IFP Shock Assembly for Automatic Ride Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems struggle to maintain optimal ride height across varying loads, leading to compromised performance, increased roughness, and potential safety issues such as loss of control and tire blowouts.
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 volume in a fluid chamber within the spring preload piston assembly, allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain the designated ride height (SAG) regardless of load changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shock is set to a softer setting for a lighter rider, then the ride comfort is improved, but the available travel becomes insufficient when a heavier rider uses the same shock
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly dynamically adjusts its characteristics based on load conditions. The pump assembly actively transfers fluid between chambers to modify the effective spring rate and travel characteristics, transforming a static suspension system into one that adapts in real-time to varying rider weights and road conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the suspension by varying fluid volume distribution between chambers. By pumping fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber, the system modifies spring preload, damping characteristics, and available travel to optimize performance for different load conditions
2Length of moving object
If the shock is set to a harder setting for a heavier rider, then the available travel is increased, but the ride becomes extremely hard when a lighter rider uses the same shock
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly dynamically adjusts its characteristics based on load conditions. The pump assembly actively transfers fluid between chambers to modify the effective spring rate and travel characteristics, transforming a static suspension system into one that adapts in real-time to varying rider weights and road conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the suspension by varying fluid volume distribution between chambers. By pumping fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber, the system modifies spring preload, damping characteristics, and available travel to optimize performance for different load conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of shock components is made to accommodate different riders, then the performance characteristics are optimized, but the time and complexity of adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system performs self-adjustment through the pump assembly, which automatically or semi-automatically transfers fluid between chambers based on detected load conditions. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to reconfigure the suspension for different riders, as the system adapts itself in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect ride height, load weight, and suspension characteristics, feeding this information back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the pump assembly automatically adjusts fluid distribution to optimize performance for the current rider without requiring manual measurement or adjustment
4Adaptability or versatility
If the shock components are changed to accommodate different riders, then the performance characteristics are optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly is designed as a universal system that can accommodate multiple riders and various road conditions through electronic control and fluid transfer mechanisms. Rather than requiring different physical shock components for different riders, a single multi-functional shock assembly with adjustable characteristics replaces multiple specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles by pumping fluid between chambers to adjust suspension characteristics. This fluid-based adjustment mechanism provides continuous variable control over spring rate and damping characteristics, replacing the need for discrete mechanical adjustment components or multiple pre-configured shock assemblies
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 enables the vehicle to maintain optimal ride height and performance across different load conditions, reducing the risk of safety issues and enhancing the overall driving experience by automatically adjusting to ensure the vehicle remains within its designated SAG.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in selective communication with the fluid chamber and in communication with a reservoir to adjust a volume of fluid in the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
an internal floating piston (IFP) shock configuration with an automatically adjustable ride height system
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.