Adjustable Air Spring Suspension for Load-Dependent Resonant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension arrangements for vehicles, particularly utility vehicles, lack an efficient and adaptable mechanism to adjust to varying load weights, leading to inconsistent resonant frequencies and the need for compressed air systems that are not suitable for electrically driven vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A suspension arrangement with adjustable springs and an air spring control system using a pressure accumulator and hydraulic chamber, eliminating the need for a compressor and allowing load-dependent adjustment through a hydraulic pump, enabling varying rigidity and height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If air springs are connected to a compressed air supply to change rigidity, then resonant frequency stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to compressor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the air compressor from the system by using a pressure accumulator that was previously part of a hydraulic system. The accumulator's gas chamber replaces the need for active compression, eliminating the compressor while maintaining air spring functionality for rigidity adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure accumulator serves multiple functions: it provides compressed air to the air springs for rigidity control, stores hydraulic fluid for the braking system, and maintains system pressure without requiring a dedicated compressor. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple springs with different rigidities are arranged in parallel, then adaptability to different load weights is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing springs to be selectively connected or disconnected from the structure through adjustable fastening devices. This enables the suspension system to dynamically reconfigure its spring arrangement based on load conditions, providing adaptability without permanently complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system is segmented into multiple independently controllable springs with different rigidities. Each spring can be individually connected or disconnected via adjustable fastening devices, allowing the system to select appropriate spring combinations for different load weights without requiring a completely redesigned suspension system.
3Volume of moving object
If a pressure accumulator with hydraulic chamber is used instead of air compressor, then installation space is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure accumulator is designed to serve dual purposes: providing compressed air for air spring rigidity control and storing hydraulic fluid for the vehicle's braking system. This multi-functionality consolidates two separate systems into one component, reducing installation space while leveraging existing hydraulic infrastructure.
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 system provides adaptable damping and height adjustment, maintaining resonant frequency stability across load changes without compressed air, suitable for electric vehicles, and reducing installation space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure accumulator has a hydraulic chamber and an air chamber and a diaphragm, which separates the hydraulic chamber and the air chamber, wherein the hydraulic chamber of the pressure accumulator is connected to a pump for a fluid, wherein the air chamber of the pressure accumulator is connected to the air spring
Implementation Method 2
two or more springs with a different rigidity are used in parallel with one another in order to compensate for a load
Implementation Method 3
Suspension arrangements, e.g. for damping a structure or chassis of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle having a base and a structure, is disclosed. This arrangement includes at least one first spring and at least one second spring, the at least one first spring and the at least one second spring having spring attachments which are connected to attachment apparatuses of the structure on one side and of the base on the other. The at least one second spring is fastened to the base by way of at least one adjustment device. An adjustable air spring suspension arrangement and methods for controlling the suspension arrangements are disclosed.