Hydraulic Active Suspension Spool Valve for Precise Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active vehicle suspensions face challenges in precise and fast force adjustment due to limitations in spool valve configurations and pressure management, leading to suboptimal performance in both active and semi-active modes, and potential failure in conventional operation during valve control malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The active suspension features a spool valve configuration that connects at least one chamber of the hydraulic actuator to the high-pressure line in all operating positions, accompanied by a dual-pressure accumulator system to maintain homogeneous and constant pressure, allowing for precise force control and ensuring operation as a conventional damper in case of valve control failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spool valve is configured to close both flow paths in intermediate positions, then the suspension can operate in semi-active mode, but the force adjustment precision and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spool valve is designed with dynamic flow path control where the spool position dynamically adjusts the connection between hydraulic chambers and pressure lines. In intermediate positions, the spool partially opens flow paths to enable continuous force adjustment, while in end positions it fully opens paths for maximum active control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool valve configuration enables the suspension system to operate in multiple modes (active and semi-active) using a single valve mechanism. The valve can connect chambers to high-pressure lines for active mode, allow fluid exchange between chambers for semi-active mode, and maintain conventional operation through fail-safe positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spool valve closes flow paths in intermediate positions, then semi-active mode is enabled, but the response speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spool valve provides dynamic flow path management where the degree of opening varies with spool position. This allows the system to transition smoothly between operating modes and achieve fast response when active control is needed, while still supporting semi-active operation when adaptability is the priority.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure accumulators are added to maintain constant pressure, then force control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure accumulators are integrated into the hydraulic circuit to maintain constant pressure in the high-pressure line. The accumulators absorb pressure fluctuations and ensure stable force delivery to the hydraulic actuator, improving control precision through hydraulic pressure stabilization.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the pump actuation frequency is increased to maintain pressure, then pressure stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure accumulator system enables periodic pump operation instead of continuous high-frequency actuation. The accumulator stores pressurized fluid and releases it as needed, allowing the pump to operate less frequently while maintaining stable pressure in the hydraulic circuit, thereby reducing energy consumption.
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
This configuration enables fast and precise adjustment of the hydraulic actuator force, maintaining consistent pressure and ensuring the suspension operates effectively in both active and semi-active modes, with the dual accumulator system reducing pump actuation frequency and maintaining minimum pressure levels, thus enhancing vehicle comfort and handling.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump, a high-pressure line connected to a delivery port of the pump, a low-pressure line connected to a suction port of the pump
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is typically a hydraulic actuator and is supplied with a working fluid under pressure provided by a pump to generate a hydraulic force
Implementation Method 3
a first pressure accumulator connected to the high-pressure line and a second pressure accumulator connected to the low-pressure line
Implementation Method 4
causing, as a result of the pressure difference in the chambers of the hydraulic actuator, the extension of the rod of the hydraulic actuator
Implementation Method 5
a cylindrical helical spring arranged concentrically to, and in parallel with, the hydraulic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension is disclosed having a hydraulic actuator, a cylinder, a piston mounted inside the cylinder dividing the cylinder into a compression chamber and an extension chamber, and a supply hydraulic circuit connected to the actuator to supply the compression chamber and the extension chamber with working fluid. The supply hydraulic circuit includes a high-pressure line connected to a delivery port of a hydraulic pump, a low-pressure line connected to a suction port of the pump, a spool valve connected to the compression and extension chambers of the actuator and to the high-pressure line and to the low-pressure line to put the chambers of the actuator in communication with the lines of the supply hydraulic circuit, and a first pressure accumulator connected to the high-pressure line. The spool valve connects the compression chamber and/or the extension chamber of the actuator with the high-pressure line.