Hydraulic Damper Coupling for Solar Vehicle Lean Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar-powered vehicles face limitations in harnessing adequate solar energy due to limited surface area, vehicle weight, and drag, as well as the need for an effective suspension system to reduce energy consumption and enhance performance.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode suspension system for solar extended range electric vehicles, featuring hydraulic dampers with active valves that control motion based on speed and lateral acceleration, allowing for dynamic leaning and efficient energy harvesting through deployable solar panels and two-axis tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional suspension systems are used in solar vehicles, then the vehicle structure is simple, but energy consumption increases and solar energy harvesting capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suspension dampers into a coupled system where dampers are hydraulically interconnected through valve assemblies. This merging allows the suspension system to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing suspension damping while also enabling dynamic leaning to reduce drag and optimize solar panel orientation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled damper system serves multiple purposes: it provides conventional suspension damping, enables active dynamic leaning to reduce aerodynamic drag, and facilitates optimization of solar panel positioning. This multi-functionality addresses the energy consumption issue by having the suspension system contribute to drag reduction and solar energy harvesting in addition to its primary suspension function
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle weight is reduced to improve solar energy efficiency, then energy harvesting capability improves, but suspension system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic coupling between dampers using fluid pressure and flow control through valve assemblies. This hydraulic system provides sophisticated damping control and force distribution that maintains suspension performance even with reduced vehicle mass, as the hydraulic coupling can precisely regulate the forces acting on each wheel independently
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panel surface area is increased to harness more solar energy, then energy harvesting improves, but vehicle drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic suspension system that can actively adjust the vehicle's lean angle in response to driving conditions and solar panel positioning requirements. This dynamic capability allows the vehicle to optimize its aerodynamic profile by leaning into turns or adjusting posture to minimize drag, while simultaneously maintaining adequate solar panel exposure to sunlight through coordinated panel positioning
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 suspension system optimizes energy capture and reduces drag by dynamically adjusting to speed and driving conditions, enhancing the vehicle's capability to harness solar energy while maintaining stability and aerodynamics.
Implementation Method 1
each at least one interconnect comprising a valve configured to control the motion of the first damper relative to the second damper
Implementation Method 2
the first and second active valves are configured to damp heave and pitch of the vehicle by controlling relative motion of the first and second dampers
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-mode suspension system using hydraulic dampers is disclosed. One or more dampers on each side of the four-wheel suspension system are coupled to a respective damper on the other side via a damper valve. One or more leaf springs may be arranged between the leading links coupled to some of the dampers, and trailing links coupled to other of the dampers. The suspension system may advantageously engage, lock, or partially disengage the respective dampers connected by the valve on each side of the system. Manipulating the valve to control engagement of the dampers, which may depend on the speed and related issues, provides control over whether heave motions should be separated from roll. In another embodiment, one or more single or double acting hydraulic cylinders may be used to engage dampers.