Patent Publication Number: US-2023158853-A1

Title: Invertible Stabilizer Bar and System Incorporating the Same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/329,489 filed on May 25, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Example embodiments generally relate to vehicle suspension and, more particularly, relate to a suspension system that employs a stabilizer or anti-roll bar (ARB) that is capable of being inverted. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Off-road and on-road performance targets are often difficult to meet with conventional suspension systems. In this regard, for example, soft suspension with high suspension articulation is desirable at low speeds for off-road driving, but high roll-stiffness to reduce roll gain of the vehicle is desirable for improved handling for on-road driving. Additionally, high levels of understeer are required to achieve low yaw response at high speeds, whereas high yaw gains are preferred at low speeds. Given that the suspension characteristics desired for off-road and on-road driving may be contradictory, the provision of desirable characteristics for both on-road and off-road driving is a significant challenge. 
     A stabilizer bar (or ARB) increases the roll rate of a vehicle suspension system to provide improved handling characteristics on-road, at higher speeds, or during significant maneuvering. The increased roll rate is, however, not advantageous for off-road driving scenarios since the stabilizer bar directly resists the undulating terrain to hinder the ability of the suspension system to articulate independently. 
     One way this challenge is often dealt with is by providing a disconnect system for the stabilizer bar or ARB, which is also often referred to as a sway bar, roll bar or the like. An ARB disconnect system typically allows an ARB to provide a high degree of roll-stiffness when connected, but improves suspension articulation when disconnected. However, typical ARB disconnect systems can be complicated, introduce undesirable lash, or be difficult to reengage when manually operable. Additionally, some vehicles may use increased spring rates to achieve higher roll rates or use increased spring rates or preloads to achieve high ground clearance. In these cases, a disconnected stabilizer bar alone may not allow full articulation of the suspension. 
     Thus, there remains a need to improve suspension designs to provide improved responsiveness to different driving conditions to maintain high degrees of driver confidence and enjoyment of the driving experience. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES 
     In accordance with an example embodiment, a suspension assembly for a vehicle suspension system may be provided. The suspension assembly may include a first stabilizer bar operably coupled to a first wheel on a first side of the vehicle, a second stabilizer bar operably coupled to a second wheel on a second side of the vehicle, an inverter housing, an actuator assembly and a chassis coupler. The actuator assembly may be operable to arrange the first stabilizer bar and the second stabilizer bar in a selected one of a connected state, a disconnected state, and an inverted state. The inverter housing may be alternately constrained to one of the first stabilizer bar or the chassis coupler based on a position of the actuator assembly to define each of the connected state, the disconnected state and the inverted state. 
     In another example embodiment, a vehicle suspension system may be provided. The vehicle suspension system may include a chassis, a first wheel operably coupled to the chassis via a first suspension assembly, a second wheel operably coupled o the chassis via a second suspension assembly, and a stabilizer assembly. The suspension assembly may include a first stabilizer bar operably coupled to the first wheel, a second stabilizer bar operably coupled to the second wheel, an inverter housing, an actuator assembly and a chassis coupler. The actuator assembly may be operable to arrange the first stabilizer bar and the second stabilizer bar in a selected one of a connected state, a disconnected state, and an inverted state. The inverter housing may be alternately constrained to one of the first stabilizer bar or the chassis coupler based on a position of the actuator assembly to define each of the connected state, the disconnected state and the inverted state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a block diagram of a suspension system of a vehicle having a stabilizer assembly of an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a block diagram of the stabilizer assembly in greater detail in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates the stabilizer assembly in a connected state in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates the stabilizer assembly in a disconnected state in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates the stabilizer assembly in an inverted state in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a stabilizer assembly in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  7   , which is defined by  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D , illustrates the stabilizer assembly of  FIG.  6    in a connected state in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  8   , which is defined by  FIGS.  8 A,  8 B,  8 C and  8 D , illustrates the stabilizer assembly of  FIG.  6    in a disconnected state in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  9   , which is defined by  FIGS.  9 A,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D , illustrates the stabilizer assembly of  FIG.  6    in an inverted state in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  10   , which is defined by  FIGS.  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E and  10 F , illustrates an alternative structure for a stabilizer assembly in connected, disconnected and inverted states in accordance with an example embodiment; and 
         FIG.  11   , which is defined by  FIGS.  11 A,  11 B,  11 C and  11 D , illustrates an alternative structure for a single, three-position actuator in connected, disconnected and inverted states in accordance with an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other. 
