Patent ID: 12215747

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the suspension systems that are described herein, a mass damper system is connected to a wheel of a vehicle to reduce unwanted vibration effects that are experienced by the unsprung mass of the vehicle. The unwanted vibration effects may, for example, include or contribute to causing wheel hop. In the suspension systems that are described herein, the mass damper system uses some of the braking components of the vehicle as all of or part of the damper mass.

In a typical conventional disk brake system for an automobile, a rotor is connected to the wheel so that it rotates in unison with the wheel, and a caliper assembly is mounted (e.g., supported by a suspension knuckle) so that it does not rotate with the wheel. The rotor is a large, disk-like structure that is typically formed from a ferrous material that has a high thermal conductivity such as cast iron. The large mass and high thermal conductivity of the rotor allow it to serve as a heat sink. The caliper assembly includes a caliper housing, one or more actuators (e.g., hydraulic pistons), and brake pads that are moved into engagement with the rotor by the actuators to apply braking force. Brake pads have a low thermal conductivity as compared to the rotor, because of the materials typically chosen for the brake pads.

In typical conventional disk brake systems, the brake pads are formed from a brake friction material. The term “brake friction material” is recognized in the art as referring to a class of composite materials that are suitable for use in friction brake pads to generate braking forces by engagement with a brake rotor. Commonly used brake friction materials are composite materials that include non-asbestos organic materials in a binder, including non-metallic brake friction materials and semi-metallic brake friction materials. Other brake friction materials include sintered metal brake friction materials and ceramic brake friction materials. In typical implementations, the mass of the rotor is larger than the mass of the caliper assembly, and the thermal mass of the rotor is likewise larger than the thermal mass of the caliper assembly so that the rotor serves as the primary heat sink for absorbing heat created during braking in conventional disk brake systems.

In some of the suspension systems that are described herein, a brake system is configured so that the mass of the components that are used as part of the damper mass of the mass damper system is increased relative to conventional disk brake system designs. As an example, a rotor is mounted so that it rotates in unison with a wheel, as in a conventional disk brake system, but includes engaging surfaces formed from a brake friction material, has significantly less mass than a conventional disk brake rotor, and does not serve as the primary heat sink of the brake system. The caliper assembly includes inner and outer caliper plates, which may be ring-like structures (E.g., caliper rings). The engaging surfaces of the inner and outer caliper plates may be formed from a ferrous material. The ferrous material may be, for example, an iron-based metal or metal alloy. The engaging surfaces of the inner and outer caliper plates may alternatively be formed from other materials, such as a metal matrix composite. In this example, the caliper plates therefore have a much higher thermal conductivity than the brake friction material of the rotor. As a result, the caliper assembly has a significantly larger mass than a traditional disk brake caliper housing and brake pads, and the inner and outer caliper plates structures serve as the primary heat sink of the brake system.

FIG.1is a schematic illustration that shows a part of a vehicle100. As an example, the vehicle100may be a conventional road-going vehicle that is supported by wheels and tires (e.g., four wheels and tires). As an example, the vehicle100may be a passenger vehicle that includes a passenger compartment that is configured to carry one or more passengers. As another example, the vehicle100may be a cargo vehicle that is configured to carry cargo items in a cargo compartment.

In the illustrated example, the vehicle100includes a vehicle body structure102, a wheel assembly104, a suspension system106, a propulsion system108, a steering system110, a brake system112, and a mass damper system114.

The vehicle body structure102includes components that are part of the sprung mass of the vehicle100. The vehicle body structure102may be a multi-part structure. The vehicle body structure102may include a frame, a subframe, a unibody, a body, a monocoque, and/or other types of vehicle frame and body structures. The vehicle body structure102may include or support components that define internal structural portions of the vehicle (e.g., frame rails, structural pillars, etc.), and external aesthetic portions of the vehicle (e.g., body panels). The vehicle body structure102may, for example, include or define a passenger compartment for carrying passengers. The vehicle body structure102may, for example, include or define a cargo compartment for carrying cargo.

The wheel assembly104includes a wheel116, a tire118, and a wheel hub120. The wheel116, the tire118, and the wheel hub120are all conventional components. For example, the wheel116may be a steel wheel of conventional design that supports the tire118, which may be a pneumatic tire. The wheel hub120serves as an interface between non-rotating components of the suspension system106of the vehicle100, and rotating components, including the wheel116and the tire118. As an example, the wheel hub120may include a bearing that allows rotation relative to components of the suspension system106.

