Air Spring With Parallel Damping Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air springs for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving increased damping while minimizing space requirements and production costs.
Innovation Solution
The air spring integrates two parallel damping devices with variable and constant volume chambers connected by damping channels, allowing for enhanced damping and a compact design, eliminating the need for an outer guide and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single damping device is used in the air spring, then the structure is simple and production cost is low, but the damping effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is segmented into two independent damping devices (first damping device with first and second chambers, second damping device with third and fourth chambers) that operate in parallel. Each damping device processes a portion of the compressed air flow, thereby increasing overall damping effectiveness while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Two damping devices are merged into a single air spring assembly, with both devices integrated within the rolling piston structure. The damping channels of both devices are connected to the compressed air supply, creating a combined damping system that achieves superior vibration attenuation compared to a single device
2Reliability
If multiple damping devices are integrated in the air spring, then damping effectiveness increases, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two damping devices are nested within the existing air spring structure, with damping chambers integrated into the rolling piston. The first and second chambers of the first damping device, and the third and fourth chambers of the second damping device, are arranged concentrically and in parallel within the same volume space, eliminating the need for additional external space
Solution Approach 2:
The damping devices utilize the vertical dimension within the rolling piston by arranging chambers at different levels (first chamber with second chamber, third chamber with fourth chamber) and connecting them through vertical damping channels. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple damping devices to coexist in a compact configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If two parallel damping devices are used, then damping characteristics can be independently adjusted, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each damping device has its own dedicated damping channels (first damping channel connecting first and second chambers, second damping channel connecting third and fourth chambers) with potentially different cross-sectional areas and geometries. This allows independent optimization of damping characteristics for each device to match specific vibration frequency ranges, while the modular design facilitates standardized manufacturing processes
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
This configuration increases damping effectiveness, reduces space requirements, and lowers production costs by allowing for independent adjustment of damping characteristics and efficient use of compressed air or gas.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the narrowed cross section of the damping channel and the associated friction, the initiated vibrations are damped
Implementation Method 2
The working medium flows between the working space and another chamber over a damping channel back and forth. Due to the narrowed cross section of the damping channel and the associated friction, the initiated vibrations are damped
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an air spring (10) for a motor vehicle or a driver's cab of a motor vehicle comprising a cover (12), a rolling piston (14) and at least one air spring bellows (16), at least two damping devices (18, 20) being integrated into the air spring (10).