Adjustable Spring Apparatus for Dynamic Road Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems with fixed-length springs are inadequate for varying road conditions, leading to reduced vehicle lifespan and an uncomfortable ride, as they cannot be adjusted to suit different terrains.
Innovation Solution
A spring apparatus that includes a shock absorber and an embracing assembly with motorized cogs, allowing the spring length to be dynamically adjusted by moving embracing members, which change the diameter of the spring sections to maintain constant length and adapt to different road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length spring is used in the suspension system, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the spring cannot adapt to different road conditions leading to reduced ride comfort and shortened suspension lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spring length adjustable rather than fixed. The embracing assembly with movable embracing members can dynamically change the effective length of the spring coil section based on road conditions, allowing the suspension system to adapt between highway and terrain conditions while maintaining a fundamentally simple spring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the spring into distinct functional sections: a first spring section, a coil section, and a second spring section. The embracing assembly can selectively embrace different portions of these sections, allowing independent adjustment of the active spring length without redesigning the entire spring structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Reliability
If the spring length is adjusted to suit different road conditions, then ride comfort and suspension lifespan are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The embracing assembly serves multiple functions: it anchors the spring sections, adjusts the effective spring length, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional component allows the system to achieve improved reliability through adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as one assembly handles multiple tasks rather than requiring separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The embracing members are positioned within the spring structure, with the first and second embracing members nested along the spring's length. The movable embracing member can shift position relative to the fixed embracing members, creating a nested configuration that allows length adjustment while maintaining a compact overall structure, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a short spring is used for highway travel, then the suspension responds well to highway conditions, but the spring is inadequate for terrain vehicles requiring longer springs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable embracing member can be automatically positioned by a control system based on detected road conditions, allowing the spring length to self-adjust without manual intervention. The system serves itself by sensing terrain type and automatically reconfiguring the spring effective length, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control rather than manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates feedback through the control system that monitors road conditions and adjusts the position of the movable embracing member accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the spring length to be dynamically optimized based on actual terrain feedback, achieving adaptability while keeping operation simple through automated decision-making rather than complex manual adjustment procedures.
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 spring apparatus enhances ride comfort and extends the lifespan of the suspension system by optimizing spring length based on current road conditions, improving vehicle performance across diverse terrains.
Implementation Method 1
A shock absorber is a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb shock impulses, by converting kinetic energy of the shock into heat which is then dissipated
Implementation Method 2
Typically a hydraulic shock absorber is accompanied by a spring, which ideally only stores the kinetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A spring apparatus (10), including: a spring (12); an elongated object (18A) disposed within and along the spring (12); and a mode-changing assembly (16), for providing a first mode in which a portion (38) of the spring (12) being along the elongated object (18A) is not springy, and a second mode in which an entire of the spring (12) is springy.