Abstract:
A method for estimating a location of a center of gravity (CG) of a sprung mass of a vehicle includes steps of a) determining whether the vehicle is stationary or moving; b) if the vehicle is stationary, calculating estimated x and y coordinates of the CG; c) storing the estimated coordinates in memory; and d) repeating steps a)-c) until the vehicle is no longer stationary.
Abstract:
A rotary and linear motion device includes a magnetic stator assembly, opposed electromagnetic actuators, and a linear-to-rotary converter (e.g., cam). Each electromagnetic actuator includes a coil that is configured to reciprocate relative to the magnetic stator assembly or to linearly translate in a common direction relative to the magnetic stator assembly. The electromagnetic actuators are coupled to the linear-to-rotary converter and upon reciprocation or linear translation, drive the linear-to-rotary converter in rotary or linear motion. The device may be located inside a wheel, which may be part of a vehicle. If part of a wheel of a vehicle, the device can be used to provide propulsion, steering, braking, and suspension for the vehicle.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic absorber (10) for a vehicle including (a) a threaded rod (78) which is disposed on one of a sprung portion and an unsprung portion and which has a threaded groove (76) formed in its outer circumferential portion and an axial groove (90) extending in its axis direction (b) a nut (80) which is rotatably disposed on the other of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion and which is screwed with the threaded rod and (c) a rod-rotation inhibiting member (82) which includes a fitting portion configured to be fitted in the axial groove and which is disposed on the other of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion, the rod-rotation inhibiting member being configured to inhibit the threaded rod from rotating while permitting the threaded rod to move in the axis direction. In the electromagnetic absorber, the threaded groove is not formed at a section of a fitting range at which the fitting portion is fitted in the axial groove when the fitting portion is located at an end of the fitting range that extends in the axis direction on the outer circumferential portion of the threaded rod.
Abstract:
The method and system described herein may be used to determine a reference yaw rate (γref) for a vehicle chassis control system, and may do so across a wide spectrum of vehicle operating conditions. These conditions may include, for example, when the vehicle is being driven: at low and high vehicle speeds, in forward and reverse directions, with front-, rear- and all-wheel steering systems, according to subtle and aggressive driving maneuvers, and on roads with flat or banked surfaces, to cite a few of the potential scenarios. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method and system take into account certain tire dynamics, such as the relaxation length (λ) of the tires, when estimating the reference yaw rate (γref). Once an accurate reference yaw rate (γref) is determined, the vehicle chassis control system may use this estimate to control one or more actuators that can influence the yaw rate of the vehicle. Some non-limiting examples of systems that may include such actuators are chassis systems, brake systems, steering systems, suspension systems, safety systems, stability control systems, traction control systems, torque control systems, or any other system that can affect the vehicle yaw rate. It is also possible for the method and system described herein to determine a reference lateral velocity (Vyref) for the vehicle as well.
Abstract:
Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide leveling for a vehicle, such as an overland vehicle. Sensors associated with the vehicle may provide signals representing one or more operating conditions of the vehicle, including forces acting on the vehicle and a path of travel of the vehicle. The vehicle can be leveled based on one or more of the signals from the sensors.
Abstract:
A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a front caster pivot arm, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The front caster is coupled to a front end of the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly is pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly comprises a drive wheel and a motor that drives the drive wheel. Torquing of the drive wheel by the motor in a forward direction causes the drive assembly to pivot with respect to the front caster pivot arm such that the drive wheel moves forward toward the front caster and a distance between a support surface and the connection between of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm increases.
Abstract:
A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. Movement of the drive assembly in a first direction causes the pivot arm to substantially remain in a first position. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.
Abstract:
A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivot arm, a front caster, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The pivot arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. Movement of the drive assembly in a first direction causes the pivot arm to substantially remain in a first position. Movement of the drive assembly in a second direction urges the pivot arm away from the first position.
Abstract:
A compact shock absorption, vibration, isolation, and/or suspension device is provided having long life and increased performance in a compact design. The device of the present disclosure is both less expensive and simpler to manufacture. In addition to being able to be used as a shock absorber in the hub of a wheel of an in-line skate, scooter or other small wheeled vehicle, the device of the present disclosure may be used in locations outside a wheel hub as well as in non-wheel devices where there is a need to isolate, damp, and absorb shock and/or vibrations experienced by a component of the device in order to minimize their effect on the entirety of the device.
Abstract:
A method for determining coil spring force line range corresponding to specific damper friction values using a universal spring mechanism and using the determined force line range in coil spring design. The method includes securing the mechanism to a suspension system including a damper, providing a controller for controlling actuator legs thereof for exerting force between upper and lower seats of the mechanism, and performing a capability study of the mechanism. The method further includes determining a desired coil spring force line position based upon the capability study, activating the mechanism to generate a desired coil spring force line based upon the desired coil spring force line position, performing damper friction measurements for determining a coil sp ring force line position for minimizing damper friction, determining the coil spring force line range based upon the damper friction measurements, and designing a coil spring based upon the coil spring force line range.