     As noted above, stabilizer bars are useful in some situations (e.g., on-road applications), but may be desirably disconnected in others (e.g., off-road applications). But these two basic options do not optimize performance for all scenarios. Other situations may exist in which it is actually beneficial to invert the function of the stabilizer bar. Accordingly, example embodiments provide a stabilizer assembly that has three distinct configurations or states including a connected state, a disconnected state, and an inverted state. All three configurations are achieved via splitting the stabilizer bar into two components that are operably coupled to each other at a stabilizer assembly. The stabilizer assembly further includes an inverter housing, an actuator assembly and a chassis coupler. The actuator assembly is operable to change the physical connections between the inverter housing, the chassis coupler, and the two parts of the stabilizer bar (which may be considered as separate bars or separate bar portions) to achieve all three configurations. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a block diagram of a stabilizer assembly  100  of an example embodiment. The stabilizer assembly  100  may be operably coupled (and in some cases affixed) to a chassis  110  of a vehicle via a chassis coupler  115 . The chassis coupler  115  may be portion of the chassis  110  in some cases (e.g., a portion of the chassis  110  that is structurally adapted to interface with the stabilizer assembly  100 ). However, in other examples, the chassis coupler  115  may be a bracket, series of brackets, or other structural assembly that connects the stabilizer assembly  100  (or components thereof) to the chassis  110 . A first suspension assembly  120  may support a first wheel  122 , and a second suspension assembly  130  may support a second wheel  132 . The first and second suspension assemblies  120  and  130  may substantially mirror each other in arrangement and may form portions of the suspension system of an example embodiment. The first and second suspension assemblies  120  and  130  may take any suitable form and include components associated therewith. Thus, for example, the first and second suspension assemblies  120  and  130  may include shocks, springs, dampers, linkages and/or the like, in any of various arrangements that allow relative motion between the chassis  110  and the respective wheels (i.e. the first and second wheels  122  and  132 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the first suspension assembly  120  may be operably coupled to the stabilizer assembly  100  by a first stabilizer bar  140 . The second suspension assembly  130  may be operably coupled to the stabilizer assembly  100  by a second stabilizer bar  150 . As noted above, the first and second stabilizer bars  140  and  150  could be considered to be portions of a single stabilizer bar when in the connected state. However, the first and second stabilizer bars  140  and  150  are not integrally formed or continuous, and are capable of being disconnected or decoupled from each other to define the disconnected state or being operably coupled to each other such that forces exerted on one of the first or second stabilizer bars  140  and  150  are inverted when coupled to the other of the second or first stabilizer bars  150  and  140  (e.g., to define the inverted state). 
     Based on the description above, it can be appreciated that the stabilizer assembly  100  of an example embodiment may have at least three distinct states or configurations including the connected state, the disconnected state, and the inverted state. The structures or components that are used to define the three states or configurations of the stabilizer assembly  100  are shown in greater detail in  FIG.  2   . Referring now to  FIG.  2   , the first and second stabilizer bars  140  and  150  may be operably coupled to each other via a coupling interface  200 . The coupling interface  200  may include intermeshing gear teeth in some cases. However, other forms of mechanical coupling are also possible, such as a linkage. The coupling interface  200  of some example embodiments may be provided within an inverter housing  210 . In some examples, the inverter housing  210  may be operably coupled to an the chassis coupler  115 . In some cases, the inverter housing  210  may be a physically distinct structure from the chassis coupler  115 , but may be indirectly supported by, or even retained within, the chassis coupler  115 . 
