Vehicle Dynamics Control with Variable Alignment Suspension

Abstract

This study discusses the effect of variable alignment control suspension on vehicle dynamics by altering the suspension arm's length. In this system, two of the four arms of the front multi-link suspension can extend or contract depending on each driving condition to control the camber and caster angles independently. a camber angle and a caster angle are altered by the action of upper and lower control actuators. The camber angle control contributes to the increase in a turning limit with the improvement of tire footprints condition, and the caster angle and caster trail control aid the wheel's ability to right itself with a suitable steering feeling for the driver. Vehicle tests are conducted using a prototype vehicle equipped with a variable alignment control system to clarify the above effects, and remarkable improvements in a vehicle dynamics are verified.