The suspension system106may include a knuckle122, an upper control arm124, a lower control arm126, and a suspension damper128. The knuckle122is located partly inside an internal space of the wheel116and serves as a support structure for components of the wheel assembly104and the brake system112. The knuckle122is connected to the wheel hub120to support the wheel116and the tire118for rotation with respect to the knuckle. The knuckle122is also connected to non-rotating components of the brake system112, while rotating components of the brake system112are connected to the wheel hub120and/or the wheel116.

The upper control arm124and the lower control arm126connect the knuckle122to the vehicle body structure102such that the knuckle122is movable with respect to the vehicle body structure102, primarily in a generally vertical direction. As an example, the upper control arm124and the lower control arm126may each be connected to the vehicle body structure102and to the knuckle122by pivot joints that allow rotation in one or more rotational degrees of freedom. The suspension damper128is a suspension component that is configured to regulate motion of the wheel assembly104with respect to the vehicle body structure102. The suspension damper128may be, as examples, a shock, a strut, a spring, a linear actuator, or other active suspension component or passive suspension component.

The propulsion system108includes propulsion components that are configured to cause motion of the vehicle100(e.g., accelerating the vehicle100), by generating and transmitting torque to the wheel assembly104(and other wheels of the vehicle100). In the illustrated example, the propulsion system108includes a motor130and a drive shaft132that connects the motor130to the wheel assembly104. The motor130may be, as examples, an internal combustion engine powered by a combustible fuel or one or more electric motors that are powered by electricity (e.g., from a battery). Electric motors that are included in the propulsion system108may further be configured to operate as generators that charge the battery in a regenerative braking configuration.

The steering system110is operable to cause the vehicle to turn by changing a steering angle of the wheel assembly104(and other wheels of the vehicle100). In the illustrated implementation, the steering system110includes a steering actuator134and a steering linkage136that is connected to the knuckle122.

The brake system112provides deceleration torque for decelerating the vehicle100using friction braking components, as will be described further herein.

The mass damper system114is a passive suspension component that is a part of the suspension system106and is configured to damp vibration of the wheel assembly104. The mass damper system114damps vibration of the wheel assembly104by regulating movement of a damper mass. As will be explained herein, the damper mass includes components from the brake system112. By damping vibration of the wheel assembly104, the mass damper system114is able to reduce transmission of vibration from the unsprung mass of the vehicle100to the sprung mass of the vehicle100, and is also able to reduce the occurrence of wheel hop. By incorporating parts of the brake system112in the damper mass, the mass damper system114reduces the amount of added mass that is needed to damp vibrations of the wheel assembly104.

FIG.2is a schematic rear view cross-section illustration that shows the wheel assembly104, the brake system112and the mass damper system114. The knuckle122serves as a support structure for the wheel assembly104, the brake system112, and the mass damper system. In the illustrated implementation, the wheel hub120is connected to the knuckle122. The wheel hub120is a connecting structure that supports the wheel assembly104so that the wheel assembly104is able to rotate with respect to the knuckle122or other support structure of the suspension system106that connects the wheel assembly104to the sprung mass of the vehicle100. In the illustrated implementation, the wheel116and the tire118are connected to the knuckle122by the wheel hub120so that the wheel116and the tire118are able to rotate with respect to the knuckle122on a rotation axis238. At least part of the wheel hub120may extend along the rotation axis238and include or define a rotational joint (e.g., including bearings) that allows rotation with respect to the122.

The brake system112includes a brake rotor240, a caliper assembly242, and an actuator244. The brake rotor240is connected to the wheel116for rotation with the wheel116(e.g., the brake rotor240rotates in unison with the wheel116). The caliper assembly242is connected to the knuckle122so that the caliper assembly242is able to move according to (e.g., generally parallel to) a line of action246. In some implementations, the line of action246extends radially with respect to the rotation axis238. In some implementations, the line of action246is generally vertical (e.g., within fifteen degrees of vertical).

The mass damper system114includes a damper mass and a damper assembly248. The damper mass is the part of the mass damper system114that moves in order to counteract unwanted vibrations of the wheel assembly104. Portions of the brake system112are included in the damper mass. In the illustrated implementation, the caliper assembly242is part of the damper mass.

The damper assembly248is configured to regulate motion of the damper mass so that movement of the damper mass counters the unwanted vibrations of the wheel assembly104. The damper assembly248is connected to a support structure, which is this implementation is the knuckle122. The damper assembly is also connected to the damper mass, which in this implementation includes the caliper assembly242and may optionally include other structures.

