Vehicle Stiffening Device Using Wind-Receiving Plate for Speed-Dependent Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-body stiffening devices require complex installation processes and suffer from preload degradation over time, leading to inconsistent vehicle-body hysteresis and compromised riding comfort across different speed modes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-body stiffening device utilizing a wind-receiving plate to generate a preload on a stiffening member, allowing for installation without initial preload and adjusting bias force with vehicle speed, thereby enhancing steering responsiveness at high speeds and maintaining riding comfort at low to mid speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed preload is applied by biasing means to reduce vehicle-body hysteresis at high speeds, then steering responsiveness is improved, but riding comfort deteriorates at low to mid speeds due to excessive preload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the preload variable rather than fixed. The wind-receiving plate utilizes aerodynamic forces that naturally vary with vehicle speed to adjust the preload on the stiffening member. At high speeds, increased wind pressure generates higher preload to reduce vehicle-body hysteresis and improve steering responsiveness. At low to mid speeds, reduced wind pressure results in lower preload, maintaining riding comfort. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for separate biasing means while adapting to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing wind pressure as a variable parameter that changes with vehicle speed. The wind-receiving plate converts aerodynamic pressure (which increases with the square of vehicle speed) into a corresponding preload on the stiffening member. This allows the preload parameter to automatically scale with operating conditions, providing high preload at high speeds for steering responsiveness and low preload at low speeds for comfort.
2Reliability
If biasing means is installed to constantly apply preload, then vehicle-body hysteresis is reduced, but installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the complex biasing means (springs, dampers, gas pressure systems) from the vehicle-body stiffening device. Instead, it extracts and utilizes the naturally occurring aerodynamic forces from vehicle motion to generate the required preload. The wind-receiving plate directly converts wind pressure into preload on the stiffening member, eliminating the need for separate biasing mechanisms and their associated installation complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the stiffening member to generate its own preload through aerodynamic forces during vehicle operation. The wind-receiving plate captures wind pressure and automatically translates it into the necessary preload on the stiffening member without requiring external power sources, actuators, or complex mechanical biasing systems. The system uses the vehicle's own motion to create the required stiffening effect.
3Reliability
If preload is applied during installation to ensure proper function, then initial performance is optimized, but preload weakens over time reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the wind-receiving plate and stiffening member in their optimal configurations during installation, without applying preload. The components are installed in a relaxed state, then the required preload is automatically generated when the vehicle operates and wind flows over the wind-receiving plate. This eliminates the need to suppress or apply preload during installation while ensuring proper initial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by utilizing the recurring aerodynamic forces that occur during normal vehicle operation. Each time the vehicle moves and wind flows over the wind-receiving plate, the preload is regenerated and maintained on the stiffening member. This continuous periodic application of aerodynamic force during operation replaces the need for initial mechanical preload application and maintains consistent performance over time.
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
Facilitates easier assembly, maintains preload durability, and optimizes vehicle-body rigidity according to speed, improving steering responsiveness at high speeds while ensuring comfort at lower speeds by dynamically adjusting the preload based on wind pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a wind-receiving plate fixed to the stiffening member and that receives a traveling-wind pressure, the wind-receiving plate being configured to bias the stiffening member by receiving the traveling-wind pressure
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle-body stiffening device, a wind-receiving plate that receives traveling wind is fixed to a main bar portion of a lower bar that connects brackets formed at left and right lower sections of a suspension cross member to each other and supporting suspension lower arms. The wind-receiving plate receiving a traveling-wind pressure biases the main bar portion so as to generate bending stress. Due to this bending stress, a preload is generated between the left and right brackets. Since the preload is generated by the traveling-wind pressure, the preload is 0 (kg/mm) when the vehicle speed is 0 (km/h), but increases as the vehicle speed increases.