Adjustable Gas Spring Sealing for Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas springs used in vehicle suspensions are prone to contamination by dirt and debris, which affects their performance and longevity, limiting their use effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable gas spring system with a rolling diaphragm and housing that provides a sealed environment, blocking debris entry and allowing pressure adjustment to change ride height or load capacity, coupled with a damper to form a spring-damper assembly that moves between extended and retracted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gas springs are used in vehicle suspensions, then adjustability of ride height and load capacity is improved, but contamination by dirt and debris reduces performance and longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring system is divided into separate functional components: a sealed housing containing the gas spring mechanism, a dust boot protecting the piston rod, and mounting brackets. This segmentation isolates the sensitive gas spring from contaminants while maintaining adjustability features.
Solution Approach 2:
A dust boot acts as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the gas spring piston rod. The dust boot blocks dirt and debris from entering the gas spring mechanism while allowing the piston rod to move freely during suspension operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If gas springs are exposed to the environment, then ease of installation is improved, but dirt and debris entry degrades performance
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring is pre-assembled with integrated protective features including the dust boot and sealed housing during manufacturing. This preliminary protection is built into the component before installation, so users benefit from contamination protection without additional assembly steps or complexity.
3Reliability
If a sealed environment is created to block debris, then protection from contamination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible dust boot made of elastomeric material provides effective sealing and contamination protection. The flexible nature of this thin film allows it to accommodate piston rod movement while maintaining a barrier against dirt and debris, avoiding the need for complex rigid sealing mechanisms.
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 protects the gas spring from contamination, maintaining performance and extending its longevity while allowing for adjustable ride height and load capacity, enhancing vehicle suspension functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an enclosed gas spring including a rolling diaphragm and a housing surrounding the rolling diaphragm. The rolling diaphragm acts as a pressure vessel having a variable volume and a flexible sidewall
Implementation Method 2
a housing surrounding the rolling diaphragm... configured to provide a sealed environment for blocking dirt and other debris from entering the enclosed gas spring to protect the rolling diaphragm from contamination
Implementation Method 3
Pressure within the gas spring system can be adjusted to increase or decrease ride height or load capacity of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A spring-damper assembly includes a damper and an adjustable gas spring system coupled to the damper. The spring-damper assembly can be coupled to a vehicle as part of a suspension thereof. The adjustable gas spring system maintains the ride height of the vehicle while absorbing forces from changes in the terrain. The dampers control unwanted movement of the coil spring and dissipate forces from the suspension.