PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12215747-B1
Application Number: US-202318381482-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Vibration control system

Abstract:
An apparatus includes a retainer, a rotational portion that is connected to the retainer so that it is able to rotate with respect to the retainer on a rotation axis, a rotor that is connected to the rotational portion for rotation in unison with the rotational portion, and a caliper assembly that is connected to the retainer so that the caliper assembly is able to move according to a line of action. The apparatus also includes a damper assembly that is connected to the retainer and is connected to the caliper assembly to regulate movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the retainer along the line of action, wherein the caliper assembly and the damper assembly cooperate to define a mass damper system that damps vibration of the rotational portion.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wheel end assembly comprising:
 a brake rotor comprising:
 a support disk having an annular configuration and configured for connection to a wheel for rotation with the wheel about a rotation axis; and 
 a first friction pad portion and a second friction pad portion each having annular configurations and connected to opposing sides of the support disk, wherein the first friction pad portion and the second friction pad portion comprise a brake friction material; 
 
 a caliper assembly that is configured for connection to a hub retainer that supports the wheel and configured to move radially with respect to the rotation axis, wherein the caliper assembly is configured to engage the first friction pad portion and the second friction pad portion of the brake rotor to inhibit rotation of the brake rotor and the wheel relative to the hub retainer; 
 a damper assembly that is configured for connection to the hub retainer and is connected to the caliper assembly, with the damper assembly configured to regulate movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the hub retainer, wherein the caliper assembly and the damper assembly cooperate to define a mass damper system that is configured to damp vibration of the wheel; and 
 a linear bearing, with the caliper assembly configured for connection to the hub retainer by the linear bearing, wherein the linear bearing is configured to restrain movement of the caliper assembly according to a line of action. 
 
     
     
       2. The wheel end assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the caliper assembly includes an inner caliper plate and an outer caliper plate, wherein the inner caliper plate is located on a first side of the brake rotor and is configured to engage the first friction pad portion, and wherein the outer caliper plate is located on a second side of the brake rotor and is configured to engage the second friction pad portion. 
     
     
       3. The wheel end assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the inner caliper plate is configured for connection to the hub retainer by the damper assembly. 
     
     
       4. The wheel end assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the caliper assembly further includes an actuator and a frame mounted to the outer caliper plate, with the actuator positioned between and connected to the inner caliper plate and the frame, wherein the actuator is configured to move the frame with respect to the inner caliper plate and move the outer caliper plate toward the inner caliper plate to engage the brake rotor. 
     
     
       5. The wheel end assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the support disk is configured to move along the rotation axis, with the actuator configured to move the outer caliper plate along the rotation axis into engagement with the second friction pad portion and move the brake rotor along the rotation axis to engage the first friction pad portion with the inner caliper plate. 
     
     
       6. The wheel end assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the line of action is generally vertical. 
     
     
       7. The wheel end assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the damper assembly includes a spring configured to bias the movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the hub retainer and a damper configured to dampen the movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the hub retainer. 
     
     
       8. The wheel end assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the brake friction material includes an organic material and a binder. 
     
     
       9. A wheel end assembly comprising:
 a brake rotor comprising a first friction pad portion and a second friction pad portion: 
 a caliper assembly that is configured for connection to a hub retainer that supports the wheel and configured to move radially with respect to the rotation axis, wherein the caliper assembly is configured to engage the first friction pad portion and the second friction pad portion of the brake rotor to inhibit rotation of the brake rotor and the wheel relative to the hub retainer; and 
 a damper assembly that is configured for connection to the hub retainer and is connected to the caliper assembly, with the damper assembly configured to regulate movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the hub retainer, wherein the caliper assembly and the damper assembly cooperate to define a mass damper system that is configured to damp vibration of the wheel, 
 wherein the caliper assembly includes an inner caliper plate and an outer caliper plate, 
 wherein the inner caliper plate is located on a first side of the brake rotor and is configured to engage the first friction pad portion, 
 wherein the outer caliper plate is located on a second side of the brake rotor and is configured to engage the second friction pad portion, and 
 wherein the inner caliper plate and the outer caliper plate each have an annular configuration that extends around a central opening. 
 
     
     
       10. The wheel end assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising a linear bearing, with the caliper assembly configured for connection to the hub retainer by the linear bearing, wherein the linear bearing is configured to restrain movement of the caliper assembly according to a line of action. 
     
     
       11. A wheel end assembly comprising:
 a brake rotor that is configured for connection to a wheel for rotation with the wheel about a rotation axis; 
 a caliper assembly that is configured for connection to a hub retainer that supports the wheel and configured to linearly translate radially with respect to the rotation axis; and 
 a first damper assembly and a second damper assembly that are each configured for connection to the hub retainer and coupled to the caliper assembly, wherein the first damper assembly and the second damper assembly are configured to regulate motion of the caliper assembly with respect to the hub retainer to damp movements of the hub retainer. 
 
     
     
       12. The wheel end assembly of  claim 11 , wherein each of the first damper assembly and the second damper assembly includes a spring configured to bias movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the hub retainer and a damper configured to dampen the movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the hub retainer. 
     
     
       13. The wheel end assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the first damper assembly and the second damper assembly are located on opposite sides of the rotation axis. 
     
     
       14. The wheel end assembly of  claim 11 , wherein each of the first damper assembly and the second damper assembly includes an upper spring, a lower spring, and a damper, with the upper spring and the lower spring engaging opposing sides of the damper. 
     
     
       15. The wheel end assembly of  claim 11 , wherein a mass of the caliper assembly is greater than a mass of the brake rotor. 
     
     
       16. The wheel end assembly of  claim 11 , wherein a thermal mass of the caliper assembly is greater than a thermal mass of the brake rotor. 
     
