Air Intake System with Adjustable Suspension and Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicles require improved suspension systems that can adjust stiffness to accommodate varying loads and terrain conditions, while also integrating efficient storage solutions and advanced steering systems for enhanced performance and operator comfort.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adjustable suspension system using air shocks with adjustable fluidic and mechanical stiffness, combined with a modular design for storage bins and an electronic power steering unit that varies assist based on vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed suspension system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying loads and terrain conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system employs adjustable air shocks that allow dynamic modification of suspension characteristics. The air shocks can be adjusted to change fluidic stiffness and mechanical stiffness, enabling the suspension to adapt to different loads and terrain conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage bins are integrated into the dashboard structure, then the use of space is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bins are integrated directly into the dashboard structure, combining the dashboard and storage functions into a single unified component. This merging of functions maximizes space utilization in the vehicle interior while the integrated design actually simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps.
3Ease of operation
If electronic power steering with speed-variable assist is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic power steering system incorporates speed-variable assist that automatically adjusts steering assistance based on vehicle speed feedback. This feedback mechanism improves ease of operation across different driving conditions while the automated control reduces the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If adjustable air shocks are used, then the ride quality is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air shocks enable parameter changes in suspension stiffness through adjustment of air pressure and fluidic characteristics. This allows optimization of ride quality for different operating conditions while the adjustment mechanisms are designed to maintain reasonable manufacturability through standardized components and procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle is disclosed. The utility vehicle may include storage areas under the dash. The utility vehicle may include suspension systems for utility vehicles having shocks with both a fluidic stiffness adjustment and a mechanical stiffness adjustment. The utility vehicle may include an electrical power steering.