Thus, in the illustrated implementation, the damper assembly248is connected to the knuckle122and is connected to the caliper assembly242to regulate movement of the caliper assembly242with respect to the knuckle122along the line of action line of action246, wherein the caliper assembly242(being part of or all of the damper mass) and the damper assembly248cooperate to define the mass damper system114, which damps vibration of the wheel116and other portions of the wheel assembly104.

In the illustrated implementation, the damper assembly248includes a damper250and a spring252. The spring252biases the caliper assembly242toward a neutral position. The neutral position is a position that the caliper assembly242is disposed in the absence of external forces that cause movement of the caliper assembly242with respect to the knuckle122. The damper250resists movement of the caliper assembly242with respect to the knuckle122. As an example, the damper assembly248may be configured so that the caliper assembly242is able to travel along the line of action246within a range of at least ten millimeters above the neutral position to at least ten millimeters below the neutral position.

The caliper assembly242and/or other portions of the damper mass may be connected a support structure (e.g., the knuckle122) by structures other than the damper mass in order to regulate motion of the damper mass. As an example, the caliper assembly242may be connected to the knuckle122by a linear bearing254. The linear bearing254is a mechanical component that may be implemented according to conventional designs, and functions to restrain motion other than linear translation. In the illustrated implementation, the caliper assembly242is connected to the knuckle122by the linear bearing254so that the linear bearing254restrains movement of the caliper assembly242according to the line of action246, meaning that the linear bearing254resists movement other than movement along the line of action246. It is noted that at least part of the caliper assembly242is fixed to the linear bearing254, but portions of the caliper assembly242may move relative to each other in directions other than along the line of action246.

FIG.3is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system312and a mass damper system314according to a first example implementation.FIG.4is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system312and the mass damper system314according to the first example implementation. The brake system312and the mass damper system314may be incorporated in the vehicle100in place of the brake system112and the mass damper system114. The description of the brake system112and the mass damper system114is applicable to the brake system312and the mass damper system314except as described to the contrary herein.

The brake system312includes a brake rotor340and a caliper assembly342. The brake rotor340is supported by a wheel hub320so that it rotates with a tire of the vehicle, as described with respect to the brake rotor240, the wheel hub120, and the tire118of the vehicle100. The brake rotor340is formed from a material that has a high thermal conductivity and serves as the primary heat sink of the brake system312. The caliper assembly342includes an actuator344, a caliper housing356, and brake pads358. The caliper assembly342is supported by a support structure such as a knuckle322so that it does not rotate with the brake rotor340. The caliper housing356is a structure that supports the actuator344and the brake pads358. The actuator344(e.g., a hydraulic actuator or an electromechanical actuator) is operable to move the brake pads358into engagement with the brake rotor340. The brake pads358include surfaces that are formed from a brake friction material and are engageable with the brake rotor340by contacting the brake rotor340when the brake pads358are moved into engagement with the brake rotor340by the actuator344.

The mass damper system314includes a damper assembly348and a damper mass. The caliper assembly342is included in the damper mass. Other structures may be included in the damper mass. The damper assembly348regulates motion of the damper mass in order to damp vibrations of a wheel assembly, and may be configured in and operate in the manner described with respect to the damper assembly248.

FIG.5is a schematic side view illustration that shows the brake system112and the mass damper system114according to a second example implementation.FIG.6is a schematic top view illustration that shows the brake system112and the mass damper system114according to the second example implementation. The brake system512and the mass damper system514may be incorporated in the vehicle100in place of the brake system112and the mass damper system114. The description of the brake system112and the mass damper system114is applicable to the brake system512and the mass damper system514except as described to the contrary herein.

The brake system512includes a brake rotor540that is supported by a wheel hub520, a first caliper assembly542aand a second caliper assembly542b. The brake system512may be implemented in accordance with the description of the brake system312and may operate in the same manner. The first caliper assembly542aand the second caliper assembly542bmay be implemented in the manner described with respect to the caliper assembly342and operate in the same manner. The first caliper assembly542aand the second caliper assembly542bare located at opposite sides of the brake rotor540(e.g., spaced by 180 degrees radially with respect to the brake rotor540) and may be interconnected so that reaction forces during braking do not cause motion of the damper mass.

The mass damper system314includes a first damper assembly548athat is connected to the first caliper assembly542a, a second damper assembly548bthat is connected to the second caliper assembly542band a damper mass that includes the first caliper assembly542a, the second caliper assembly542b, and optionally includes other structures. The first damper assembly548aand the second damper assembly548bconnect the first caliper assembly542aand the second caliper assembly542bto a support structure such as a knuckle522. The first caliper assembly542aand the second caliper assembly542bmay also be connected to the knuckle522by other structures such as linear bearings as previously described. The first damper assembly548aand the second damper assembly548bregulate motion of the damper mass to damp vibrations of the wheel assembly in the manner described with respect to the damper assembly348of the314.