     An actuator assembly  230  may also be operably coupled to the inverter housing  210  and the chassis coupler  115 . Moreover, in some cases, the actuator assembly  230  may also be considered to be a portion of, or subcomponent of, the chassis coupler  115 . The actuator assembly  230  may be used to transition the stabilizer assembly  100  between the various states (i.e., the connected, disconnected and inverted states) based on a position of various components of the actuator assembly  230  (e.g., the actuator or actuators thereof). In some examples, the actuator assembly  230  may be operated or actuated to change the state of connection between various other components to alternately constrain the movement of such components relative to each other, or leave such movement unconstrained. Thus, in the context of the present application, the term “constrained” should be understood to apply when two components are inhibited in relation to movement relative to each other. Thus, if component A is constrained to component B, then relative movement between components A and B is prevented. When component A is unconstrained relative to component B, then relative movement is possible between components A and B. 
     In an example embodiment, the inverter housing  210  may be operably coupled to the chassis coupler  115  to be moveable relative to the chassis coupler  115  when unconstrained. However, the inverter housing  210  may be immovable relative to the chassis coupler  115  when constrained relative to the chassis coupler  115 . Moreover, as noted above, the inverter housing  210  may be alternately constrained or unconstrained relative to the chassis coupler  115  based on a position of the actuator assembly  230  (or subcomponents thereof). In some cases, the actuator assembly  230  may include linkages that reposition components (some examples of which are described below) when operated hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically via operation of a hydraulic or pneumatic power supply, or an electric motor. 
     In the example of  FIG.  2   , a number of dashed double arrows are shown in order to illustrate the potential interactions related to constraining components relative to each other that may be possible in accordance with example embodiments. Thus, for example, the double arrows shown in  FIG.  2    are meant to illustrate potential movement and therefore changes to the constraints of components in relation to enabling or preventing relative movement between various ones of the components to which the double arrows extend. As such, the actuator assembly  230 , the inverter housing  210 , the chassis coupler  115 , and at least one (or potentially both) of the stabilizer bars (e.g., the first stabilizer bar  140  in this example) may be constrained or unconstrained relative to each other to define the various states or configuration (e.g., connected, disconnected, and inverted) of the stabilizer assembly  100 . An example of each state is shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , along with solid lines that show constrained relationships or movements that may be provided with respect to various components. 
     In this regard, referring first to  FIG.  3   , the actuator assembly  230  (or a portion thereof) may be actuated as shown by arrow  240 . The actuation of the actuator assembly  230  may cause the inverter housing  210  to be constrained to the first stabilizer bar  140  as shown by double arrow  242 . In this condition, which is the connected state, any force exerted on the first stabilizer bar  140  will be transmitted via the coupling interface  200 , and constraint represented by double arrow  242 , to the second stabilizer bar  150  in the same direction. 
     Alternatively, by moving the actuator assembly  230  (or a portion thereof) as shown by arrow  244  of  FIG.  4   , the inverter housing  210  may be unconstrained relative to the first stabilizer bar  140 , and the stabilizer assembly  100  may be disconnected such that any force exerted on the first stabilizer bar  140  will not be transmitted via the coupling interface  200  to the second stabilizer bar  150  since the inverter housing  210  has freedom of movement (i.e., is unconstrained) relative to the chassis coupler  115  and the first and second stabilizer bars  140  and  150 . In some cases, the movement of arrow  244  may be opposite the movement prescribed in  FIG.  3   . However, a relationship of opposite movements from  FIG.  3    to  FIG.  4    is not necessary. 
