Active Suspension Travel Control via Liquid Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid dispensing equipment faces inconsistent suspension travel due to varying liquid load, leading to uneven distribution, and existing active suspension systems are costly and prone to debris exposure.
Innovation Solution
A simplified active suspension system using a low-cost liquid pressure transducer to control suspension strut or air strut, maintaining consistent travel length regardless of liquid load, with a controller adjusting pressurized fluid input based on liquid reservoir pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive sensor components are used to physically measure suspension travel, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid pressure in the reservoir as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine suspension travel. Instead of directly measuring the distance between the frame and field surface with complex sensors, the system measures liquid pressure which correlates to liquid weight, which in turn correlates to suspension compression. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (physical sensors that directly contact or measure suspension travel) with a pressure-based sensing system. The liquid pressure transducer converts mechanical pressure from the liquid column into an electrical signal, substituting complex mechanical measurement with a simpler pressure-to-electricity conversion process.
2Measurement precision
If physical sensors are exposed to measure suspension travel, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to debris exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid pressure serves as a protected intermediary that transmits information about suspension travel without requiring external sensors to be exposed to the harsh field environment. The pressure transducer can be housed inside the protected reservoir structure, isolating sensitive components from debris while still providing accurate measurements through the liquid pressure medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a proxy measurement by measuring liquid pressure as a copy or representation of the actual suspension travel condition. Instead of directly measuring the physical distance that would require exposed sensors, the system measures a correlated parameter (pressure) that can be obtained from a protected location, providing an accurate copy of the suspension state without direct exposure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If active suspension system is implemented, then suspension travel consistency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the liquid pressure transducer continuously monitors liquid level/weight and sends signals to the controller. The controller adjusts the suspension strut actuator based on this feedback to maintain consistent suspension travel. This closed-loop feedback mechanism achieves stability without requiring complex mechanical suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical active suspension systems with a simpler fluid-based approach. Instead of using mechanical linkages, springs, and shock absorbers with active control, the system uses liquid pressure changes to directly actuate the suspension strut, substituting mechanical complexity with a fluid pressure control mechanism.
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
Provides cost-effective and reliable active suspension with consistent coverage, protecting sensitive components from debris and ensuring uniform liquid distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid pressure transducer fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir provides a control input to the controller proportional to the amount of liquid in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
A suspension strut connected to the suspension links and responsive to pressurized fluid inputs to vary the travel of the suspension system
Implementation Method 3
A spring is connected to the suspension links to urge the suspension system to an extended travel
Implementation Method 4
An air strut is connected to the suspension links to urge the suspension system to an extended travel and is responsive to pressurized fluid inputs to vary the travel of the suspension system
Data Source
AI summary
Self-propelled liquid dispensing equipment having ground engaging wheels and an active trailing link suspension system in which either suspension struts or air struts control suspension travel. A liquid pressure transducer is connected to a liquid reservoir to provide a control input that varies the assist given by the suspension struts or air strut in direct proportion to the quantity of liquid. A given suspension travel is maintained regardless of the quantity of liquid carried by the equipment.