FIG.7is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system712and a mass damper system714according to a third example implementation.FIG.8is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system712and the mass damper system714according to the third example implementation. The brake system712and the mass damper system714may be incorporated in the vehicle100in place of the brake system112and the mass damper system114. The description of the brake system112and the mass damper system114is applicable to the brake system712and the mass damper system714except as described to the contrary herein.

The brake system712includes a brake rotor740and a caliper assembly742. The brake rotor740is supported by a wheel hub720so that it rotates with a tire of the vehicle, as described with respect to the brake rotor240, the wheel hub120, and the tire118of the vehicle100. The brake rotor740includes a support disk760, a first friction pad portion762, and a second friction pad portion764.

The support disk760is an annular structure that is connected to the wheel hub720so that the support disk760rotates with the wheel of the vehicle and therefore rotates with respect to the caliper assembly742, which does not rotate with the wheel of the vehicle. As an example, the support disk760may have a central opening761and a portion of the wheel hub720or a component associated with the wheel hub720may pass through the central opening761and engage the support disk760adjacent to the central opening761. The support disk760and may be movable axially over a limited range with respect to the wheel hub720(e.g., by a splined connection of the support disk760to the wheel hub720).

The support disk760functions to provide structural support for the first friction pad portion762and the second friction pad portion764. The support disk760is formed from a substantially rigid material. As an example, the support disk760may be formed from metal.

The first friction pad portion762and the second friction pad portion764are each annular structures that are connected to and supported by the support disk760. The first friction pad portion762includes a first brake rotor surface that engages the caliper assembly742during braking. The second friction pad portion764includes a second brake rotor surface that engages the caliper assembly742during braking.

The first friction pad portion762and the second friction pad portion764are each formed from a brake friction material. As an example, the brake friction material may include an organic material and a binder. As an example, the brake friction material may be a non-asbestos organic brake friction material. As an example, the brake friction material may be a semi-metallic brake friction material. As an example, the brake friction material may be a ceramic brake friction material. As an example, the brake friction material may be a sintered metal brake friction material.

The caliper assembly742includes actuators744, a caliper frame756, an inner caliper plate766, and an outer caliper plate768. The caliper assembly742is supported by a support structure such as a knuckle722so that it does not rotate with the brake rotor740.

The caliper frame756is a structure that supports the actuators744, the inner caliper plate766, and the outer caliper plate768. The caliper frame756is connected to the inner caliper plate766, and to the outer caliper plate768, such as by bolts located at an outer periphery of the caliper assembly742in the illustrated implementation.

In the illustrated implementation, the caliper frame756of the caliper assembly742is connected to the knuckle722by the mass damper system714. The caliper frame756of the caliper assembly742is also connected to the knuckle722by a first linear bearing754aand a second linear bearing754bthat allow motion of the caliper assembly742along a line of action746, but restrain the caliper assembly742from moving with respect to the knuckle722other than according to the line of action746. In some implementations, the line of action746extends radially with respect to a rotation axis738of the wheel hub720. In some implementations, the line of action746is generally vertical (e.g., within fifteen degrees of vertical).

The inner caliper plate766is located on a first side of the brake rotor740, which in this implementation is the inboard side of the brake rotor740, which is located toward the body structure of the vehicle relative to the brake rotor740. The inner caliper plate766is a disk-like structure, but need not have a circular outer periphery, as outer structures (e.g., oval) may be more suitable given that the inner caliper plate766(along with the remainder of the caliper assembly742) translates up and down within the internal space of the wheel. The inner caliper plate766has a central opening767, and the wheel hub720extends through the central opening767. The central opening767provides clearance relative to the wheel hub720to allow translation of the inner caliper plate766with respect to the wheel hub720. For example, the central opening767may be elongate in the direction of the line of action746. The inner caliper plate766, including the caliper surface thereof that is engageable with the brake rotor740during braking, extends around the central opening767in a ring-like configuration so that the caliper surface encircles the central opening767.

The inner caliper plate766includes a flexible connector structure770by which the inner caliper plate766is connected to the caliper frame756and the outer caliper plate768at an outer periphery of the caliper assembly742. The flexible connector structure770functions to allow axial travel of the inner caliper plate766when the actuators744engage the outer caliper plate768during braking. The configuration of the flexible connector structure770may be similar that of a clutch pressure plate.