     As yet another alternative, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the actuator assembly  230  (or a portion thereof) may be moved as shown by arrow  246  to cause the inverter housing  210  to be constrained to the actuator assembly  230 . Meanwhile, the actuator assembly  230  (or a different portion thereof) may be moved to also constrain the inverter housing  210  to the chassis coupler  115  as shown by double arrow  248 . When so constrained, the stabilizer assembly  100  may be in the inverted state. In the inverted state, any force exerted on the first stabilizer bar  140  will be transmitted via the coupling interface  200  to the second stabilizer bar  150  in the opposite direction. 
     A specific example structure and more detailed description of how the example structures cooperate to alternatively shift between the connected state, disconnected state, and the inverted state are shown in  FIGS.  6 - 9   . In this regard,  FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a stabilizer assembly  300  of an example embodiment. In this regard, the stabilizer assembly  300  is a specific example of the generic example of the stabilizer assembly  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5   .  FIG.  7   , which is defined by  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D , shows the stabilizer assembly  300  in the connected state.  FIG.  8   , which is defined by  FIGS.  8 A,  8 B,  8 C and  8 D , shows the stabilizer assembly  300  in the disconnected state.  FIG.  9   , which is defined by  FIGS.  9 A,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D , shows the stabilizer assembly  300  in the inverted state. 
     Referring first to  FIG.  6   , the stabilizer assembly  300  includes a short stabilizer bar  310  (e.g., an example of the first stabilizer bar  140 ) and a long stabilizer bar  320  (e.g., an example of the second stabilizer bar  150 ). Each of the short and long stabilizer bars  310  and  320  may be operably coupled to the chassis of the vehicle, and to each other via a coupling interface  330 . The coupling interface  330  of this example includes a first fixed gear  332  at the short stabilizer bar  310  and a second fixed gear  334  at the long stabilizer bar  320 . The first and second fixed gears  332  and  334  may be configured to mesh with each other as shown in  FIG.  6   . In some examples, the first and second fixed gears  332  and  334  may be symmetric and may have a 1:1 ratio. However, it should be appreciated that other structures could be used for the coupling interface  330 . Moreover, any suitable mechanical interface may be provided for forming the coupling interface  330  and the ratio of movement defined by the mechanical interface need not necessarily be 1:1 and may also not be symmetric. In some cases, the structures forming the mechanical interface may be asymmetric, but may have a net 1:1 ratio. 
     The coupling interface  330 , and particularly the first and second fixed gears  332  and  334 , may be provided within inverter housing  340 . In this regard, the inverter housing  340  may effectively keep the first and second fixed gears  332  and  334  in contact with each other so that rotational movement of one of the first or second fixed gears  332  or  334  causes corresponding movement of the other. The inverter housing  340  may also be provided proximate to, or within, chassis coupler  350 . As shown in  FIG.  6   , portions of the chassis coupler  350  may extend to opposite lateral sides of the inverter housing  340  so that the inverter housing  340  is supported proximate to (or within) the chassis coupler  350  and is either movable relative thereto, or not, based on actuator positioning as described below. The chassis coupler  350  may have a fixed connection to the chassis, but be selectively constrained to the inverter housing  340  (and/or the long stabilizer bar  320 ) based on operation of the actuator assembly  230  as described below. 
     In this regard, as shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , the actuator assembly  230  of  FIG.  2    may include a first actuator  360  and a second actuator  362 . The first actuator  360 , may be located inside the inverter housing  340 , and may move along an axis of the short stabilizer bar  310  to alternately constrain the short stabilizer bar  310  to the inverter housing  340  or leave the short stabilizer bar  310  unconstrained relative to the short stabilizer bar  310 . The second actuator  362  may be pivotally housed inside a portion of the chassis coupler  350 , and may be rotated to alternately constrain the long stabilizer bar  320  to the chassis coupler  350  (thereby only allowing rotational movement of the long stabilizer bar  320  about its axis, but not allowing the axis itself to be moved) or leave the long stabilizer bar  320  unconstrained relative to the chassis coupler  350  (thereby allowing the axis of the long stabilizer bar  320  to move up and down within a slot  364  formed in the second actuator  362 ). Thus, motion of the inverter housing  340  relative to the chassis coupler  350  may be constrained directly by the actuator  362 , or indirectly based on selectively constraining the long stabilizer bar  320  (or not) relative to movement in the slot  364  as shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   . 
