Dual Piston Compressible Fluid Struts for Active Suspension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle suspension systems face challenges in balancing comfort and performance due to their passive nature, which is inadequate for varying loads and terrains, leading to compromised ride quality and stability, especially as vehicles become lighter for fuel efficiency and emission reduction.
Innovation Solution
An active independent suspension system utilizing dual piston, compressible fluid struts that act as fluid springs, shock absorbers, and actuators, with a control system to manage fluid pressure in both inner and outer chambers, providing active control over vehicle ride characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional passive suspension systems with fixed spring and dampening coefficients are used, then the system structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot effectively adapt to varying loads and terrains, resulting in degraded ride quality and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the suspension system actively adjustable rather than fixed. The spring and dampening coefficients can be dynamically changed based on vehicle load and terrain conditions through the active control system, allowing the suspension to adapt to varying operating conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the spring and dampening coefficients according to vehicle load and terrain. The active control system modifies these parameters in real-time to optimize ride quality and stability, enabling the suspension to effectively handle both empty and loaded conditions without requiring completely different physical components
2Use of energy by moving object
If vehicle weight is reduced to improve fuel mileage and decrease emissions, then fuel efficiency improves, but the difference between laden and unladen weights becomes so broad that traditional suspension systems are unable to span the load range effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the load range adaptability issue by implementing parameter changes in the spring and dampening coefficients based on vehicle load detection. The active control system automatically adjusts these parameters to optimize suspension performance whether the vehicle is empty or fully loaded, eliminating the need for heavier suspension components that would compromise fuel efficiency
3Reliability
If active suspension systems with actuators are implemented to actively counteract impacts and vibrations, then ride quality and stability improve, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the spring and dampening functions into a unified active suspension system with coordinated control. The actuators work together with the spring-damper elements in a coordinated manner, allowing the system to achieve superior ride quality and stability while managing complexity through integrated architecture rather than separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the active control system that continuously monitors vehicle load, suspension position, and terrain conditions. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the spring and dampening coefficients, enabling the system to maintain optimal ride quality and stability while adapting to changing operating conditions
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 effectively isolates the vehicle body from tire vibrations, enhancing comfort, road handling, and stability across different terrains and loads by actively counteracting forces, maintaining consistent ride quality in both loaded and unloaded conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the dual piston struts has an outer cylinder and an outer piston rod, which each respectively define exterior peripheries for an outer pressure chamber and an inner pressure chamber. Pressures applied to a compressible fluid in respective ones of the outer and inner pressure chambers urge the outer piston to extend from within the outer cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
An active, independent suspension system has dual piston, compressible fluid struts (22). Each of the dual piston struts (22) has an outer cylinder (24) and an outer piston rod (30), which each respectively define exterior peripheries for an outer pressure chamber (32) and an inner pressure chamber (54). Pressures applied to a compressible fluid (56) in respective ones of the outer and inner pressure chambers (32, 54) urge the outer piston to extend from within the outer cylinder (24). A control system (240) is provided for actively controlling an amount of compressible fluid (56) disposed within each of the outer and inner chambers (32, 54).