     
       17. A wheel end assembly comprising:
 a brake rotor that is configured for connection to a wheel for rotation with the wheel about a rotation axis; 
 a caliper assembly that is configured for connection to a hub retainer that supports the wheel and configured to linearly translate radially with respect to the rotation axis; 
 a damper assembly that is configured for connection to the hub retainer and is connected to the caliper assembly, with the damper assembly configured to regulate movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the hub retainer, wherein the caliper assembly and the damper assembly cooperate to define a mass damper system that is configured to damp vibration of the wheel; and 
 a first linear bearing and a second linear bearing that are each configured for connection to the hub retainer and coupled to the caliper assembly on opposing sides of the rotation axis and configured to restrain the caliper assembly to linear movement with respect to the hub retainer. 
 
     
     
       18. The wheel end assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the caliper assembly comprises an inner caliper plate and an outer caliper plate each configured to engage the brake rotor, with the inner caliper plate configured for connection to the hub retainer by the first linear bearing and the second linear bearing. 
     
     
       19. The wheel end assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the brake rotor is configured to move along the rotation axis, with the outer caliper plate configured to move along the rotation axis into engagement with the brake rotor and move the brake rotor along the rotation axis to engage the inner caliper plate. 
     
     
       20. The wheel end assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the first linear bearing and the second linear bearing are aligned along a line of action.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of United States Patent Application No. 17/308,131, filed on May 5, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/048,795, filed on Jul. 7, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to vibration control systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A vibration control system can be used to reduce unwanted vibration effects. The unwanted vibration effects are applied to a primary mass. A secondary mass, which is referred to herein as a damper mass, is smaller than the first mass and is connected to the primary mass by a damper assembly having characteristics that are selected (e.g., tuned) so that movement of the damper mass will result in vibrations that reduce the unwanted vibration effects. The damper assembly may be configured so that movement of the damper mass is out of phase with and/or opposite in direction relative to the unwanted vibration effects in order to reduce them. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect of the disclosure is an apparatus that includes a knuckle, a wheel that is connected to the knuckle so that it is able to rotate with respect to the knuckle on a rotation axis, a brake rotor that is connected to the wheel for rotation with the wheel, and a caliper assembly that is connected to the knuckle so that the caliper assembly is able to move according to a line of action. The apparatus also includes a damper assembly that is connected to the knuckle and is connected to the caliper assembly to regulate movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the knuckle along the line of action, wherein the caliper assembly and the damper assembly cooperate to define a mass damper system that damps vibration of the wheel. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the damper assembly includes a damper and a spring. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the spring biases the caliper assembly toward a neutral position and the damper resists movement of the caliper assembly with respect to the knuckle. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the caliper assembly is connected to the knuckle by a linear bearing that restrains movement of the caliper assembly according to the line of action. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the line of action extends radially with respect to the rotation axis. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the line of action is generally vertical. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the caliper assembly includes an outer caliper plate, an inner caliper plate, and an actuator that is configured to move the inner caliper plate and the outer caliper plate into engagement with a first rotor surface and a second rotor surface of the brake rotor, and the first rotor surface and the second rotor surface of the brake rotor are formed from a brake friction material. 
     A second aspect of the disclosure is an apparatus that includes a knuckle, a wheel that is connected to the knuckle so that it is able to rotate with respect to the knuckle on a rotation axis, a brake rotor that is connected to the wheel for rotation with the wheel, and a caliper assembly that is connected to the knuckle so that the caliper assembly is able to translate with respect to the knuckle, the wheel, and the brake rotor. The caliper assembly includes a first caliper part that is located on an inboard side of the brake rotor, a second caliper part that is located on an outboard side of the brake rotor, and an actuator that is configured to move the caliper assembly into engagement with the brake rotor. The apparatus also includes a mass damper system having a damper mass and a damper assembly, wherein the caliper assembly is part of the damper mass, the damper assembly is connected to the knuckle, the damper assembly is connected to the damper mass, and the damper assembly is configured to regulate movement of the damper mass with respect to the knuckle to damp vibration of the wheel. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the first caliper part and the second caliper part are each a ring-like structure that extends around a central opening. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the first caliper part includes a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor, the second caliper part includes a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor, and the first caliper surface and the second caliper surface are formed from a ferrous material. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the brake rotor includes a support disk, the brake rotor includes a first rotor surface that is formed from a brake friction material, the brake rotor includes a second rotor surface that is formed from the brake friction material, the first rotor surface is located on a first side of the support disk, and the second rotor surface is located on a second side of the support disk. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the brake friction material includes an organic material and a binder. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the disclosure, a mass of the caliper assembly is greater than a mass of the brake rotor. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the disclosure, a thermal mass of the caliper assembly is greater than a thermal mass of the brake rotor. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the damper assembly includes a damper and a spring, the spring biases the damper mass toward a neutral position, and the damper resists movement of the damper mass with respect to the knuckle. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the damper mass is connected to the knuckle by a linear bearing that restrains the damper mass to linear movement with respect to the knuckle. 
     A third aspect of the disclosure is an apparatus that includes a support structure and a wheel that is rotatable with respect to the support structure. A brake rotor is connected to the wheel for rotation with the wheel. The brake rotor has a first rotor surface that is formed from a brake friction material and a second rotor surface that is formed from the brake friction material. The apparatus also includes an inner caliper plate that has a first caliper surface, wherein the inner caliper plate is located on a first side of the brake rotor. The apparatus also includes an outer caliper plate that has a second caliper surface, wherein the outer caliper plate is located on a second side of the brake rotor. The apparatus also includes an actuator that is configured to move the inner caliper plate and the outer caliper plate into engagement with the brake rotor. The mass damper system has a damper mass and a damper assembly. The inner caliper plate and the outer caliper plate are part of the damper mass. The damper assembly is connected to the support structure and the damper assembly is connected to the damper mass. The damper assembly is configured to regulate movement of the damper mass with respect to the support structure to damp vibration of the wheel. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the damper assembly includes a damper and a spring. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the spring biases the damper mass toward a neutral position, and the damper resists movement of the damper mass with respect to the support structure. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the damper mass is connected to the support structure by a linear bearing that restrains the damper mass to linear movement with respect to the support structure. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the brake friction material includes an organic material and a binder. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the brake friction material is a non-asbestos organic brake friction material. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the brake friction material is a semi-metallic brake friction material. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the brake friction material is a ceramic brake friction material. In some implementations of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the brake friction material is a sintered metal brake friction material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram that shows a portion of a vehicle. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic rear view cross-section illustration that shows a wheel assembly, a brake system, and a mass damper system. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system and a mass damper system according to a first example implementation. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system and the mass damper system according to the first example implementation. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system and a mass damper system according to a second example implementation. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system and the mass damper system according to the second example implementation. 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system and a mass damper system according to a third example implementation. 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system and the mass damper system according to the third example implementation. 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system and a mass damper system according to a fourth example implementation. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system and the mass damper system according to the fourth example implementation. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows a brake caliper assembly and a rotor having tapered engagement surfaces. 
         FIG.  12    is a block diagram that shows a mass damper control system according to an example. 
         FIG.  13    is a block diagram that shows an example of a controller. 
     
