromagnetic motor housing integrates with the wheel hub assembly, and the actuator shares mounting points and structural support with the brake system components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If electromagnetic actuators are used to apply forces to the wheel rim, then space utilization improves, but manufacturing complexity increases due to ferromagnetic material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite material construction for the wheel rim, incorporating ferromagnetic material into the wheel structure. The wheel rim is formed as a composite structure combining conventional materials with ferromagnetic material segments or layers, allowing the electromagnetic actuator to effectively couple with the wheel rim. This composite approach enables the electromagnetic force transmission while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established composite fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies ferromagnetic material properties locally at specific interaction points between the electromagnetic actuator and the wheel rim, rather than requiring the entire wheel to be made of ferromagnetic material. The electromagnetic actuator targets specific localized regions on the wheel rim where ferromagnetic material is present, enabling effective force application while minimizing the overall ferromagnetic material content and associated manufacturing complexity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple internal chambers are pressurized separately at differing pressures, then suspension control precision improves, but the fluid management system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tire or air spring into multiple independent internal chambers that can be pressurized to different pressures. Each chamber is sealed independently and can be controlled separately through individual fluid passages. This segmentation enables precise control of suspension characteristics at different wheel positions or loading conditions, allowing differential pressure control for improved suspension precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular chamber design.
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 configuration enhances the vehicle's ability to absorb and transfer energy, improving ride comfort and handling by effectively managing vertical motion and external forces without the need for inboard braking components, thereby optimizing space within the wheel for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic actuators that are connected to the wheel hub, located in the internal space, and operable to apply at least one of an attractive force or a repulsive force to the wheel rim portion
Implementation Method 2
the wheel rim portion is formed in part from a ferromagnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel assembly includes a wheel, a tire supported by the wheel, an internal space defined by the wheel, a wheel hub that is rotatably connected to the wheel and is located in the internal space, and a mass actuator that is connected to the wheel hub and located in the internal space.