The outer caliper plate768is located on a second side of the brake rotor740, which in this implementation is the outboard side of the brake rotor740, which is located away from the body structure of the vehicle relative to the brake rotor740. The outer caliper plate768is a disk-like structure, but need not have a circular outer periphery, as outer structures (e.g., oval) may be more suitable given that the outer caliper plate768(along with the remainder of the caliper assembly742) translates up and down within the internal space of the wheel. The outer caliper plate768has a central opening769, and the wheel hub720extends through the central opening769. The central opening769provides clearance relative to the wheel hub720to allow translation of the outer caliper plate768with respect to the wheel hub720. For example, the central opening769may be elongate in the direction of the line of action746. The outer caliper plate768, including the caliper surface thereof that is engageable with the brake rotor740during braking, extends around the central opening769in a ring-like configuration so that the caliper surface encircles the central opening769.

The configuration of and materials chosen for the inner caliper plate766and the inner caliper plate766are similar to the configuration and materials of conventional brake rotors. As a result, the caliper assembly742has a greater mass than the brake rotor740and the caliper assembly742has a greater thermal mass than the brake rotor740. This concentrates the mass of the brake system712in the components that are used as the damper mass of the mass damper system714. As an example, at least part of the inner caliper plate766and at least part of the outer caliper plate768may be formed from a ferrous material. The ferrous material of the inner caliper plate766and the outer caliper plate768may be, for example, an iron-based metal or an iron-based metal alloy, or a metal-matrix composite.

The material used for the inner caliper plate766and the outer caliper plate768has a much higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the brake friction material of the brake rotor740. The inner caliper plate766and the outer caliper plate768therefore have a much higher thermal capacity than the brake rotor740, allowing the inner caliper plate766and the outer caliper plate768to serve as heat sinks and thereby reduce the heat absorbed by the brake rotor740. As one example, the inner caliper plate766may include a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor740, the outer caliper plate768may include a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor740, and the first caliper surface and the second caliper surface may be formed from a ferrous material. As another example, the inner caliper plate766may include a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor740, the outer caliper plate768may include a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor740, and the first caliper surface and the second caliper surface may be formed from a metal-matrix composite. As another example, the inner caliper plate766may include a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor740, the outer caliper plate768may include a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor740, and the first caliper surface and the second caliper surface may be formed from a material having a higher thermal conductivity that the thermal conductivity of the brake rotor740.

The actuators744(e.g., hydraulic actuators or electromechanical actuators) are operable to apply pressure to the inner caliper plate766which moves the inner caliper plate766into engagement with the brake rotor740and clamps the brake rotor740between the inner caliper plate766and the outer caliper plate768to apply braking.

The mass damper system714includes a first damper assembly748a, a second damper assembly748band a damper mass. The caliper assembly742is included in the damper mass. Other structures may be included in the damper mass. The first damper assembly748aand the second damper assembly748bregulate motion of the damper mass in order to damp vibrations of a wheel assembly, and may be configured in and operate in the manner described with respect to the damper assembly248. As an example, each of the first damper assembly748aand the second damper assembly748bmay include a spring and a damper (e.g., a fluid damper), as previously described. In the illustrated example the first damper assembly748aand the second damper assembly748bare located on opposite sides of the wheel hub720in the front to rear direction of the vehicle.

FIG.9is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system912and a mass damper system914according to a fourth example implementation.FIG.10is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system912and the mass damper system914according to the fourth example implementation. The brake system912and the mass damper system914may be incorporated in the vehicle100in place of the brake system112and the mass damper system114. The description of the brake system112and the mass damper system114is applicable to the brake system912and the mass damper system914except as described to the contrary herein.

The brake system912includes a brake rotor940and a caliper assembly942. The brake rotor940is supported by a wheel hub920so that it rotates with a tire of the vehicle, as described with respect to the brake rotor240, the wheel hub120, and the tire118of the vehicle100. The brake rotor940includes a support disk960, a first friction pad portion962, and a second friction pad portion964.

The support disk960is an annular structure that is connected to the wheel hub920so that the support disk960rotates with the wheel of the vehicle and therefore rotates with respect to the caliper assembly942, which does not rotate with the wheel of the vehicle. As an example, the support disk960may have a central opening961and a portion of the wheel hub920or a component associated with the wheel hub920may pass through the central opening961and engage the support disk960adjacent to the central opening961. The support disk960and may be movable axially over a limited range with respect to the wheel hub920(e.g., by a splined connection of the support disk960to the wheel hub920).