    
    
     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.  1    is a schematic illustration that shows a part of a vehicle  100 . As an example, the vehicle  100  may be a conventional road-going vehicle that is supported by wheels and tires (e.g., four wheels and tires). As an example, the vehicle  100  may be a passenger vehicle that includes a passenger compartment that is configured to carry one or more passengers. As another example, the vehicle  100  may be a cargo vehicle that is configured to carry cargo items in a cargo compartment. 
     In the illustrated example, the vehicle  100  includes a vehicle body structure  102 , a wheel assembly  104 , a suspension system  106 , a propulsion system  108 , a steering system  110 , a brake system  112 , and a mass damper system  114 . 
     The vehicle body structure  102  includes components that are part of the sprung mass of the vehicle  100 . The vehicle body structure  102  may be a multi-part structure. The vehicle body structure  102  may include a frame, a subframe, a unibody, a body, a monocoque, and/or other types of vehicle frame and body structures. The vehicle body structure  102  may 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 structure  102  may, for example, include or define a passenger compartment for carrying passengers. The vehicle body structure  102  may, for example, include or define a cargo compartment for carrying cargo. 
     The wheel assembly  104  includes a wheel  116 , a tire  118 , and a wheel hub  120 . The wheel  116 , the tire  118 , and the wheel hub  120  are all conventional components. For example, the wheel  116  may be a steel wheel of conventional design that supports the tire  118 , which may be a pneumatic tire. The wheel hub  120  serves as an interface between non-rotating components of the suspension system  106  of the vehicle  100 , and rotating components, including the wheel  116  and the tire  118 . As an example, the wheel hub  120  may include a bearing that allows rotation relative to components of the suspension system  106 . 
     The suspension system  106  may include a knuckle  122 , an upper control arm  124 , a lower control arm  126 , and a suspension damper  128 . The knuckle  122  is located partly inside an internal space of the wheel  116  and serves as a support structure for components of the wheel assembly  104  and the brake system  112 . The knuckle  122  is connected to the wheel hub  120  to support the wheel  116  and the tire  118  for rotation with respect to the knuckle. The knuckle  122  is also connected to non-rotating components of the brake system  112 , while rotating components of the brake system  112  are connected to the wheel hub  120  and/or the wheel  116 . 
     The upper control arm  124  and the lower control arm  126  connect the knuckle  122  to the vehicle body structure  102  such that the knuckle  122  is movable with respect to the vehicle body structure  102 , primarily in a generally vertical direction. As an example, the upper control arm  124  and the lower control arm  126  may each be connected to the vehicle body structure  102  and to the knuckle  122  by pivot joints that allow rotation in one or more rotational degrees of freedom. The suspension damper  128  is a suspension component that is configured to regulate motion of the wheel assembly  104  with respect to the vehicle body structure  102 . The suspension damper  128  may be, as examples, a shock, a strut, a spring, a linear actuator, or other active suspension component or passive suspension component. 
     The propulsion system  108  includes propulsion components that are configured to cause motion of the vehicle  100  (e.g., accelerating the vehicle  100 ), by generating and transmitting torque to the wheel assembly  104  (and other wheels of the vehicle  100 ). In the illustrated example, the propulsion system  108  includes a motor  130  and a drive shaft  132  that connects the motor  130  to the wheel assembly  104 . The motor  130  may 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 system  108  may further be configured to operate as generators that charge the battery in a regenerative braking configuration. 
     The steering system  110  is operable to cause the vehicle to turn by changing a steering angle of the wheel assembly  104  (and other wheels of the vehicle  100 ). In the illustrated implementation, the steering system  110  includes a steering actuator  134  and a steering linkage  136  that is connected to the knuckle  122 . 
     The brake system  112  provides deceleration torque for decelerating the vehicle  100  using friction braking components, as will be described further herein. 
     The mass damper system  114  is a passive suspension component that is a part of the suspension system  106  and is configured to damp vibration of the wheel assembly  104 . The mass damper system  114  damps vibration of the wheel assembly  104  by regulating movement of a damper mass. As will be explained herein, the damper mass includes components from the brake system  112 . By damping vibration of the wheel assembly  104 , the mass damper system  114  is able to reduce transmission of vibration from the unsprung mass of the vehicle  100  to the sprung mass of the vehicle  100 , and is also able to reduce the occurrence of wheel hop. By incorporating parts of the brake system  112  in the damper mass, the mass damper system  114  reduces the amount of added mass that is needed to damp vibrations of the wheel assembly  104 . 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic rear view cross-section illustration that shows the wheel assembly  104 , the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114 . The knuckle  122  serves as a support structure for the wheel assembly  104 , the brake system  112 , and the mass damper system. In the illustrated implementation, the wheel hub  120  is connected to the knuckle  122 . The wheel hub  120  is a connecting structure that supports the wheel assembly  104  so that the wheel assembly  104  is able to rotate with respect to the knuckle  122  or other support structure of the suspension system  106  that connects the wheel assembly  104  to the sprung mass of the vehicle  100 . In the illustrated implementation, the wheel  116  and the tire  118  are connected to the knuckle  122  by the wheel hub  120  so that the wheel  116  and the tire  118  are able to rotate with respect to the knuckle  122  on a rotation axis  238 . At least part of the wheel hub  120  may extend along the rotation axis  238  and include or define a rotational joint (e.g., including bearings) that allows rotation with respect to the  122 . 
     The brake system  112  includes a brake rotor  240 , a caliper assembly  242 , and an actuator  244 . The brake rotor  240  is connected to the wheel  116  for rotation with the wheel  116  (e.g., the brake rotor  240  rotates in unison with the wheel  116 ). The caliper assembly  242  is connected to the knuckle  122  so that the caliper assembly  242  is able to move according to (e.g., generally parallel to) a line of action  246 . In some implementations, the line of action  246  extends radially with respect to the rotation axis  238 . In some implementations, the line of action  246  is generally vertical (e.g., within fifteen degrees of vertical). 
     The mass damper system  114  includes a damper mass and a damper assembly  248 . The damper mass is the part of the mass damper system  114  that moves in order to counteract unwanted vibrations of the wheel assembly  104 . Portions of the brake system  112  are included in the damper mass. In the illustrated implementation, the caliper assembly  242  is part of the damper mass. 
