Hydraulic Suspension Strut Height Adjustment via Nested Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension height adjustment devices for MacPherson suspensions increase the radial size of the damper and spring unit, particularly in the bottom area, where space is limited, compromising installation and performance.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic linear actuator-based vehicle height adjustment device is integrated between the damper and spring member, with a piston and cylinder arrangement that allows the adjustment of the spring member's position along the damper's longitudinal axis, keeping the adjustment mechanism largely within the spring member to minimize size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic linear actuator is interposed between the damper cylinder and the spring member to adjust vehicle height, then the vehicle height can be controlled, but the radial size of the damper and spring unit increases, particularly in the bottom area
Solution Approach 1:
The piston of the hydraulic linear actuator is arranged at least for the largest part of its longitudinal size within the spring member. The piston rod connects the piston to the bottom spring plate, allowing the adjustment mechanism to be nested within the existing spring member volume rather than adding external radial space.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the spring member rather than consuming radial space. By positioning the piston within the spring member's longitudinal extent, the design transforms a potential radial space consumer into a longitudinal space user, maintaining compact radial dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustment device is positioned between the damper cylinder and spring member, then vehicle height adjustment is achieved, but the available space in the bottom area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is nested within the spring member, and the piston rod connects through the spring member to the bottom spring plate. This nesting arrangement allows the adjustment mechanism to occupy space within the spring member's volume rather than encroaching on the bottom area space needed for other suspension components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device is merged with the spring member by positioning the piston within it and connecting the piston rod to the bottom spring plate. This integration allows the adjustment function to be combined with the existing spring member structure, reducing the need for separate space allocation in the bottom area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic linear actuator is added to the suspension system, then controlled height adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston of the hydraulic linear actuator serves dual functions: it acts as both the adjustment mechanism component and a structural element within the spring member assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device is merged with the spring member and bottom spring plate assembly. The piston rod connects the piston to the bottom spring plate, integrating the adjustment function with existing structural elements rather than requiring completely separate components, thus managing 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
This configuration maintains a compact size for the damper and spring unit, reducing interference with other suspension components and enhancing installation flexibility while allowing controlled vehicle height adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment device is made as a hydraulic linear actuator comprising a cylinder firmly secured to the first damper element and a piston connected to the bottom spring plate
Data Source
AI summary
The damper and spring unit comprises a damper, a spring member extending coaxially to the damper, a bottom spring plate and a vehicle height adjustment device for adjusting the height of the vehicle from the ground. A first damper element is connected to a wheel carrier of the suspension and a second damper element is slidable relative to the first damper element along the longitudinal axis (z). The adjustment device is interposed between the first damper element and the spring member to change the linear position of the bottom spring plate, and a bottom end of the spring member, relative to the first damper element. A hydraulic linear actuator comprising a cylinder is secured to the first damper element and a piston drivingly connected for translation with the bottom spring plate along the longitudinal axis (z) of the damper between a bottom end-of-travel position and a top end-of-travel position.