Height-Adjustable Spring Arrangement for Automatic Ride Position Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable systems for motorcycles are not efficient in automatically adjusting the driving position based on speed changes, leading to instability and safety issues, especially for drivers of varying heights, as they often require manual adjustments and cannot quickly adapt to changing conditions like emergency braking.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable spring arrangement with a standpipe, sliding tube, suspension spring, piston, and actuator that automatically adjusts the driving position based on vehicle speed, using a fluid system with a valve device controlled by the actuator to change the overall length of the spring arrangement between a driving and standing position, allowing quick adjustments without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat height or spring deflection is permanently changed to accommodate different driver heights, then the vehicle can be adapted to different drivers, but the vehicle operates outside of its optimal driving position and handling characteristics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arrangement uses a telescopic structure with a standpipe and sliding tube that can dynamically adjust the overall length between a driving position and a stationary position. This dynamic adjustment allows the vehicle to adapt to different driver heights while maintaining optimal handling characteristics for each position, rather than being permanently fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameter of the spring arrangement (overall length between standpipe and sliding tube) based on driving conditions. By adjusting this parameter, the vehicle can accommodate different driver heights while preserving the factory-intended handling behavior for each position.
2Ease of operation
If a manual height adjustment system is used, then the driving position can be changed, but the adjustment must be made by a command from the driver and cannot respond quickly to sudden changes in driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arrangement is designed to automatically adjust between driving and stationary positions based on the vehicle's operational state. The system serves itself by detecting the need for adjustment and executing the position change without requiring driver input, thereby achieving both ease of operation and rapid response to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection of driving conditions and responds by adjusting the spring arrangement accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the vehicle to quickly adapt to sudden changes in driving conditions, such as emergency braking, without requiring manual intervention from the driver.
3Extent of automation
If existing spring arrangements are modified to allow button-activated height adjustment, then the driving position can be adjusted automatically, but the adjustment is comparatively slow and cannot respond to emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic spring arrangement with standpipe and sliding tube enables rapid dynamic adjustment of the vehicle height. The mechanical design allows for quick transition between positions, responding instantly to emergency situations rather than operating on a slow, predetermined schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and responds to changing driving conditions without requiring driver commands or complex control systems. This self-service capability enables rapid adjustment in emergency situations while maintaining simplicity in the control architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external components are added for height adjustment, then the adjustment function can be implemented, but the device complexity increases and additional components are required outside the suspension system
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment function is merged with the existing suspension spring arrangement. The standpipe and sliding tube are integrated into the suspension system, eliminating the need for separate external adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the height adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides suspension functionality and simultaneously enables height adjustment between driving and stationary positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated adjustment components, reducing device 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
Enables safe and efficient automatic adjustment of the driving position in response to speed changes, ensuring optimal handling and stability for various drivers by integrating the height adjustment mechanism within the existing suspension system, eliminating the need for external components and reducing the risk of instability during sudden changes in driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator acts within the interior space on a fluid located in the interior space... the actuator can be driven by the actuator and can be displaced in the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
A suspension spring interacting with a longitudinal guide unit... The suspension spring is supported on the piston
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a height-adjustable spring arrangement for a vehicle having a stationary tube (1) and a sliding tube (2) which extends at least in sections into the stationary tube (1) in a longitudinal direction of the stationary tube (1) and can be displaced along the longitudinal direction (L) in a manner which is guided by the stationary tube, wherein a bearing spring (10), interacting with a longitudinal guide unit (20), a piston (30) and an actuator (50) are arranged in an interior chamber which is formed by the stationary tube (1) and the sliding tube (2), wherein the actuator (50) acts on a fluid within the interior chamber, the bearing spring (10) is supported on the piston (30), the piston (30) can be driven by the actuator (50) and can be displaced in the longitudinal direction (L), as a result of which the stationary tube (1) or the sliding tube (2) can be displaced with respect to the bearing spring (10), wherein an overall length (measured in the longitudinal direction (L)) of the stationary tube (1) and the sliding tube (2) can be set between a predefined driving position and a predefined standstill position by way of a displacement of the piston (30).