     The damper assembly  248  is configured to regulate motion of the damper mass so that movement of the damper mass counters the unwanted vibrations of the wheel assembly  104 . The damper assembly  248  is connected to a support structure, which is this implementation is the knuckle  122 . The damper assembly is also connected to the damper mass, which in this implementation includes the caliper assembly  242  and may optionally include other structures. 
     Thus, in the illustrated implementation, the damper assembly  248  is connected to the knuckle  122  and is connected to the caliper assembly  242  to regulate movement of the caliper assembly  242  with respect to the knuckle  122  along the line of action line of action  246 , wherein the caliper assembly  242  (being part of or all of the damper mass) and the damper assembly  248  cooperate to define the mass damper system  114 , which damps vibration of the wheel  116  and other portions of the wheel assembly  104 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the damper assembly  248  includes a damper  250  and a spring  252 . The spring  252  biases the caliper assembly  242  toward a neutral position. The neutral position is a position that the caliper assembly  242  is disposed in the absence of external forces that cause movement of the caliper assembly  242  with respect to the knuckle  122 . The damper  250  resists movement of the caliper assembly  242  with respect to the knuckle  122 . As an example, the damper assembly  248  may be configured so that the caliper assembly  242  is able to travel along the line of action  246  within a range of at least ten millimeters above the neutral position to at least ten millimeters below the neutral position. 
     The caliper assembly  242  and/or other portions of the damper mass may be connected a support structure (e.g., the knuckle  122 ) by structures other than the damper mass in order to regulate motion of the damper mass. As an example, the caliper assembly  242  may be connected to the knuckle  122  by a linear bearing  254 . The linear bearing  254  is 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 assembly  242  is connected to the knuckle  122  by the linear bearing  254  so that the linear bearing  254  restrains movement of the caliper assembly  242  according to the line of action  246 , meaning that the linear bearing  254  resists movement other than movement along the line of action  246 . It is noted that at least part of the caliper assembly  242  is fixed to the linear bearing  254 , but portions of the caliper assembly  242  may move relative to each other in directions other than along the line of action  246 . 
       FIG.  3    is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system  312  and a mass damper system  314  according to a first example implementation.  FIG.  4    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system  312  and the mass damper system  314  according to the first example implementation. The brake system  312  and the mass damper system  314  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in place of the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114 . The description of the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114  is applicable to the brake system  312  and the mass damper system  314  except as described to the contrary herein. 
     The brake system  312  includes a brake rotor  340  and a caliper assembly  342 . The brake rotor  340  is supported by a wheel hub  320  so that it rotates with a tire of the vehicle, as described with respect to the brake rotor  240 , the wheel hub  120 , and the tire  118  of the vehicle  100 . The brake rotor  340  is formed from a material that has a high thermal conductivity and serves as the primary heat sink of the brake system  312 . The caliper assembly  342  includes an actuator  344 , a caliper housing  356 , and brake pads  358 . The caliper assembly  342  is supported by a support structure such as a knuckle  322  so that it does not rotate with the brake rotor  340 . The caliper housing  356  is a structure that supports the actuator  344  and the brake pads  358 . The actuator  344  (e.g., a hydraulic actuator or an electromechanical actuator) is operable to move the brake pads  358  into engagement with the brake rotor  340 . The brake pads  358  include surfaces that are formed from a brake friction material and are engageable with the brake rotor  340  by contacting the brake rotor  340  when the brake pads  358  are moved into engagement with the brake rotor  340  by the actuator  344 . 
     The mass damper system  314  includes a damper assembly  348  and a damper mass. The caliper assembly  342  is included in the damper mass. Other structures may be included in the damper mass. The damper assembly  348  regulates 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 assembly  248 . 
       FIG.  5    is a schematic side view illustration that shows the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114  according to a second example implementation.  FIG.  6    is a schematic top view illustration that shows the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114  according to the second example implementation. The brake system  512  and the mass damper system  514  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in place of the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114 . The description of the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114  is applicable to the brake system  512  and the mass damper system  514  except as described to the contrary herein. 
     The brake system  512  includes a brake rotor  540  that is supported by a wheel hub  520 , a first caliper assembly  542   a  and a second caliper assembly  542   b . The brake system  512  may be implemented in accordance with the description of the brake system  312  and may operate in the same manner. The first caliper assembly  542   a  and the second caliper assembly  542   b  may be implemented in the manner described with respect to the caliper assembly  342  and operate in the same manner. The first caliper assembly  542   a  and the second caliper assembly  542   b  are located at opposite sides of the brake rotor  540  (e.g., spaced by 180 degrees radially with respect to the brake rotor  540 ) and may be interconnected so that reaction forces during braking do not cause motion of the damper mass. 
     The mass damper system  314  includes a first damper assembly  548   a  that is connected to the first caliper assembly  542   a , a second damper assembly  548   b  that is connected to the second caliper assembly  542   b  and a damper mass that includes the first caliper assembly  542   a , the second caliper assembly  542   b , and optionally includes other structures. The first damper assembly  548   a  and the second damper assembly  548   b  connect the first caliper assembly  542   a  and the second caliper assembly  542   b  to a support structure such as a knuckle  522 . The first caliper assembly  542   a  and the second caliper assembly  542   b  may also be connected to the knuckle  522  by other structures such as linear bearings as previously described. The first damper assembly  548   a  and the second damper assembly  548   b  regulate motion of the damper mass to damp vibrations of the wheel assembly in the manner described with respect to the damper assembly  348  of the  314 . 