The support disk960functions to provide structural support for the first friction pad portion962and the second friction pad portion964. The support disk960is formed from a substantially rigid material. As an example, the support disk960may be formed from metal.

The first friction pad portion962and the second friction pad portion964are each annular structures that are connected to and supported by the support disk960. The first friction pad portion962includes a first brake rotor surface that engages the caliper assembly942during braking. The second friction pad portion964includes a second brake rotor surface that engages the caliper assembly942during braking.

The first friction pad portion962and the second friction pad portion964are each formed from a brake friction material. As an example, the brake friction material may include an organic material and a binder. As an example, the brake friction material may be a non-asbestos organic brake friction material. As an example, the brake friction material may be a semi-metallic brake friction material. As an example, the brake friction material may be a ceramic brake friction material. As an example, the brake friction material may be a sintered metal brake friction material.

The caliper assembly942includes a actuators944, an inner caliper plate966, an outer caliper plate968, and connector parts972that interconnect the inner caliper plate966and the outer caliper plate968. The caliper assembly942is supported by a support structure such as a knuckle922so that it does not rotate with the brake rotor940. The actuators944, the outer caliper plate968, and the connector parts972are supported by the inner caliper plate966.

The inner caliper plate966is located on a first side of the brake rotor940, which in this implementation is the inboard side of the brake rotor940, which is located toward the body structure of the vehicle relative to the brake rotor940. The inner caliper plate966of the caliper assembly942is located between the brake rotor940and the knuckle922.

The inner caliper plate966is a disk-like structure, but need not have a circular outer periphery, as outer structures (e.g., oval) may be more suitable given that the inner caliper plate966(along with the remainder of the caliper assembly942) translates up and down within the internal space of the wheel. The inner caliper plate966has a central opening967, and the wheel hub920extends through the central opening967. The central opening967provides clearance relative to the wheel hub920to allow translation of the inner caliper plate966with respect to the wheel hub920. The inner caliper plate966, including the caliper surface thereof that is engageable with the brake rotor940during braking, extends around the central opening967in a ring-like configuration so that the caliper surface encircles the central opening967.

The inner caliper plate966is connected to the knuckle922by a first linear bearing954aand by a second linear bearing954b. The first linear bearing954aand the second linear bearing954ballow motion of the caliper assembly942along a line of action946, but restrain the caliper assembly942from moving with respect to the knuckle922other than according to the line of action946(with the exception of relative motion of portions of the caliper assembly942for braking). In some implementations, the line of action946extends radially with respect to a rotation axis938of the wheel hub920. In some implementations, the line of action946is generally vertical (e.g., within fifteen degrees of vertical). Connection of the inner caliper plate966to the knuckle922by the first linear bearing954aand the second linear bearing954brestrains the inner caliper plate966from moving in the direction of the rotation axis938of the wheel hub920.

In the illustrated implementation, the first linear bearing954aand the second linear bearing954bare aligned vertically. The first linear bearing954ais located directly above the rotation axis of the wheel hub920. The second linear bearing954bis located directly below the rotation axis of the wheel hub920. The first linear bearing954aincludes a first bearing part974aand a second bearing part975athat are linearly slidable with respect to each other. The first bearing part974ais connected to the inner caliper plate966and the second bearing part975ais connected to the knuckle922. The second linear bearing954bincludes a first bearing part974band a second bearing part975bthat are linearly slidable with respect to each other. The first bearing part974bis connected to the inner caliper plate966and the second bearing part975bis connected to the knuckle922.

The inner caliper plate966is connected to the knuckle922by the mass damper system914. The mass damper system914is a passive suspension component that is configured to damp vibration of a wheel assembly that the mass damper system914is incorporated in, such as the wheel assembly104. The mass damper system914damps vibration of the wheel assembly by regulating movement of a damper mass, which in this implementation includes the caliper assembly942of the brake system912and may also include other components. To connect the inner caliper plate966to the mass damper assembly, the inner caliper plate966includes a first upper damper mount976a, a first lower damper mount977a, a second upper damper mount976b, and a second lower damper mount977b.

