Active Electromechanical Suspension with Accelerometer Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vehicle suspension systems are inefficient due to the wastage of energy by shock absorbers and the added weight and space usage of electronic systems, which hinder the performance and efficiency of modern vehicles, especially electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

An active suspension system utilizing a geared motor and a 3-axis accelerometer to convert kinetic energy into electricity, replacing traditional hydraulic devices and eliminating the need for stabilizer bars, thereby reducing weight and size while providing improved damping and ride comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional hydraulic shock absorbers are used to dampen suspension, then vibration reduction is achieved, but energy is wasted as heat and system weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy wasteVSAvoidsuspension weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful kinetic energy from road vibrations into beneficial electrical energy through a generator. The suspension system captures energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat in traditional shock absorbers and transforms it into usable electricity, simultaneously reducing energy loss and enabling weight reduction by eliminating heavy hydraulic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical-hydraulic shock absorber system with an electromechanical system consisting of a spring, damper, and generator. This substitution eliminates the need for complex hydraulic valves and fluid systems, reducing overall system weight while converting mechanical vibration energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic systems are added to improve suspension function, then control capability is enhanced, but weight and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension control capabilityVSAvoidsuspension weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The geared motor in the suspension system serves multiple functions: it acts as a damper to control vibration, provides active suspension control through the accelerometer-based system, and functions as a generator to produce electrical energy. This multi-functionality enhances control capability while avoiding the weight penalty of adding separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system uses the vehicle's own motion and vibrations to generate the electrical energy needed to power the control system's electronics. The accelerometer and control unit are powered by electricity generated from the suspension's movement, creating a self-sustaining system that doesn't require additional power consumption from the vehicle's main battery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional suspension components are used, then basic damping function is provided, but system size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping functionVSAvoidsuspension system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the damper and generator into a single integrated geared motor assembly. This combination maintains the essential damping function through the spring and damper components while incorporating the generator to convert vibration energy into electricity. The integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall suspension system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, enhances ride comfort, and reduces the weight and size of the suspension by eliminating redundant components, thereby improving vehicle performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the present invention can convert the kinetic energy of the road and the energy stored in the spring into electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The spring takes the initial shock of various road conditions and stores it as Elastic potential energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

Where a centrally mounted 3-axis accelerometer and control system then powers the geared motor with a formulated response to the force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9561701B2Active electromechanical suspension and power generation system using an acceleration controller

Publication Date: 2017.02.07 JOHNSON JONATHAN

AI summary

The invention disclosed herein consists of an active electromechanical suspension and power generation system using an accelerometer connected to a controller. The electromechanical suspension consists of a geared motor and spring, which are used to isolate the vehicle chassis from the wheel, with the motor also functioning as a generator. The controller uses a 3-axis accelerometer's data to determine which direction to turn the motor and when to turn it.