IFP Shock Assembly With Self-Adjusting Ride Height Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems face challenges in maintaining optimal ride height when additional weight is added, leading to reduced available suspension travel, altered vehicle geometry, and potential issues like steering problems, suspension bottom-out, and loss of control, as existing systems do not effectively adjust ride height dynamically to compensate for changes in load distribution.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an internal floating piston (IFP) shock configuration with an automatically adjustable ride height system, utilizing a pump to adjust fluid levels within the spring preload piston assembly, allowing for real-time adjustment of ride height while the vehicle is in operation, maintaining optimal ride height and minimizing impact on damping settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shock is set to a softer setting for a lighter rider, then ride comfort is improved, but available suspension travel is reduced when a heavier rider uses the same shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pump system that dynamically adjusts the volume of fluid in the spring preload piston assembly based on detected suspension compression. This allows the shock to adapt its characteristics in real-time, transitioning from a static setup to a dynamic system that can accommodate varying rider weights and conditions, thereby maintaining both comfort and travel across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of fluid volume in the spring preload piston assembly to adjust ride height. By varying the fluid volume, the system modifies the spring preload and effective shock length, enabling the same shock to provide optimal performance for different rider weights without manual reconfiguration.
2Length of moving object
If the shock is set to a harder setting for a heavier rider, then available suspension travel is maintained, but ride comfort deteriorates when a lighter rider uses the same shock
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system enables the shock to dynamically transition between hard and soft settings based on actual usage conditions. Rather than being fixed for a specific rider weight, the system adapts its damping characteristics and ride height in real-time, ensuring that lighter riders experience comfort while heavier riders maintain adequate travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects suspension compression and activates the pump to adjust fluid volume and ride height without manual intervention. This self-adjusting capability allows the shock to serve multiple rider weights effectively, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration between users.
3Quantity of substance
If additional weight is added to the vehicle, then load capacity is increased, but ride height decreases leading to steering problems and suspension bottom-out
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect suspension compression caused by additional weight. This feedback triggers the pump to add fluid to the spring preload piston assembly, automatically compensating for the ride height drop and preventing steering problems and suspension bottom-out while maintaining the increased load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively counteracts the negative effect of added weight on ride height by automatically activating the pump to increase fluid volume and restore ride height before critical issues like steering problems or bottom-out occur. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effects rather than merely responding to them.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of shock components is made to accommodate different riders, then performance characteristics can be optimized, but device complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual adjustment mechanisms with an automated pump controlled by sensors. The shock automatically detects when adjustment is needed and performs the adjustment without user intervention, maintaining performance optimization across different riders while eliminating the complexity of manual adjustment mechanisms and reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as adjustable springs or preload nuts) with an automated pump system controlled by electronic sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustments while achieving the same adaptability, thereby reducing device complexity and user burden.
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 ensures the vehicle maintains its designated ride height dynamically, reducing the risk of steering issues, suspension bottom-out, and loss of control by automatically adjusting to changes in load distribution, thereby enhancing ride quality and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a pump to adjust fluid levels within the spring preload piston assembly
Implementation Method 2
internal floating piston (IFP) shock configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A shock assembly with automatically adjustable ride height. The shock assembly includes a main chamber with a working fluid therein. A damping piston coupled to a piston shaft, the damping piston disposed in the main chamber to divide the main chamber into a compression side fluid chamber and a rebound side fluid chamber. An automatic ride height adjustment assembly including an internal floating piston (IFP) pump assembly and a spring preload piston assembly.