     In this example,  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  show cross section views through the chassis coupler  350 , inverter housing  340 , and the coupling interface  330  in the connected state. Referring to  FIG.  7 A , the second actuator  362  is positioned to leave the long stabilizer bar  320 , and in effect also the inverter housing  340 , unconstrained relative to the chassis coupler  350 . Meanwhile, by moving the first actuator  360  from the space  366  in which the first actuator  360  sits within the inverter housing  340  while in the disconnected state in the direction of arrows  368 , the first actuator  360  constrains the short stabilizer bar  310  to the inverter housing  340  as shown in  FIG.  7 B . 
     When the second actuator  362  is positioned to leave the long stabilizer bar  320  unconstrained relative to the chassis coupler  350  while the first actuator  360  constrains the short stabilizer bar  310  to the inverter housing  340 , a force (see  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D ) exerted on the short stabilizer bar  310  in a first direction shown by arrow  370  results in a corresponding force in the first direction shown by arrow  372  on the long stabilizer bar  320 . In this regard, the force associated with arrow  370  may cause the short stabilizer bar  310  to pivot about its axis. Since the short stabilizer bar  310  is constrained to the inverter housing  340  in this (connected) state, the pivoting of the short stabilizer bar  310  about its axis also carries the inverter housing  340  to pivot in the direction of arrow  374 . This pivot of the inverter housing  340  carries the axis of the long stabilizer bar  320  in the slot  364  following the direction of arrow  374  and correspondingly pivoting the long stabilizer bar  320  in the direction of arrow  372 , since the short stabilizer bar  310  and long stabilizer bar  320  are constrained to each other via the coupling interface  330 . 
       FIG.  7 D  shows motion in the opposite direction. In this regard, a force exerted on the short stabilizer bar  310  in a second direction (opposite the first direction) shown by arrow  380  results in a corresponding force in the first direction shown by arrow  382  on the long stabilizer bar  320 . In this regard, the force associated with arrow  380  may cause the short stabilizer bar  310  to pivot about its axis. Since the short stabilizer bar  310  is constrained to the inverter housing  340  in this (connected) state, the pivoting of the short stabilizer bar  310  about its axis also carries the inverter housing  340  to pivot in the direction of arrow  384 . This pivot of the inverter housing  340  carries the axis of the long stabilizer bar  320  in the slot  364  following the direction of arrow  384  and correspondingly pivoting the long stabilizer bar  320  in the direction of arrow  382 . 
       FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  show cross section views through the chassis coupler  350 , inverter housing  340 , and the coupling interface  330  in the disconnected state. Referring to  FIG.  8 A , the second actuator  362  is positioned to leave the long stabilizer bar  320  unconstrained relative to the chassis coupler  350 . Meanwhile, by moving the first actuator  360  in the direction of arrows  410 , the first actuator  360  leaves the short stabilizer bar  310  unconstrained relative to the inverter housing  340  as shown in  FIG.  8 B . 
