Gas Spring Linkage Suspension for Load-Adaptive Ride Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaf spring suspension systems in vehicles are inflexible and provide a stiff ride when unloaded, and become inadequate when loaded, as they are designed for high loads which results in a stiff spring rate.
Innovation Solution
A gas spring-based suspension system is introduced, utilizing a linkage assembly with pivotably connected links and a gas spring that can be adjusted to provide a compliant ride when unloaded and increased support when loaded, by adding gas to the spring to adjust the spring rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a leaf spring suspension system is designed for high loads, then it provides adequate support when loaded, but it provides a stiff ride when unloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spring rate adjustable through gas pressure control. The gas spring's stiffness is not fixed but can be dynamically changed by adding or removing gas, allowing the suspension to adapt between soft (unloaded) and stiff (loaded) states. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to have different mechanical properties under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of gas pressure in the spring to control the spring rate. By adjusting the amount of gas in the spring, the stiffness can be varied continuously. This parameter change allows the same physical component to provide both soft ride comfort when unloaded and adequate support when loaded, eliminating the need for separate spring configurations.
2Ease of operation
If a gas spring-based suspension system is designed to replace leaf springs, then it provides adjustable spring rate for comfort, but it requires new frame attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the linkage assembly to be compatible with existing leaf spring mounting points. The linkage connects to the frame at the same locations where leaf springs were originally attached, allowing the gas spring system to replace the leaf spring without requiring new frame modifications. This multi-functional mounting approach simplifies installation while maintaining the adjustable comfort benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linkage assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the gas spring and the frame mounting points. This linkage translates the motion and forces between the gas spring and the existing frame attachment locations, enabling compatibility without direct connection. The intermediary linkage resolves the conflict between using adjustable gas springs and maintaining compatibility with original mounting infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If leaf springs are used in suspension systems, then they are simple in structure, but they provide a stiff ride when unloaded and inadequate support when loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solid leaf spring structure with a pneumatic gas spring system. The gas spring uses compressed gas to provide the spring force, and its stiffness can be controlled by adjusting gas pressure and volume. This pneumatic approach maintains relatively simple structure while enabling adjustable spring rates that provide comfort when unloaded and support when loaded, overcoming the limitations of fixed leaf springs.
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 gas spring-based system offers a comfortable ride when the vehicle is unloaded and adequate support when loaded, maintaining optimal ride frequency between 1.4-1.7 Hz, while using existing frame mounts to simplify installation and ensure compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
A gas spring defines a chamber filled with pressurized gas, typically air. When a load is applied to the gas spring, the load compresses the gas in the chamber until the gas pressure is sufficient to produce an equal opposing force to support the load. The pressurized gas thus functions similar to a mechanical spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas spring suspension system is configured to replace a factory-installed leaf spring-based suspension system of an automobile. The gas spring suspension system connects to the vehicle frame using the same first and second frame mounts to which the leaf spring was originally attached. The gas spring suspension system has a linkage assembly with a first link that pivotably attaches to the first frame mount and a second link that pivotably attaches to the second frame mount. The first and second links are pivotably attached to one another. A connector portion, which can be part of the first or second link, or supported therebetween, supports the vehicle axle. A gas spring is supported by the linkage assembly and is positioned operatively between the first and second links so that as the axle moves during vehicle operation, loads are communicated to the spring, and through the linkage to the first and second frame mounts.