       FIG.  7    is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system  712  and a mass damper system  714  according to a third example implementation.  FIG.  8    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system  712  and the mass damper system  714  according to the third example implementation. The brake system  712  and the mass damper system  714  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in place of the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114 . The description of the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114  is applicable to the brake system  712  and the mass damper system  714  except as described to the contrary herein. 
     The brake system  712  includes a brake rotor  740  and a caliper assembly  742 . The brake rotor  740  is supported by a wheel hub  720  so that it rotates with a tire of the vehicle, as described with respect to the brake rotor  240 , the wheel hub  120 , and the tire  118  of the vehicle  100 . The brake rotor  740  includes a support disk  760 , a first friction pad portion  762 , and a second friction pad portion  764 . 
     The support disk  760  is an annular structure that is connected to the wheel hub  720  so that the support disk  760  rotates with the wheel of the vehicle and therefore rotates with respect to the caliper assembly  742 , which does not rotate with the wheel of the vehicle. As an example, the support disk  760  may have a central opening  761  and a portion of the wheel hub  720  or a component associated with the wheel hub  720  may pass through the central opening  761  and engage the support disk  760  adjacent to the central opening  761 . The support disk  760  and may be movable axially over a limited range with respect to the wheel hub  720  (e.g., by a splined connection of the support disk  760  to the wheel hub  720 ). 
     The support disk  760  functions to provide structural support for the first friction pad portion  762  and the second friction pad portion  764 . The support disk  760  is formed from a substantially rigid material. As an example, the support disk  760  may be formed from metal. 
     The first friction pad portion  762  and the second friction pad portion  764  are each annular structures that are connected to and supported by the support disk  760 . The first friction pad portion  762  includes a first brake rotor surface that engages the caliper assembly  742  during braking. The second friction pad portion  764  includes a second brake rotor surface that engages the caliper assembly  742  during braking. 
     The first friction pad portion  762  and the second friction pad portion  764  are 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 assembly  742  includes actuators  744 , a caliper frame  756 , an inner caliper plate  766 , and an outer caliper plate  768 . The caliper assembly  742  is supported by a support structure such as a knuckle  722  so that it does not rotate with the brake rotor  740 . 
     The caliper frame  756  is a structure that supports the actuators  744 , the inner caliper plate  766 , and the outer caliper plate  768 . The caliper frame  756  is connected to the inner caliper plate  766 , and to the outer caliper plate  768 , such as by bolts located at an outer periphery of the caliper assembly  742  in the illustrated implementation. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the caliper frame  756  of the caliper assembly  742  is connected to the knuckle  722  by the mass damper system  714 . The caliper frame  756  of the caliper assembly  742  is also connected to the knuckle  722  by a first linear bearing  754   a  and a second linear bearing  754   b  that allow motion of the caliper assembly  742  along a line of action  746 , but restrain the caliper assembly  742  from moving with respect to the knuckle  722  other than according to the line of action  746 . In some implementations, the line of action  746  extends radially with respect to a rotation axis  738  of the wheel hub  720 . In some implementations, the line of action  746  is generally vertical (e.g., within fifteen degrees of vertical). 
     The inner caliper plate  766  is located on a first side of the brake rotor  740 , which in this implementation is the inboard side of the brake rotor  740 , which is located toward the body structure of the vehicle relative to the brake rotor  740 . The inner caliper plate  766  is 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 plate  766  (along with the remainder of the caliper assembly  742 ) translates up and down within the internal space of the wheel. The inner caliper plate  766  has a central opening  767 , and the wheel hub  720  extends through the central opening  767 . The central opening  767  provides clearance relative to the wheel hub  720  to allow translation of the inner caliper plate  766  with respect to the wheel hub  720 . For example, the central opening  767  may be elongate in the direction of the line of action  746 . The inner caliper plate  766 , including the caliper surface thereof that is engageable with the brake rotor  740  during braking, extends around the central opening  767  in a ring-like configuration so that the caliper surface encircles the central opening  767 . 
     The inner caliper plate  766  includes a flexible connector structure  770  by which the inner caliper plate  766  is connected to the caliper frame  756  and the outer caliper plate  768  at an outer periphery of the caliper assembly  742 . The flexible connector structure  770  functions to allow axial travel of the inner caliper plate  766  when the actuators  744  engage the outer caliper plate  768  during braking. The configuration of the flexible connector structure  770  may be similar that of a clutch pressure plate. 
     The outer caliper plate  768  is located on a second side of the brake rotor  740 , which in this implementation is the outboard side of the brake rotor  740 , which is located away from the body structure of the vehicle relative to the brake rotor  740 . The outer caliper plate  768  is 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 plate  768  (along with the remainder of the caliper assembly  742 ) translates up and down within the internal space of the wheel. The outer caliper plate  768  has a central opening  769 , and the wheel hub  720  extends through the central opening  769 . The central opening  769  provides clearance relative to the wheel hub  720  to allow translation of the outer caliper plate  768  with respect to the wheel hub  720 . For example, the central opening  769  may be elongate in the direction of the line of action  746 . The outer caliper plate  768 , including the caliper surface thereof that is engageable with the brake rotor  740  during braking, extends around the central opening  769  in a ring-like configuration so that the caliper surface encircles the central opening  769 . 