     When the second actuator  362  is positioned to leave the long stabilizer bar  320  unconstrained relative to the chassis coupler  350  while the first actuator  360  also leaves the short stabilizer bar  310  unconstrained to the inverter housing  340 , a force exerted on the short stabilizer bar  310  in a first direction shown by arrow  470  is not necessarily transmitted through to the long stabilizer bar  320  since the inverter housing  340  and the chassis coupler  350  are not constrained relative to the stabilizer bars. Thus, movement in either the first or the second direction (shown by arrows  472 ) of the long stabilizer bar  320  can result regardless of the force on the short stabilizer bar  310  since the long stabilizer bar  320  can move in the slot  364 , and since the inverter housing  340  is free to pivot (due to the inverter housing  340  not being constrained to the short stabilizer bar  310 . In this regard, the unconstrained nature of the inverter housing  340  and the stabilizer bars enables freedom of movement of the inverter housing  340  relative to the chassis coupler  350  (via slot  364 ) to enable movement in the first direction shown by arrow  470  or second direction show by arrow  480  to not be passed on to the long stabilizer bar  320 . Instead, the second stabilizer bar  320  can ride up or down in the slot  364  (as shown by arrows  474  and  484  due to pivoting of the inverter housing  340  as shown in  FIGS.  8 C and  8 D . 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  show cross section views through the chassis coupler  350 , inverter housing  340 , and the coupling interface  330  in the inverted state. Referring to  FIG.  9 A , the second actuator  362  is positioned to constrain the long stabilizer bar  320  relative to the chassis coupler  350 . In this regard, the second actuator  362  is pivoted about 90 degrees so that the slot  364  extends substantially parallel to the ground (instead of perpendicular). This maintains the axis of the long stabilizer bar  320  fixed (whereas the axis was moveable when the long stabilizer bar  320  is not constrained relative to the chassis coupler  350 . Meanwhile, the first actuator  360  is also not constrained to the inverter housing  340  as shown in  FIG.  9 B . 
     When the second actuator  362  is positioned to constrain the long stabilizer bar  320  relative to the chassis coupler  350  while the first actuator  360  is positioned such that the short stabilizer bar  310  is not constrained relative to the inverter housing  340 , a force exerted on the short stabilizer bar  310  in a first direction shown by arrow  570  results in a corresponding force in a second direction (opposite the first direction) shown by arrow  572  on the long stabilizer bar  320 . In this regard, the force associated with arrow  570  may cause the short stabilizer bar  310  to pivot about its axis. Since the short stabilizer bar  310  is unconstrained relative to the inverter housing  340  in this (inverted) state, the pivoting of the short stabilizer bar  310  about its axis in the direction of arrow  574  also carries the long stabilizer bar  320  to pivot in the direction of arrow  576 , since the short stabilizer bar  310  and long stabilizer bar  320  are constrained to each other via the coupling interface  330 . This pivoting of the short and long stabilizer bars  310  and  320 , since no other freedom of movement is afforded by the constrained nature of the chassis coupler  350  to the inverter housing  340 ) results in movement in opposite directions for the short and long stabilizer bars  310  and  320 , respectively, as shown in  FIGS.  9 C and  9 D  by arrows  570  and  572 . 
     In the examples above, the first actuator  360  is operably coupled to the short stabilizer bar  310  and the inverter housing  340  to alternately constrain the short stabilizer bar  310  to the inverter housing  340  or enable movement of the short stabilizer bar  310  relative to the inverter housing  340  based on a position of the first actuator  360 . The second actuator  362  is operably coupled to the chassis coupler  350  to alternately constrain the chassis coupler  350  to the inverter housing  340  or enable movement of the inverter housing  340  relative to the chassis coupler  350  (by enabling or disabling movement of an axis of the long stabilizer bar  320  in the slot  364 ) based on a position of the second actuator  362 . In the example described above, the first actuator  360  is positioned to move axially with respect to the short stabilizer bar  310  to constrain the short stabilizer bar  310  to the inverter housing  340 , and the second actuator  362  pivots about an axis of the long stabilizer bar  320  to constrain the chassis coupler  350  to the inverter housing  340 . Thus, for example, the second actuator  32  may be positioned in either of two constraining positions, one rotated roughly 90 degrees clockwise and the other roughly 90 degrees counterclockwise. Although in the examples above, the first stabilizer bar  140  (e.g., short stabilizer bar  310 ) is shorter than the second stabilizer bar  150  (e.g., long stabilizer bar  320 ), the stabilizer bars could alternatively have the same length (or be swapped in terms of relative lengths). 
