Vehicle Air Suspension Parallel Valve Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air suspension systems inadequately control air mass flow when supplying air to and venting from spring bellows, limiting the variability and speed of vehicle body raising and lowering, often requiring complex and costly components.
Innovation Solution
The system connects spring bellows to the main pressure line via at least two parallel connecting lines, each with a 2/2-way solenoid switching valve level control valve, allowing for simple and cost-effective control of air mass flow by opening one or both valves to achieve different flow rates and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connecting line with a level control valve is used to connect spring bellows to the main pressure line, then the system structure is simple, but the air mass flow control is inadequate and the raising/lowering speed variability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single connecting line is segmented into multiple parallel connecting lines (at least two), each equipped with its own level control valve. This segmentation allows independent control of air mass flow through each line, enabling variable raising and lowering speeds by selectively opening one or both valves, thereby resolving the contradiction between flow control variability and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-line configuration to a dynamic multi-line configuration where the effective flow area can be adjusted in real-time. By controlling the opening degree or state (open/closed) of each level control valve independently, the system can dynamically adapt the air mass flow rate to match different operational requirements for raising and lowering speeds.
2Measurement precision
If complex components are used to control air mass flow and adjust raising/lowering speeds, then the flow control precision is improved, but the equipment cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The level control valves are designed to automatically regulate air mass flow based on system pressure conditions without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The valves utilize the inherent pressure differential between the main pressure line and the spring bellows to control the flow rate, enabling precise flow control through passive pressure-dependent mechanisms rather than active complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls air mass flow by changing the effective flow area parameter through the level control valves. By adjusting the valve opening state (fully open, partially open, or closed), the system varies the flow cross-sectional area to achieve different air mass flow rates, thereby controlling raising and lowering speeds through simple parameter adjustment rather than complex componentry.
3Productivity
If multiple parallel connecting lines with level control valves are used, then the raising and lowering speed control is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each level control valve in the parallel connecting lines serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow control valve for speed regulation, a check valve for preventing reverse flow, and a pressure regulation element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, allowing the system to achieve improved raising and lowering speed control without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 enables precise control of air mass flow, allowing for adjustable raising and lowering speeds of the vehicle body, reducing equipment costs and complexity, while improving air dryer dehumidification and regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
at least two parallel connecting lines, each provided with a level control valve. The level control valves are each designed as a 2/2-way solenoid switching valve
Implementation Method 2
improving air dryer dehumidification and regeneration
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle air suspension system includes one or more bellows assigned to an air spring of one or more vehicle axles. The bellows can be connected to a main pressure line and can be blocked off therefrom via a connecting line having a level control valve. The main line can be supplied with air via a supply line having a compressor and an air dryer, and can be vented via a vent line, which branches off between the compressor and the air dryer and has a discharge valve. A pressure reservoir can be connected to the main line and can be blocked off therefrom via a connecting line having a storage valve. To set different flow velocities when supplying and venting the bellows, the bellows of the air spring arranged on a vehicle axle or on a vehicle side is/are connected to the main line and blocked off therefrom via at least two parallel connecting lines, each having a level control valve.