Methods of improving stability of a vehicle using a vehicle stability control system

• US 20060175785A1
• Filed: 03/27/2006
• Published: 08/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Alton B. Hamm
• Original Assignee: Alton B. Hamm
• Inventors: Hamm, Alton B.
• Application Number:
  US11/389,853
• Publication Number:
  US 20060175785A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/124.106
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/005 Suspension locking arrangements for retractable wheels B62D61/12
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0152 characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit B60G17/01941 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0162 mainly during a motion involving steering operation, e.g. cornering, overtaking B60G17/0164 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2202/42 Electric actuator
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/143 on the vehicle body or chassis
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/46 Means for locking the suspension
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/4604 mechanically, e.g. using a hook as anticreep mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/0122 Roll rigidity ratio; Warping
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/24 Steering, cornering
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 7/006 Attaching arms to sprung or unsprung part of vehicle, characterised by comprising attachment means controlled by an external actuator, e.g. a fluid or electrical motor B62D7/146 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 7/02 Attaching arms to sprung part of vehicle B60G7/006 takes precedence

Abstract

A method of limiting expansion of a spring member on a vehicle, wherein the spring member is biased between a sprung mass portion of the vehicle and an unsprung mass portion of the vehicle is provided. This method includes the following steps described in this paragraph. The order of the steps may vary, may be sequential, may overlap, may be in parallel, and combinations thereof, if not otherwise stated. At least one condition of the vehicle is sensed. A one-way mechanism is activated for a first period of time after the at least one condition is sensed to be exceeding a certain threshold level. Further expansion of the spring member is prevented or restricted or hindered using the one-way mechanism while the one-way mechanism is activated, but the activated one-way mechanism allowing the spring member to be further compressed.

Claims

1. A method of limiting expansion of a spring member on a vehicle, wherein the spring member is biased between a sprung mass portion of the vehicle and an unsprung mass portion of the vehicle, the method comprising:

sensing at least one condition of the vehicle;

activating a one-way mechanism for a first period of time after the at least one condition is sensed to be exceeding a certain threshold level; and

preventing further expansion of the spring member using the one-way mechanism while the one-way mechanism is activated, but the activated one-way mechanism allowing the spring member to be further compressed.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

deactivating the one-way mechanism after the first period of time.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the activating is only permitted when the vehicle is moving faster than a certain velocity.

4. A method of improving turning stability of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a sprung mass portion, a first-side suspension for a first-side wheel, and a second-side suspension for a second-side wheel, the method comprising:

sensing at least one condition of the vehicle;

activating a first-side one-way mechanism and a second-side one-way mechanism for a first period of time after the at least one condition is sensed to be exceeding a certain threshold level, wherein the first-side one-way mechanism is mechanically coupled to the first-side suspension, and wherein the second-side one-way mechanism is mechanically coupled to the second-side suspension; and

while the first-side and second-side one-way mechanisms are activated,

allowing the first-side wheel to move toward the sprung mass portion of the vehicle to further compress the first-side suspension,

allowing the second-side wheel to move toward the sprung mass portion of the vehicle to further compress the second-side suspension,

restricting further expansion of the first-side suspension, and

restricting further expansion of the second-side suspension.

5. A method of improving turning stability of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a sprung mass portion, a first-side suspension for a first-side wheel, and a second-side suspension for a second-side wheel, the method comprising:

sensing at least one condition of the vehicle;

activating a first-side one-way mechanism and a second-side one-way mechanism for a first period of time after the at least one condition is sensed to be exceeding a certain threshold level, wherein the first-side one-way mechanism is mechanically coupled to the first-side suspension, and wherein the second-side one-way mechanism is mechanically coupled to the second-side suspension; and

while the first-side and second-side one-way mechanisms are activated, and while the vehicle is turning,

allowing the suspension of the first-side and second-side suspensions that is on an outside of a turn to further compress using its respective one-way mechanism, and

restricting the other suspension of the first-side and second-side suspensions that is on an inside of the turn from expanding further.