Integrated Coilover Ride Height Assembly Without External Hydraulics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ride height adjustment systems for vehicles are complex and costly due to the use of external pump systems requiring additional valve control manifolds and long hydraulic hose lines, lacking a fully integrated solution.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ride height system with a pump mounted to the shock absorber, incorporating a coilover shock absorber, hydraulic preload cylinder, reservoir, and reversible pump to adjust ride height without additional valves or hoses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external pump systems are used for ride height adjustment, then ride height can be adjusted, but the system becomes complex and costly due to additional valve control manifolds and long hydraulic hose lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump, valve control manifold, and hydraulic hose lines into a single integrated assembly mounted directly on the vehicle frame. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external components and their associated mounting hardware, directly reducing system complexity while maintaining ride height adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the pump provides hydraulic fluid, the manifold distributes it to multiple shock absorbers, and the hose lines connect all components. This multi-functionality in a single assembly reduces the overall number of components needed in the system
2Ease of operation
If external pump systems are used for ride height adjustment, then ride height can be adjusted, but additional components increase system cost
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the full ride height adjustment capability
3Device complexity
If a fully integrated system is implemented, then system complexity is reduced, but integration of pump to shock absorber requires precise mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is pre-configured and pre-tested as a complete unit before installation on the vehicle. This preliminary assembly allows for precise internal mounting of the pump to the shock absorber in a controlled manufacturing environment, eliminating the need for precise field installation while achieving the benefits of integration
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
Provides a cost-effective and integrated solution for adjusting ride height by directly mounting the pump to the shock absorber, eliminating the need for external components and simplifying the system design.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible pump coupled between the hydraulic preload cylinder and the reservoir, wherein the pump operates to pump hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the hydraulic preload cylinder to extend the hydraulic preload cylinder
Implementation Method 2
pump operates to pump hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic preload cylinder to the reservoir to retract the hydraulic preload cylinder
Implementation Method 3
the hydraulic preload cylinder engages an end of a coil spring of the coilover shock absorber
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated ride height system is provided wherein the system is configured couple to a vehicle. The system includes a coilover shock absorber and a hydraulic preload cylinder coupled to a shock body of the coilover shock absorber. The hydraulic preload cylinder engages an end of a coil spring of the coilover shock absorber. The system includes a reservoir coupled to the shock absorber allowing hydraulic fluid to flow between the reservoir and the coilover shock absorber. The system includes a reversible pump coupled between the hydraulic preload cylinder and the reservoir, wherein the pump operates to pump hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the hydraulic preload cylinder to extend the hydraulic preload cylinder to increase ride height of the vehicle and operates to pump hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic preload cylinder to the reservoir to retract the hydraulic preload cylinder to decrease ride height of the vehicle.