     The configuration of and materials chosen for the inner caliper plate  766  and the inner caliper plate  766  are similar to the configuration and materials of conventional brake rotors. As a result, the caliper assembly  742  has a greater mass than the brake rotor  740  and the caliper assembly  742  has a greater thermal mass than the brake rotor  740 . This concentrates the mass of the brake system  712  in the components that are used as the damper mass of the mass damper system  714 . As an example, at least part of the inner caliper plate  766  and at least part of the outer caliper plate  768  may be formed from a ferrous material. The ferrous material of the inner caliper plate  766  and the outer caliper plate  768  may 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 plate  766  and the outer caliper plate  768  has a much higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the brake friction material of the brake rotor  740 . The inner caliper plate  766  and the outer caliper plate  768  therefore have a much higher thermal capacity than the brake rotor  740 , allowing the inner caliper plate  766  and the outer caliper plate  768  to serve as heat sinks and thereby reduce the heat absorbed by the brake rotor  740 . As one example, the inner caliper plate  766  may include a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor  740 , the outer caliper plate  768  may include a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor  740 , and the first caliper surface and the second caliper surface may be formed from a ferrous material. As another example, the inner caliper plate  766  may include a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor  740 , the outer caliper plate  768  may include a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor  740 , and the first caliper surface and the second caliper surface may be formed from a metal-matrix composite. As another example, the inner caliper plate  766  may include a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor  740 , the outer caliper plate  768  may include a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor  740 , 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 rotor  740 . 
     The actuators  744  (e.g., hydraulic actuators or electromechanical actuators) are operable to apply pressure to the inner caliper plate  766  which moves the inner caliper plate  766  into engagement with the brake rotor  740  and clamps the brake rotor  740  between the inner caliper plate  766  and the outer caliper plate  768  to apply braking. 
     The mass damper system  714  includes a first damper assembly  748   a , a second damper assembly  748   b  and a damper mass. The caliper assembly  742  is included in the damper mass. Other structures may be included in the damper mass. The first damper assembly  748   a  and the second damper assembly  748   b  regulate 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 assembly  248 . As an example, each of the first damper assembly  748   a  and the second damper assembly  748   b  may include a spring and a damper (e.g., a fluid damper), as previously described. In the illustrated example the first damper assembly  748   a  and the second damper assembly  748   b  are located on opposite sides of the wheel hub  720  in the front to rear direction of the vehicle. 
       FIG.  9    is a schematic side view illustration that shows a brake system  912  and a mass damper system  914  according to a fourth example implementation.  FIG.  10    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows the brake system  912  and the mass damper system  914  according to the fourth example implementation. The brake system  912  and the mass damper system  914  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in place of the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114 . The description of the brake system  112  and the mass damper system  114  is applicable to the brake system  912  and the mass damper system  914  except as described to the contrary herein. 
     The brake system  912  includes a brake rotor  940  and a caliper assembly  942 . The brake rotor  940  is supported by a wheel hub  920  so that it rotates with a tire of the vehicle, as described with respect to the brake rotor  240 , the wheel hub  120 , and the tire  118  of the vehicle  100 . The brake rotor  940  includes a support disk  960 , a first friction pad portion  962 , and a second friction pad portion  964 . 
     The support disk  960  is an annular structure that is connected to the wheel hub  920  so that the support disk  960  rotates with the wheel of the vehicle and therefore rotates with respect to the caliper assembly  942 , which does not rotate with the wheel of the vehicle. As an example, the support disk  960  may have a central opening  961  and a portion of the wheel hub  920  or a component associated with the wheel hub  920  may pass through the central opening  961  and engage the support disk  960  adjacent to the central opening  961 . The support disk  960  and may be movable axially over a limited range with respect to the wheel hub  920  (e.g., by a splined connection of the support disk  960  to the wheel hub  920 ). 
     The support disk  960  functions to provide structural support for the first friction pad portion  962  and the second friction pad portion  964 . The support disk  960  is formed from a substantially rigid material. As an example, the support disk  960  may be formed from metal. 
     The first friction pad portion  962  and the second friction pad portion  964  are each annular structures that are connected to and supported by the support disk  960 . The first friction pad portion  962  includes a first brake rotor surface that engages the caliper assembly  942  during braking. The second friction pad portion  964  includes a second brake rotor surface that engages the caliper assembly  942  during braking. 
     The first friction pad portion  962  and the second friction pad portion  964  are 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 assembly  942  includes a actuators  944 , an inner caliper plate  966 , an outer caliper plate  968 , and connector parts  972  that interconnect the inner caliper plate  966  and the outer caliper plate  968 . The caliper assembly  942  is supported by a support structure such as a knuckle  922  so that it does not rotate with the brake rotor  940 . The actuators  944 , the outer caliper plate  968 , and the connector parts  972  are supported by the inner caliper plate  966 . 
     The inner caliper plate  966  is located on a first side of the brake rotor  940 , which in this implementation is the inboard side of the brake rotor  940 , which is located toward the body structure of the vehicle relative to the brake rotor  940 . The inner caliper plate  966  of the caliper assembly  942  is located between the brake rotor  940  and the knuckle  922 . 
     The inner caliper plate  966  is 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 plate  966  (along with the remainder of the caliper assembly  942 ) translates up and down within the internal space of the wheel. The inner caliper plate  966  has a central opening  967 , and the wheel hub  920  extends through the central opening  967 . The central opening  967  provides clearance relative to the wheel hub  920  to allow translation of the inner caliper plate  966  with respect to the wheel hub  920 . The inner caliper plate  966 , including the caliper surface thereof that is engageable with the brake rotor  940  during braking, extends around the central opening  967  in a ring-like configuration so that the caliper surface encircles the central opening  967 . 
