Hydraulic Spring Preload Module for Remote Suspension Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers require manual adjustments of coil springs, which can be difficult and dangerous, especially in multi-wheeled vehicles where adjustments need to be made at each wheel, and there is a need for adjustable suspension settings during varying vehicle utilization scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically-adjustable preload and/or crossover system that can be modularly attached to existing dampers, allowing for remote and automated adjustments of preload and crossover settings, enhancing damper performance and ride quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are made to coil springs at each wheel, then suspension characteristics can be adjusted, but the operation becomes difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of coil springs with a hydraulic system. A hydraulic piston connected to a fluid reservoir allows preload adjustment through fluid pressure changes, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of spring components. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with hydraulic control resolves the contradiction by maintaining suspension adaptability while dramatically improving operational safety and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic fluid as an intermediary between the user and the coil spring system. The fluid transmits force through a piston to adjust spring preload indirectly, rather than requiring direct contact with spring components. This intermediary mechanism enables safe remote adjustment while preserving the ability to modify suspension characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are made at each wheel of a multi-wheeled vehicle, then suspension can be optimized, but the time and labor required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hydraulic adjustment system that can serve multiple wheels through a centralized fluid reservoir and interconnected piston mechanisms. A single adjustment action at one location can simultaneously or sequentially adjust multiple dampers across different wheels, transforming a task that would require individual manual adjustment of each wheel into a unified multi-functional system that reduces total adjustment time while maintaining per-wheel optimization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanisms of multiple wheels into a single integrated hydraulic system. By combining the adjustment functions through shared hydraulic fluid and interconnected pistons, the system allows simultaneous control of multiple dampers from a single operational point, dramatically reducing the time and labor required compared to separate manual adjustments at each wheel.
3Device complexity
If coil spring preload is fixed, then damper structure remains simple, but suspension performance cannot adapt to varying terrain and vehicle use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed preload damper into a dynamic system where coil spring preload can be adjusted in real-time. The hydraulic piston mechanism allows the preload force to change dynamically based on terrain conditions and vehicle usage requirements, enabling the suspension to adapt its characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a single adjustable mechanism per damper.
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 adjustment of suspension characteristics based on terrain and vehicle use, improving ride comfort, performance, and preventing bottom-out, while reducing manual labor and potential hazards.
Implementation Method 1
the amount of preload and/or crossover is adjusted by a user via a pump introducing a hydraulic pressure into a slave cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A modular hydraulically-adjustable preload and/or cross-over system. The system includes a housing configured to couple with a main damper cylinder, the housing including a slave cylinder within a portion of a slave cylinder chamber, the slave cylinder telescopically movable with respect to the housing; a fluid chamber; and a fluid port configured to provide a fluid flow for the fluid chamber, wherein an increase in a fluid volume within the fluid chamber causes a portion of the slave cylinder to telescopically extend from the slave cylinder chamber. A preload flange coupled with the slave cylinder at an end of the housing such that a change in a location of the slave cylinder causes a change in a location of the preload flange.