Active Geometry

[TMcRally]

Does anyone know of any work done on active geometry to adjust toe and camber on the fly. Or have I just made it up !!

If there is such a thing do you have a link or the name of a book etc...

Thanks

 

[GregLocock]

I think BMW may be using two separate racks on the new 5 series IRS.

I wouldn't bother with camber.



Cheers

Greg Locock

I rarely exceed 1.79 x 10^12 furlongs per fortnight

 

[MikeHalloran]

ISTR the 1958 Mercury had a semi- active geometry adjustment system. It basically comprised a small shackle link at one of the a-arm roots, that changed the geometry in response to bumps and side loads, and didn't change it in response to corrosion.

ISTR the 1959 Mercury didn't have it, which tells you how well it worked in practice.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[540ZCar]

Mercedes F400 has an active suspension. Though it's just a concept car.

 

[Tmoose]

More passive than active, but Fords and Mercs of the 60s advertized the longitudinal compliance for reduced harshness. Had an 80s Honda Accord with startling amounts of fore and aft compliance in the front - anything more than modest tire unbalance would create a fore and aft shake - I wondered how far the front wheels would creep under acceleration - must have been a snubber in there somewhere

I always suspected the "force balance" tire balance technology might create a similar response in many cars.

 

[cibachrome]

The Jeep Hurricane has 4 wheel servo steering. My guess is that there is a speed sensitive toe setting in it (or its possible to put one together for it). The goal of such a system these days would be to minimize FX or tire wear, and would require a tierod load cell of some sort... The BMW/ZF dual rack and pinion is an assist feature, not an independent wheel steer mechanism, isn't it? Anybody want 'perfect' ackermann? Servos no porpose, considering the Denali.

 

[GregLocock]

I could use active geometry rear steer, but I think an active rear diff (ie thrust vectoring) is cheaper.



Cheers

Greg Locock

I rarely exceed 1.79 x 10^12 furlongs per fortnight