     The examples described above show one way in which the functional capabilities described in reference to  FIGS.  2 - 5    can be implemented in specific structural componentry. However, other structures are alternatively possible. For example, instead of having two actuators that operate as described above to achieve the three separate states or configurations, the actuator assembly  230  of  FIG.  2    could be a single actuator with three distinct positions (as shown in the example of  FIG.  11   ) that correspond to each respective state.  FIG.  10    illustrates components of an alternative structure for a stabilizer assembly  600  that may be used to implement example embodiments. In this regard,  FIG.  10   , which is defined by  FIGS.  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D and  10 E , shows various different views of the stabilizer assembly  600 . In  FIG.  10   , the mechanical interface forming the coupling interface  200  of  FIG.  2    is a Watt&#39;s link interface  630 . Otherwise, although structurally different, the example of  FIG.  10    operates similar to the examples above. 
       FIG.  10 A  shows a perspective view of the stabilizer assembly  600  with housing components removed.  FIGS.  10 B,  10 C and  10 D  show cross section views taken through the axis of the first stabilizer bar  610 , and  FIGS.  10 E and  10 F  show cross section views taken perpendicular to the axis and through an actuator engagement portion of the first stabilizer bar  610 . The first stabilizer bar  610  is shown operably coupled to the second stabilizer bar  620  via Watt&#39;s link interface  630 . The first actuator  640  is embodied by a set of pawls  642  that either engage slots  644  formed in the first stabilizer bar  610  (when constrained as shown in  FIGS.  10 A,  10 B and  10 E ) or do not engage the slots  644  (when unconstrained as shown in  FIGS.  10 C,  10 D and  10 F ). Splines  645  may engage the inverter housing  650  to constrain the inverter housing  650  to the first actuator  640 , and thus the first stabilizer bar  610  (via the pawls  642 ). The second actuator  646  is embodied as a draglink that rotates to be on the first stabilizer bar  610  axis when unconstrained (shown in  FIGS.  10 B and  10 C ) or off axis when constrained (as shown in  FIG.  10 D ). 
     Similar to the descriptions above, the second actuator  646  and the first actuator  640  are each positioned to leave respective components unconstrained to define the disconnected state in  FIG.  10 C . Meanwhile, in  FIG.  10 B , the first stabilizer bar  610  is constrained to the inverter housing  650  to define the connected state. Finally, in  FIG.  10 D , the first stabilizer bar  610  is unconstrained relative to the inverter housing  650 , but the inverter housing  650  is constrained by the second actuator  646  as it is rotated out of the axis of the stabilizer bars. This leaves the first and second stabilizer bars  610  and  20  constrained to their respective axes and coupled via the coupling interface (e.g., Watt&#39;s link interface  630 ) to define the inverted state. Example embodiments may be structured in many different ways, as noted above. However, in each instance, it is desirable for the actuator assembly to be operable while under load. 
     As noted above, a single, three-position actuator assembly  230  may be employed in some cases.  FIG.  11   , which is defined by  FIGS.  11 A,  11 B,  11 C and  11 D , illustrates a perspective view of such an actuator. Referring first to  FIG.  11 A , the stabilizer assembly  700  includes a short stabilizer bar  710  and a long stabilizer bar  720 . Each of the short and long stabilizer bars  710  and  720  may be operably coupled to the chassis of the vehicle, and to each other via a coupling interface  730 . The coupling interface  730  of this example includes a first fixed gear  732  at the short stabilizer bar  710  and a second fixed gear  734  at the long stabilizer bar  720 . 
