Air Spring Suspension Volume Control for Dynamic Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for vehicles, such as those in commercial vehicles and trucks, face challenges in adapting to changing conditions like varying road unevenness and driver weight, which affect comfort and vibration isolation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a suspension system that includes an air spring and an additional volume device, controlled by a fluid connection and an electronic control unit, allows for dynamic adjustment of the spring rate by varying the volume of the additional volume device based on measured parameters like acceleration and seat height, optionally using a damper or scissor-type frame for enhanced coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of air in the air spring is varied to adapt to changing conditions, then the comfort and vibration isolation are improved, but the response time and dynamic adaptability are limited due to the slow compression and expansion of air springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air spring system into two independent parts: a main air spring for static support and an additional volume device for dynamic adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the main air spring provides stable static support while the additional volume device rapidly adjusts to dynamic changes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional volume device acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the control unit and the main air spring. It receives control signals and rapidly adjusts volume to compensate for the slow response of the main air spring, enabling fast dynamic adaptation without compromising the stability of the primary suspension system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex control system with multiple sensors and actuators is implemented to achieve active suspension control, then the comfort and vibration isolation are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes signals from acceleration sensors and position sensors, determines both static and dynamic volume requirements, and controls the additional volume device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each control task, simplifying the overall system while maintaining active control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing sensors (acceleration sensors and position sensors) for dual purposes: original vehicle functions and suspension control. By reusing existing sensors rather than adding dedicated sensors for suspension control, the system achieves active control capability while minimizing additional complexity and cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the volume of the additional volume device is continuously adjusted to optimize comfort, then the vibration isolation is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous compression and expansion operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit adjusts the volume of the additional volume device in periodic cycles based on detected vibration patterns and road conditions, rather than continuously. This periodic adjustment maintains effective vibration isolation by responding to changing conditions only when necessary, reducing energy consumption from continuous compression and expansion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the volume parameter of the additional volume device in discrete steps rather than continuous adjustment. This approach maintains sufficient vibration isolation performance while reducing the frequency and intensity of compression/expansion operations, thereby lowering energy consumption compared to continuous fine-tuning.
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 solution enables improved comfort and vibration isolation by dynamically adjusting the spring rate to match changing conditions, enhancing the overall suspension performance and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an air spring arranged between this first part and this part
Implementation Method 2
the fluid connection enables a pressure equalization between the pressure in the air spring and the pressure in the additional volume device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device with a suspension system, which suspension system (4) comprises a first part (10) charged with a mass (12), a second part (14) and an air spring (18) arranged between this first part (10) and this second part (14), wherein an additional volume device (30) for air is provided, the volume of which can be controlled and changed, and a first control device (32) for adjusting the volume of the additional volume device (30).