The outer caliper plate968is located on a second side of the brake rotor940, which in this implementation is the outboard side of the brake rotor940, which is located away from the body structure of the vehicle relative to the brake rotor940. The outer caliper plate968is a disk-like structure, but need not have a circular outer periphery, as outer structures (e.g., oval) may be more suitable given that the outer caliper plate968(along with the remainder of the caliper assembly942) translates up and down within the internal space of the wheel. The outer caliper plate968has a central opening969, and the wheel hub920extends through the central opening969. The central opening969provides clearance relative to the wheel hub920to allow translation of the outer caliper plate968with respect to the wheel hub920. The outer caliper plate968, including the caliper surface thereof that is engageable with the brake rotor940during braking, extends around the central opening969in a ring-like configuration so that the caliper surface encircles the central opening969.

The connector parts972define a sliding connection of the outer caliper plate968with respect to the inner caliper plate966and allow the actuators944to move the outer caliper plate968toward the inner caliper plate966to clamp the brake rotor940between the inner caliper plate966and the outer caliper plate968to applying braking forces. In the illustrated implementation, the connector parts972are L-shaped structures that include axially extending portions978and transversely extending portions979. The axially extending portions978are located near an outer periphery of the caliper assembly942and are rigidly connected to the outer caliper plate968, such as by bolts located at an outer periphery of the outer caliper plate968in the illustrated implementation. The axially extending portions978extend in the inboard direction from the outer caliper plate968past the inner caliper plate966, where the transversely extending portions979are located inboard from the inner caliper plate966and extend radially inward toward the wheel hub920.

To mount the outer caliper plate968and the connector parts972with respect to the inner caliper plate966, the connector parts972may be slidably mounted to the inner caliper plate966by pins980that are located at the transversely extending portions979of the connector parts972. This allows the outer caliper plate968to slide parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel hub920. In the illustrated example, the pins980are fixed to the connector parts972and extend into holes in the inner caliper plate966. The pins980may instead be fixed to the inner caliper plate966and extend into holds in the connector parts972.

The actuators944(e.g., a hydraulic actuators or electromechanical actuators) are connected to the inner caliper plate966and are positioned between the inner caliper plate966and the transversely extending portions979of the connector parts972. The actuators944may be actuated to apply force in the inboard direction, which engages the transversely extending portions979of the connector parts972and consequently causes the outer caliper plate968to move in the inboard direction to apply braking forces by clamping of the brake rotor940between the inner caliper plate966and the outer caliper plate968.

The configuration of and materials chosen for the inner caliper plate966and the inner caliper plate966are similar to the configuration and materials of conventional brake rotors. As a result, the caliper assembly942has a greater mass than the brake rotor940and the caliper assembly942has a greater thermal mass than the brake rotor940. This concentrates the mass of the brake system912in the components that are used as the damper mass of the mass damper system914. As an example, at least part of the inner caliper plate966and at least part of the outer caliper plate968may be formed from a ferrous material. As an example, the inner caliper plate966may include a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor940, the outer caliper plate968may include a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor940, and the first caliper surface and the second caliper surface may be formed from a ferrous material. The ferrous material of the inner caliper plate966and the outer caliper plate968may be, for example, an iron-based metal or metal alloy. The ferrous material has a much higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the brake friction material of the brake rotor940. The inner caliper plate966and the outer caliper plate968therefore have a much higher thermal capacity than the brake rotor940, allowing the inner caliper plate966and the outer caliper plate968to serve as heat sinks and thereby reduce the heat absorbed by the brake rotor940.

The mass damper system914includes a first damper assembly948a, a second damper assembly948band a damper mass. The caliper assembly942is included in the damper mass. Other structures may be included in the damper mass.

The first damper assembly948aand the second damper assembly948bregulate motion of the damper mass in order to damp vibrations of a wheel assembly, and may be configured in and operate in the manner described with respect to the damper assembly248. As an example, each of the first damper assembly948aand the second damper assembly948bmay include a spring and a damper (e.g., a fluid damper), as previously described. In the illustrated example the first damper assembly948aand the second damper assembly948bare located on opposite sides of the wheel hub920in the front to rear direction of the vehicle.

In the illustrated example, the first damper assembly948ais connected to a first knuckle portion982aof the knuckle922and the second damper assembly948bis connected to a second knuckle portion982bof the knuckle922. These connections may be at a vertical midpoint of each of the first damper assembly948aand the second damper assembly948b, substantially equidistant from the first upper damper mount976aand the second upper damper mount976brelative to the first lower damper mount977aand the second lower damper mount977bin the neutral position.

