Hydro-Pneumatic Tilting System Trim Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydro-pneumatic tilting systems for vehicles with more than two wheels face limitations in off-road driving and track racing conditions due to counterproductive suspension reactions caused by compressed gas, leading to instability and decreased driving performance.
Innovation Solution
A hydro-pneumatic tilting system with manually or electronically controlled gas shut-off means allows for adjustment of the straightening effect by connecting the lower chambers of hydraulic cylinders, enabling the driver or electronic control unit to manage gas flow and pressure, thereby optimizing vehicle trim and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If compressed gas is used in the lower chambers of hydraulic cylinders to provide straightening thrust, then vehicle stability during cornering is improved, but counterproductive suspension reactions occur on rough terrain causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: with compressed gas for enhanced cornering stability, and without compressed gas for rough terrain stability. The shut-off means enable real-time adaptation of the hydraulic system characteristics based on driving conditions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can optimize performance for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and pressure parameters of the hydraulic system by selectively compressing or releasing gas in the lower chambers. This parameter change allows the system to transition between providing strong straightening thrust (compressed gas) and allowing natural suspension movement (released gas), thereby resolving the contradiction between cornering stability and rough terrain reliability.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkage connections with multiple joints are used to couple wheels, then tilting function is achieved, but the system becomes complex, bulky, heavy and expensive with maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical linkage connections with multiple rotating and sliding joints with a hydraulic-pneumatic system. The hydraulic cylinders with fluid communication provide the necessary coupling and tilting control through fluid pressure and flow, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical linkages and reducing system complexity, weight, and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic cylinders with fluid communication between chambers to achieve wheel coupling and tilting control. The hydraulic fluid transmits force and motion smoothly, providing the tilting function while avoiding the complexity of mechanical linkages. The addition of gas compression capability further enhances functionality without increasing mechanical 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 solution enhances vehicle stability and control by neutralizing undesired straightening effects, allowing for safer cornering and improved handling on rough terrain and high-speed maneuvers, while enabling the driver to customize the trim configuration based on driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first hydraulic cylinder (10) and one second hydraulic cylinder (20) arranged in fluid communication by means of first hydraulic connection means (23)
Implementation Method 2
the lower chambers (10b, 20b) of said first (10) and second (20) hydraulic cylinders, respectively, contain pressurized gas
Implementation Method 3
EP 2 046 589 which relates to a hydro-pneumatic system comprising a pair of cylinders, one for each tilting wheel, in which the upper part of the cylinders contains oil, while the lower part contains gas
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved control system of the trim of motorcycles with more than two wheels. More in particular, it relates to motorcycles which have at least three wheels and can lean sideways by virtue of the presence of a so-called wheel tilting system. The present invention improves on prior art HTS hydro-pneumatic systems, to improve the vehicle trim, particularly while cornering with the leaned vehicle.