Adjustable Accumulator Volume for Gas Spring Rate Tuning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dealing with the non-linear spring rate behavior of gas springs can be challenging, and this behavior may not provide desired performance in some situations.
Innovation Solution
An accumulator with a variable volume is placed in communication with a gas spring chamber to increase the working volume, allowing for adjustment of the spring rate behavior of the gas spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gas spring is used with fixed spring chamber volume, then device structure is simple, but spring rate behavior is non-linear and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the accumulator volume adjustable rather than fixed. The accumulator can change its internal volume to modify the working volume of the gas spring, thereby dynamically adjusting the spring rate behavior to match different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by changing the volume parameter of the accumulator to control the spring rate. By adjusting the accumulator volume, the system modifies the physical parameters of the gas spring system to achieve desired performance characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If accumulator volume is increased, then working volume increases and spring rate decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Nested doll principle by placing the accumulator chamber inside or integrated with the gas spring structure. The accumulator can be nested within the existing gas spring housing, allowing volume adjustment without adding external complexity to the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accumulator is made adjustable, then spring rate can be optimized for different conditions, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the accumulator into adjustable segments or sections. The accumulator chamber can be divided into multiple compartments or sections that can be independently adjusted, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining adjustability functionality.
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 adjustable accumulator system enables improved adjustability and performance of gas springs by changing the spring rate characteristics, providing a softer ride by increasing the working volume.
Implementation Method 1
the accumulator chamber can be in communication with the spring chamber via a gas passage so that a pressure of pressurized gas within the accumulator chamber and spring chamber is substantially equal
Data Source
AI summary
An accumulator defines an accumulator volume that can be placed into communication with a spring chamber of a gas spring. A working volume of the gas spring is the sum of the spring chamber volume and the accumulator volume. The accumulator can be configured so that the accumulator volume can be selectively increased or decreased as desired, thus modifying performance of the associated gas spring.