Adjustable Suspension Component with Independent Gas and Fluid Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicles face challenges in supporting varying loads due to the wide range of weights from passengers and cargo, requiring flexible and adjustable suspension systems that can provide different levels of support and damping.
Innovation Solution
A suspension component with an adjustable spring section using a gas chamber for support and an adjustable shock absorbing section using a fluid chamber, allowing independent adjustment of support and damping characteristics, suitable for off-highway vehicles with multiple person and cargo carrying capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed suspension system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates adjustable spring sections and shock absorbing sections that can be dynamically reconfigured. The spring section includes multiple coils that can be selectively engaged or disengaged, while the shock absorbing section has adjustable damping characteristics, allowing the system to adapt its stiffness and damping properties to match varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change of physical parameters including spring stiffness, damping coefficients, and gas pressure within the spring section. These parameter changes are achieved through adjustable mechanisms that modify the mechanical properties of the spring and shock absorbing sections, allowing optimization for different cargo and passenger configurations.
2Reliability
If adjustable spring section is implemented, then support characteristics can be optimized, but the adjustment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring section is divided into multiple individual coils or groups of coils, each capable of being independently engaged or disengaged from the suspension assembly. This segmentation allows selective activation of spring coils based on load requirements, providing adjustable support characteristics without requiring a completely complex adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring section incorporates movable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the spring assembly. Adjustment mechanisms enable changing the effective spring rate by engaging or disengaging specific coil sections, providing reliable support characteristic optimization while keeping the adjustment mechanism relatively simple through straightforward mechanical engagement features.
3Reliability
If adjustable shock absorbing section is implemented, then damping characteristics can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing section incorporates adjustable damping mechanisms that allow change of damping coefficients based on operating conditions. By modifying parameters such as fluid viscosity, orifice size, or valve settings within the shock absorber, the system can optimize damping characteristics for different load scenarios without requiring entirely separate shock absorbing components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If gas chamber is used for spring support, then adjustable support is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring section utilizes a gas chamber filled with compressed gas to provide suspension support. This pneumatic approach replaces traditional metal coil springs, allowing easy adjustment of support characteristics by simply changing the gas pressure within the chamber. The gas chamber can be manufactured as a relatively simple elastomeric or rigid container, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to precision-engineered mechanical spring assemblies with multiple adjustment points.
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 suspension component provides maximum flexibility and adjustability to handle varying load conditions, ensuring optimal support and damping for off-road vehicles, enhancing ride quality and load-carrying capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The spring section of the suspension component may define a gas chamber for holding a quantity of a gas to provide a spring support for the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the shock absorbing section of the suspension component may define a fluid chamber to provide damping of movement of the spring section
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension component for a vehicle may include a spring section performing a support function for supporting a portion of the vehicle and a shock absorbing section performing a damping function to damp action of the spring section. The spring section may be adjustable to provide adjustable support characteristics and the shock absorbing section is adjustable to provide adjustable damping characteristics. The spring section may be adjustable independent of the shock absorbing section. The spring section of the suspension component may define a gas chamber for holding a quantity of a gas to provide a spring support for the vehicle, and the shock absorbing section of the suspension component may define a fluid chamber to provide damping of movement of the spring section.