The first damper assembly948aand the second damper assembly948binclude upper springs984a, a lower springs984b, and dampers985. The upper springs984aeach extend from a respect one of the first knuckle portion982aor the second knuckle portion982bto the first upper damper mount976aor the second upper damper mount976b. The lower springs984beach extend from a respect one of the first knuckle portion982aor the second knuckle portion982bto the first lower damper mount977aor the second lower damper mount977b. This urges the caliper assembly942to the neutral position. The first knuckle portion982aand the second knuckle portion982bare each connected to one of the dampers985, for example, in a sliding, collar-like configuration. The dampers are configured to resist translation of the caliper assembly942with respect to the knuckle922along the action946, and may be fluid dampers as previously described. In the illustrated implementation, the dampers985each have a cylinder that is connected to the first knuckle portion982aor the second knuckle portion982band a double-ended piston rod that extends between the first upper damper mount976aor the second upper damper mount976band the first lower damper mount977aor the second lower damper mount977b.

FIG.11is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows a brake caliper assembly1142and a rotor1140having tapered engagement surfaces. The brake caliper assembly1142and the rotor1140may be included in the braking systems described herein to cause the mass damper systems to move to the neutral position during braking. The rotor1140is arranged for rotation on a rotation axis1138as previously described in the context of other examples. The brake caliper assembly1142includes an inner caliper plate1166and an outer caliper plate1168. The inner caliper plate1166has a first caliper surface that is engageable with a first rotor surface of the rotor1140during braking, and the outer caliper plate1168has a second caliper surface that is engageable with a second rotor surface of the rotor1140during braking. The first caliper surface, the second caliper surface, the first rotor surface, and the second rotor surface are all tapered, such that they are not flat with respect to a plane constructed perpendicular to the rotation axis1138, but instead, rise or fall (e.g., linearly) along a line extending in the radial direction when compared to a plane constructed perpendicular to the rotation axis1138. Thus, for example, the first caliper surface, the second caliper surface, the first rotor surface, and the second rotor surface may all define frustroconical shapes. The first rotor surface is engageable with and complementary to the first caliper surface, and the second rotor surface is engageable with and complementary to the second caliper surface. When engaged, the complementary tapered profiles cause the inner caliper plate1166and the outer caliper plate1168to shift by engagement with the rotor1140according to a cam-like action to center them with respect to the rotor1140, thereby placing the inner caliper plate1166and the outer caliper plate1168in the neutral position during braking.

FIG.12is a block diagram that shows a mass damper control system1286according to an example. The mass damper control system1286includes a damper locking mechanism1288and a controller1290. The mass damper control system1286can be used in conjunction with the mass damper systems described herein to stop movement of the damper mass under certain conditions. The damper locking mechanism1288is operable to prevent translation of the damper mass along its line of action. As one example, the damper locking mechanism1288may be implemented in the form of an electromechanical lock that is incorporated in linear bearings that support the damper mass to arrest motion of the damper mass. As another example, the damper locking mechanism1288may be implemented in the form of a hydraulic circuit in a fluid damper that is selectively closable to restrain motion of the fluid damper. The controller1290is configured to determine whether to stop movement of the damper mass. The controller1290may be configured to determine whether to stop movement of the damper mass by evaluating one or more conditions. As an example, the controller1290may be configured to stop movement of the damper mass upon determining that a speed of the vehicle has gone below a threshold speed value.

FIG.13is a block diagram that shows an example of the controller1290. The controller1290may be used to control a mass damper assembly, as previously described, and may also be used to control other systems, such as a braking system or an active suspension system. The controller1290may include a processor1391, a memory1392, a storage device1393, one or more input devices1394, and one or more output devices1395. The controller1290may include a bus or a similar device to interconnect the components for communication. The processor1391is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. As an example, the processor1391may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit. The memory1392may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device1393may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices1394may include any type of human-machine interface such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices1395may include any type of device operable to provide an indication to a user regarding an operating state, such as a display screen or an audio output, or any other functional output or control.

As used in the claims, phrases in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” should be interpreted to encompass only A, or only B, or only C, or any combination of A, B and C.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is suspension control, which may, in some implementations, include the gathering and use of data available from various sources to customize operation based on user preferences. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. As one example, information describing a user of the vehicle may be collected and used to adjust the ride of the vehicle based on user preferences. As another example, the vehicle may include sensors that are used to control operation of the vehicle, and these sensors may obtain information (e.g., still pictures or video images) that can be used to identify persons present in the image.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to develop a user profile that describes user comfort levels for certain types of motion of the vehicle.

The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the identifying content to be displayed to users, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide personal data for use in suspension control. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time personal data is maintained or entirely prohibit the use and storage of personal data. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, suspension control can be performed using non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, other non-personal information available to the devices, or publicly available information.