     The inner caliper plate  966  is connected to the knuckle  922  by a first linear bearing  954   a  and by a second linear bearing  954   b . The first linear bearing  954   a  and the second linear bearing  954   b  allow motion of the caliper assembly  942  along a line of action  946 , but restrain the caliper assembly  942  from moving with respect to the knuckle  922  other than according to the line of action  946  (with the exception of relative motion of portions of the caliper assembly  942  for braking). In some implementations, the line of action  946  extends radially with respect to a rotation axis  938  of the wheel hub  920 . In some implementations, the line of action  946  is generally vertical (e.g., within fifteen degrees of vertical). Connection of the inner caliper plate  966  to the knuckle  922  by the first linear bearing  954   a  and the second linear bearing  954   b  restrains the inner caliper plate  966  from moving in the direction of the rotation axis  938  of the wheel hub  920 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the first linear bearing  954   a  and the second linear bearing  954   b  are aligned vertically. The first linear bearing  954   a  is located directly above the rotation axis of the wheel hub  920 . The second linear bearing  954   b  is located directly below the rotation axis of the wheel hub  920 . The first linear bearing  954   a  includes a first bearing part  974   a  and a second bearing part  975   a  that are linearly slidable with respect to each other. The first bearing part  974   a  is connected to the inner caliper plate  966  and the second bearing part  975   a  is connected to the knuckle  922 . The second linear bearing  954   b  includes a first bearing part  974   b  and a second bearing part  975   b  that are linearly slidable with respect to each other. The first bearing part  974   b  is connected to the inner caliper plate  966  and the second bearing part  975   b  is connected to the knuckle  922 . 
     The inner caliper plate  966  is connected to the knuckle  922  by the mass damper system  914 . The mass damper system  914  is a passive suspension component that is configured to damp vibration of a wheel assembly that the mass damper system  914  is incorporated in, such as the wheel assembly  104 . The mass damper system  914  damps vibration of the wheel assembly by regulating movement of a damper mass, which in this implementation includes the caliper assembly  942  of the brake system  912  and may also include other components. To connect the inner caliper plate  966  to the mass damper assembly, the inner caliper plate  966  includes a first upper damper mount  976   a , a first lower damper mount  977   a , a second upper damper mount  976   b , and a second lower damper mount  977   b.    
     The outer caliper plate  968  is located on a second side of the brake rotor  940 , which in this implementation is the outboard side of the brake rotor  940 , which is located away from the body structure of the vehicle relative to the brake rotor  940 . The outer caliper plate  968  is 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 plate  968  (along with the remainder of the caliper assembly  942 ) translates up and down within the internal space of the wheel. The outer caliper plate  968  has a central opening  969 , and the wheel hub  920  extends through the central opening  969 . The central opening  969  provides clearance relative to the wheel hub  920  to allow translation of the outer caliper plate  968  with respect to the wheel hub  920 . The outer caliper plate  968 , including the caliper surface thereof that is engageable with the brake rotor  940  during braking, extends around the central opening  969  in a ring-like configuration so that the caliper surface encircles the central opening  969 . 
     The connector parts  972  define a sliding connection of the outer caliper plate  968  with respect to the inner caliper plate  966  and allow the actuators  944  to move the outer caliper plate  968  toward the inner caliper plate  966  to clamp the brake rotor  940  between the inner caliper plate  966  and the outer caliper plate  968  to applying braking forces. In the illustrated implementation, the connector parts  972  are L-shaped structures that include axially extending portions  978  and transversely extending portions  979 . The axially extending portions  978  are located near an outer periphery of the caliper assembly  942  and are rigidly connected to the outer caliper plate  968 , such as by bolts located at an outer periphery of the outer caliper plate  968  in the illustrated implementation. The axially extending portions  978  extend in the inboard direction from the outer caliper plate  968  past the inner caliper plate  966 , where the transversely extending portions  979  are located inboard from the inner caliper plate  966  and extend radially inward toward the wheel hub  920 . 
     To mount the outer caliper plate  968  and the connector parts  972  with respect to the inner caliper plate  966 , the connector parts  972  may be slidably mounted to the inner caliper plate  966  by pins  980  that are located at the transversely extending portions  979  of the connector parts  972 . This allows the outer caliper plate  968  to slide parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel hub  920 . In the illustrated example, the pins  980  are fixed to the connector parts  972  and extend into holes in the inner caliper plate  966 . The pins  980  may instead be fixed to the inner caliper plate  966  and extend into holds in the connector parts  972 . 
     The actuators  944  (e.g., a hydraulic actuators or electromechanical actuators) are connected to the inner caliper plate  966  and are positioned between the inner caliper plate  966  and the transversely extending portions  979  of the connector parts  972 . The actuators  944  may be actuated to apply force in the inboard direction, which engages the transversely extending portions  979  of the connector parts  972  and consequently causes the outer caliper plate  968  to move in the inboard direction to apply braking forces by clamping of the brake rotor  940  between the inner caliper plate  966  and the outer caliper plate  968 . 
     The configuration of and materials chosen for the inner caliper plate  966  and the inner caliper plate  966  are similar to the configuration and materials of conventional brake rotors. As a result, the caliper assembly  942  has a greater mass than the brake rotor  940  and the caliper assembly  942  has a greater thermal mass than the brake rotor  940 . This concentrates the mass of the brake system  912  in the components that are used as the damper mass of the mass damper system  914 . As an example, at least part of the inner caliper plate  966  and at least part of the outer caliper plate  968  may be formed from a ferrous material. As an example, the inner caliper plate  966  may include a first caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor  940 , the outer caliper plate  968  may include a second caliper surface that is engageable with the brake rotor  940 , and the first caliper surface and the second caliper surface may be formed from a ferrous material. The ferrous material of the inner caliper plate  966  and the outer caliper plate  968  may 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 rotor  940 . The inner caliper plate  966  and the outer caliper plate  968  therefore have a much higher thermal capacity than the brake rotor  940 , allowing the inner caliper plate  966  and the outer caliper plate  968  to serve as heat sinks and thereby reduce the heat absorbed by the brake rotor  940 . 
     The mass damper system  914  includes a first damper assembly  948   a , a second damper assembly  948   b  and a damper mass. The caliper assembly  942  is included in the damper mass. Other structures may be included in the damper mass. 
