Air Bag Jack Self-Leveling for Faster Vehicle Pitch and Roll Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leveling a vehicle is difficult, time-consuming, and lacks confirmation of level status, especially when using methods like leveling blocks or logs, which are cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle self-leveling system using air bag jacks, a computing system, and sensors to determine roll and pitch information, adjusting air pressure via air compressors and solenoid valves to achieve and confirm vehicle levelness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If leveling blocks or logs or rocks are used to level a vehicle, then the vehicle can be made level, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of placing and adjusting physical leveling blocks with an automated pneumatic system. Air bag jacks equipped with pressure sensors and controlled by a computing system automatically adjust vehicle level, eliminating the need for manual placement and adjustment of leveling blocks, thereby significantly reducing leveling time while maintaining or improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-leveling by using sensors to automatically detect vehicle tilt and controlling air bag jacks to adjust the vehicle position without human intervention. The computing system processes sensor data and autonomously manages the inflation/deflation cycles of air bags, allowing the vehicle to level itself rather than requiring manual operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual leveling methods are used, then leveling can be achieved, but there is no indication to confirm the leveling status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor vehicle roll and pitch angles, and this information is processed by a computing system that tracks the leveling progress. The system provides real-time feedback on whether the vehicle has achieved level status, allowing occupants to confirm when leveling is complete. This eliminates the uncertainty of manual methods by providing objective, measurable status information.
3Manufacturing precision
If leveling blocks are used, then the vehicle can be leveled, but the items are in short supply and cumbersome to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the cumbersome mechanical operation of manually placing, stacking, and positioning heavy leveling blocks with an automated pneumatic control system. Air bag jacks controlled by a computing system perform the leveling function without requiring physical handling of heavy objects, dramatically improving ease of operation while eliminating the need to carry and store multiple leveling blocks.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional leveling methods are used, then the vehicle can be made level, but the process is unstable and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unstable manual process of stacking and positioning leveling blocks with a controlled pneumatic system. Air bag jacks provide stable, adjustable support through controlled inflation and deflation, eliminating the instability inherent in manually stacked blocks. The automated control system efficiently manages the leveling process, significantly improving both stability and productivity compared to traditional methods.
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
Enables quick, reliable, and efficient vehicle leveling with real-time confirmation, suitable for various vehicle types, including overlanding vehicles with roof top tents, ensuring occupant comfort during camping.
Implementation Method 1
activating, via the computing system, an air compressor to make the determined air-adjustment
Implementation Method 2
opening a pneumatic solenoid valve corresponding to the selected air bag jack to permit air-adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of leveling a vehicle are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: provide a plurality of air bag jacks under the vehicle; determine roll and pitch information of the vehicle; determine, using a computing system, an amount of air-adjustment to make for one or more of the plurality of air bag jacks, based on the roll and pitch information, to level the vehicle; and activate, via the computing system, an air compressor to make the determined air-adjustment.