     The coupling interface  730 , and particularly the first and second fixed gears  732  and  734 , may be provided within inverter housing  740 . In this regard, the inverter housing  740  may effectively keep the first and second fixed gears  732  and  734  in contact with each other as noted above. The inverter housing  740  may also be provided proximate to, or within, chassis coupler  750 . As shown in  FIG.  11   , a three-position actuator  760  may be provided to define the connected, disconnected and inverted states, which may function as described above based only on the repositioning of the three-position actuator  760 .  FIG.  11 B  shows the actuator  760  in the disconnected state since the actuator  760  does not constrain the inverter housing to the short stabilizer bar  710  or the chassis coupler  750 . However, in  FIG.  11 C , the actuator  760  is moved so that splines or other engagement features on the actuator  760  may engage (and constrain) the short stabilizer bar  710  to the inverter housing  740  to define the connected state. Meanwhile, in  FIG.  11 D , the actuator  760  is moved to constrain the inverter housing  740  to the chassis coupler  750  to define the inverted state. 
     A suspension assembly for an improved vehicle suspension system may therefore be provided. The suspension assembly may include a first stabilizer bar operably coupled to a first wheel on a first side of the vehicle, a second stabilizer bar operably coupled to a second wheel on a second side of the vehicle, an inverter housing, an actuator assembly, and a chassis coupler. The actuator assembly may be operable to arrange the first stabilizer bar and the second stabilizer bar in a selected one of a connected state, a disconnected state, and an inverted state. The inverter housing may be alternately constrained to one of the first stabilizer bar or the chassis coupler based on a position of the actuator assembly to define each of the connected state, the disconnected state and the inverted state. 
     The suspension assembly of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the assembly. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the first and second stabilizer bars may be operably coupled to each other via a coupling interface within the inverter housing. The inverter housing may be operably coupled to the chassis coupler to be moveable relative to the chassis coupler when unconstrained and be immovable relative to the chassis coupler when constrained relative to the assembly housing. The inverter housing may be alternately constrained or unconstrained based on a position of the actuator assembly. In an example embodiment, the coupling interface may include a first fixed gear at the first stabilizer bar and a second fixed gear at the second stabilizer bar, and the first and second fixed gears may have a 1:1 ratio. In some cases, the coupling interface may include a mechanical interface at each of the first stabilizer bar the second stabilizer bar, and the mechanical interface may have a net 1:1 ratio. In an example embodiment, the actuator assembly may include a first actuator and a second actuator. In some cases, the first actuator may be operably coupled to the first stabilizer bar and the inverter housing to alternately constrain the first stabilizer bar to the inverter housing or enable movement of the first stabilizer bar relative to the inverter housing based on a position of the first actuator. The second actuator may be operably coupled to the chassis coupler to alternately constrain the chassis coupler to the inverter housing or enable movement of the inverter housing relative to the chassis coupler based on a position of the second actuator. In an example embodiment, in the connected state, the first actuator constrains the first stabilizer bar to the inverter housing. In the connected state, an input force applied to either one of the first stabilizer bar or the second stabilizer bar in a first direction is transmitted as an output at the other of the second stabilizer bar or the first stabilizer bar in the first direction. In an example embodiment, in the disconnected state, neither the first actuator constrains the first stabilizer bar to the inverter housing nor the second actuator constrains the chassis coupler to the inverter housing. In the disconnected state, an input force applied to either one of the first stabilizer bar or the second stabilizer bar in a first direction is not transmitted as an output at the other of the second stabilizer bar or the first stabilizer bar. In an example embodiment, in the inverted state, the second actuator constrains the inverter housing to the assembly housing. In the inverted state, an input force applied to either one of the first stabilizer bar or the second stabilizer bar in a first direction is transmitted as an output at the other of the second stabilizer bar or the first stabilizer bar in a second direction opposite the first direction. In an example embodiment, the first actuator may move axially with respect to the first stabilizer bar to constrain the first stabilizer bar to the inverter housing, and the second actuator may pivot about an axis of the second stabilizer bar to constrain the chassis coupler to the inverter housing. In some cases, the actuator assembly may be operable hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically. In an example embodiment, the first stabilizer bar may be shorter than the second stabilizer bar. In some cases, the actuator assembly may be operable under load. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.