High-Voltage Air Spring Compressor Without a Compressed Air Reservoir

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air spring systems in motor vehicles, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles, are limited by low-power 12 volt on-board electrical systems, necessitating large compressed air reservoirs that occupy space and add weight, while high-voltage systems lack efficient air spring compressors.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a high-voltage air spring compressor powered by the vehicle's high-voltage on-board electrical system, eliminating the need for a compressed air reservoir and enhancing compressor performance to achieve rapid air spring adjustments without impairing response behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a compressed air reservoir is provided to reduce adjustment times and improve availability, then the response behavior of the air spring system is improved, but the installation space occupied and weight added are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment timeVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the compressed air reservoir from the system by utilizing the high-voltage battery's stored energy to power a high-voltage air spring compressor that can rapidly compress air on-demand, eliminating the need for a separate compressed air storage reservoir

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical voltage parameter from low-voltage (12V) to high-voltage (e.g., 400V or 800V) to enable the air spring compressor to deliver sufficient power for rapid air compression without requiring a large compressed air reservoir, thereby reducing system weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If a compressed air reservoir is provided to reduce adjustment times, then the response behavior of the air spring system is improved, but the installation space occupied is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment timeVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the compressed air reservoir from the system by utilizing the high-voltage battery's stored energy to power a high-voltage air spring compressor that can rapidly compress air on-demand, eliminating the need for a separate compressed air storage reservoir

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical voltage parameter from low-voltage (12V) to high-voltage (e.g., 400V or 800V) to enable the air spring compressor to deliver sufficient power for rapid air compression without requiring a large compressed air reservoir, thereby reducing system volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If a high-voltage air spring compressor is used to eliminate the compressed air reservoir, then installation space and weight are reduced, but the compressor performance must be significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcompressor power

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical voltage parameter from low-voltage (12V) to high-voltage (e.g., 400V or 800V) to enable the air spring compressor to deliver sufficient power for rapid air compression without requiring a large compressed air reservoir, thereby reducing system volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the periodic charging cycles of the high-voltage battery to pre-charge or supplement air spring pressure when needed, allowing the high-voltage compressor to operate in shorter, more intense bursts rather than continuous operation, effectively managing the high power demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 rapid air spring adjustments without a reservoir, reducing installation space and weight, and simplifying the pneumatic circuit by leveraging high-voltage power to enhance compressor efficiency and response.

Implementation Method 1

the air spring compressor is configured as a high-voltage air spring compressor that is supplied with electrical energy via the high-voltage on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12466227B2Motor vehicle having a chassis with an air spring system

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle having a chassis including an air spring system. The motor vehicle includes a high-voltage on-board electrical system and a high-voltage battery supplying electrical energy to the high-voltage on-board electrical system. The air spring system includes at least one air spring which is supplied with air at a respective required pressure via a pneumatic line connected to an air spring compressor. The air spring compressor is a high-voltage air spring compressor which is supplied with electrical energy via the high-voltage on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle. The air spring is supplied with air exclusively and directly via the high-voltage air spring compressor during operation of the motor vehicle.