Vehicle Height Adjustment Valve with Independent Fluid Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle height adjustment systems either reduce roll stiffness or introduce warp forces due to fluid flow configurations, affecting vehicle handling.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle height adjustment system with a single valve and independent fluid lines for two piston mechanisms, allowing simultaneous operation to raise, lower, or maintain vehicle height without cross-connecting fluid lines, minimizing roll stiffness and warp forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single valve with a split fluid line is used to connect both piston mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but fluid can flow between piston mechanisms without passing through the valve, reducing roll stiffness and affecting vehicle handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid connection system into two separate independent fluid lines, each connecting one piston mechanism directly to the valve. This segmentation prevents fluid from flowing between piston mechanisms through the valve body, maintaining roll stiffness while keeping the valve structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fluid pathways from the valve body, creating separate external fluid lines that connect the valve to each piston mechanism. This removes the problematic internal fluid communication path that would otherwise allow fluid to bypass the valve and reduce roll stiffness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two separate valves and two separate fluid lines are used, then roll stiffness is maintained and warp forces are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate valves into a single valve with separate fluid line connections. The single valve can independently control fluid flow to each piston mechanism through separate ports and fluid lines, achieving the same warp force prevention and roll stiffness maintenance as two separate valves would provide, but with reduced component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it can independently control fluid flow to the first piston mechanism, independently control fluid flow to the second piston mechanism, and maintain separate fluid pathways to prevent warp forces. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require two separate valves.
3Device complexity
If a single fluid line is used that splits to both piston mechanisms, then the system is simpler, but fluid flow between piston mechanisms reduces roll stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid line system into two separate independent fluid lines instead of one split line. Each fluid line provides a dedicated fluid pathway from the valve to its associated piston mechanism, preventing fluid from flowing between piston mechanisms and maintaining roll stiffness.
4Ease of operation
If valves do not shut off at the same time or there is an interruption, then system operation is simpler, but warp forces are introduced affecting vehicle handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid pathways from the valve body into separate external fluid lines, ensuring that fluid flow to each piston mechanism is completely independent. This physical separation guarantees that even if one valve port is interrupted or malfunctioning, fluid cannot flow through the valve body to the other piston, preventing warp forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate fluid lines act as intermediaries that isolate the two piston mechanism fluid pathways. This intermediary structure prevents direct fluid communication between the pistons through the valve, ensuring that asynchronous valve operation or interruptions in one line cannot create warp forces.
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 adjusts vehicle height while maintaining roll stiffness and preventing warp forces, improving vehicle handling and reducing the need for additional sensors or system checks.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid line extending between the first piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the first piston mechanism and the valve. Additionally, the system includes a second fluid line extending between the second piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the second piston mechanism and the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and a height adjustment system for the vehicle are disclosed. A valve includes a member movable between a first position operating first and second piston mechanisms to raise an end of the vehicle to a first height, a second position operating the first and second piston mechanisms to lower the end of the vehicle to a second height and a third position maintaining the end of the vehicle at one of the first height and the second height. A first fluid line extends between the first piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the first piston mechanism and the valve. Additionally, a second fluid line extends between the second piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the second piston mechanism and the valve. The first fluid line and the second fluid line are fluidly connected to the valve independently of each other.