     The first damper assembly  948   a  and the second damper assembly  948   b  regulate 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 assembly  248 . As an example, each of the first damper assembly  948   a  and the second damper assembly  948   b  may include a spring and a damper (e.g., a fluid damper), as previously described. In the illustrated example the first damper assembly  948   a  and the second damper assembly  948   b  are located on opposite sides of the wheel hub  920  in the front to rear direction of the vehicle. 
     In the illustrated example, the first damper assembly  948   a  is connected to a first knuckle portion  982   a  of the knuckle  922  and the second damper assembly  948   b  is connected to a second knuckle portion  982   b  of the knuckle  922 . These connections may be at a vertical midpoint of each of the first damper assembly  948   a  and the second damper assembly  948   b , substantially equidistant from the first upper damper mount  976   a  and the second upper damper mount  976   b  relative to the first lower damper mount  977   a  and the second lower damper mount  977   b  in the neutral position. 
     The first damper assembly  948   a  and the second damper assembly  948   b  include upper springs  984   a , a lower springs  984   b , and dampers  985 . The upper springs  984   a  each extend from a respect one of the first knuckle portion  982   a  or the second knuckle portion  982   b  to the first upper damper mount  976   a  or the second upper damper mount  976   b . The lower springs  984   b  each extend from a respect one of the first knuckle portion  982   a  or the second knuckle portion  982   b  to the first lower damper mount  977   a  or the second lower damper mount  977   b . This urges the caliper assembly  942  to the neutral position. The first knuckle portion  982   a  and the second knuckle portion  982   b  are each connected to one of the dampers  985 , for example, in a sliding, collar-like configuration. The dampers are configured to resist translation of the caliper assembly  942  with respect to the knuckle  922  along the action  946 , and may be fluid dampers as previously described. In the illustrated implementation, the dampers  985  each have a cylinder that is connected to the first knuckle portion  982   a  or the second knuckle portion  982   b  and a double-ended piston rod that extends between the first upper damper mount  976   a  or the second upper damper mount  976   b  and the first lower damper mount  977   a  or the second lower damper mount  977   b.    
       FIG.  11    is a schematic top view cross-section illustration that shows a brake caliper assembly  1142  and a rotor  1140  having tapered engagement surfaces. The brake caliper assembly  1142  and the rotor  1140  may be included in the braking systems described herein to cause the mass damper systems to move to the neutral position during braking. The rotor  1140  is arranged for rotation on a rotation axis  1138  as previously described in the context of other examples. The brake caliper assembly  1142  includes an inner caliper plate  1166  and an outer caliper plate  1168 . The inner caliper plate  1166  has a first caliper surface that is engageable with a first rotor surface of the rotor  1140  during braking, and the outer caliper plate  1168  has a second caliper surface that is engageable with a second rotor surface of the rotor  1140  during 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 axis  1138 , 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 axis  1138 . 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 plate  1166  and the outer caliper plate  1168  to shift by engagement with the rotor  1140  according to a cam-like action to center them with respect to the rotor  1140 , thereby placing the inner caliper plate  1166  and the outer caliper plate  1168  in the neutral position during braking. 
       FIG.  12    is a block diagram that shows a mass damper control system  1286  according to an example. The mass damper control system  1286  includes a damper locking mechanism  1288  and a controller  1290 . The mass damper control system  1286  can be used in conjunction with the mass damper systems described herein to stop movement of the damper mass under certain conditions. The damper locking mechanism  1288  is operable to prevent translation of the damper mass along its line of action. As one example, the damper locking mechanism  1288  may 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 mechanism  1288  may 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 controller  1290  is configured to determine whether to stop movement of the damper mass. The controller  1290  may be configured to determine whether to stop movement of the damper mass by evaluating one or more conditions. As an example, the controller  1290  may 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.  13    is a block diagram that shows an example of the controller  1290 . The controller  1290  may 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 controller  1290  may include a processor  1391 , a memory  1392 , a storage device  1393 , one or more input devices  1394 , and one or more output devices  1395 . The controller  1290  may include a bus or a similar device to interconnect the components for communication. The processor  1391  is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. As an example, the processor  1391  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit. The memory  1392  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  1393  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  1394  may 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 devices  1395  may 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&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;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&#39;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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20231018
Publication Date: 20250204
Grant Date: 20250204
Priority Date: 20200707
Inventors: HALL, JONATHAN L.
SHAWKI, ISLAM MOHSEN
Dawson, Jacob L.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "F16D65/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D2055/0012", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D69/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D55/226", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D2055/0016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0062", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0068", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D69/027", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D69/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0062", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0018", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D2055/0016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D55/226", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D2055/0012", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0018", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0068", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D2055/0016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D2055/0012", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D69/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0068", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0062", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D55/226", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16D65/0018", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 88878221