Integrated Valve Device for Air Suspension Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices for air suspension systems in vehicles require separate components for electronic and manual control, leading to increased complexity and reduced service life, with a need for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in adjusting vehicle height.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a pneumatically actuable working valve arrangement that can be actuated both manually and electronically, featuring a holding valve system and a latching device for enhanced reliability and ease of use, allowing for automatic level control and manual adjustment without the need for additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate valve devices are used for electronic and manual control, then control functionality is complete, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate electronic control valve and manual control valve into a single integrated valve device. The working valve arrangement includes a first working valve for electronic control and a second working valve for manual control, both integrated within one device structure, eliminating the need for separate valve devices while maintaining complete control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve device performs multiple functions: it provides both electronic control capability and manual control capability through a single device. The valve arrangement is designed to accept both electrical actuation signals and manual actuation inputs, making the device universal in its control methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate valve devices are used for electronic and manual control, then control functionality is complete, but service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both control functions into one valve device, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate valves that would each have their own service life limitations. The single integrated device with unified construction reduces the number of potential failure points and extends overall system service life.
3Productivity
If large passage cross-sections are provided in the working valve arrangement, then filling and venting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement is segmented into distinct working valves (first working valve for electronic control, second working valve for manual control) with dedicated passages. Each valve handles specific control functions with appropriately sized passages optimized for their purpose, avoiding the need for a single complex large-passage valve while maintaining filling and venting efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If small compressed air passage cross-sections are used in actuation arrangements, then cost is reduced, but actuation force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic actuation where compressed air pressure is applied to diaphragms or pistons within the working valves. This pneumatic mechanism amplifies the actuation force, allowing small passage cross-sections in the actuation arrangements to generate sufficient force for valve operation, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate actuation capability.
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 solution enables cost-effective operation with reduced actuation forces, increased service life, and improved safety by allowing vehicle height adjustment both electronically and manually, even without a power supply, while preventing unintended level changes due to leaks and simplifying manual operation during loading and unloading processes.
Implementation Method 1
The holding valve (28, 29) has a control connection (102) which is connected to the bellows connection (15, 14) in such a way that the holding valve (28, 29) is actuated by the pressure which is present at the bellows connection (15, 14)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve device for an air suspension system in a motor vehicle. Said valve device has improved operational comfort. For this purpose; (b) said valve device (6) comprises an electric actuating assembly (7, 8, 21, 22) and a manual actuation element (9); (c) said valve device (6) has a pneumatically actuable operating valve assembly (27, 28, 29), said actuation enabling the aeration connection (14, 15) to be selectively connected to or separated from a reserve connection (18) or an aeration connection (12); (d) said operating valve assembly (27, 28, 29) can be pneumatically actuated by either the electric actuation assembly (7, 8, 21, 22) or by a pneumatic valve assembly (23, 24, 25, 26) which can be actuated by the manual actuation element (9); (e) the operating valve assembly (27, 28, 29) comprises a pneumatically actuable holding valve (28); (f) a pneumatic actuation connection of the holding valve (28) can be connected to the aeration connection (14, 15) for the actuation thereof.