Inflation Valve Bracket Sliding Attachment for Vehicle Air Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in balancing performance and comfort, especially under extreme conditions such as high speeds and off-road terrain, and current inflation valve bracket attachment methods are cumbersome and require drilling/tapping into the chassis.
Innovation Solution
An inflation valve bracket with a channel and flange that can be easily slid over a frame member, using zip ties or bolts for attachment without the need for drilling or tapping, allowing for quick and simple installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional drilling and tapping methods are used to attach the inflation valve bracket to the chassis, then the attachment is strong and reliable, but the installation process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a separate bracket component that attaches to the chassis without requiring modification. The bracket includes its own mounting features (channels, flanges, openings) that are distinct from the chassis structure, allowing independent installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation valve bracket serves as an intermediary component between the air spring assembly and the chassis. It provides a mounting interface using channels and flanges that can be attached to the chassis frame members without drilling or tapping, thereby mediating the connection while preserving chassis integrity.
2Strength
If drilling and tapping into the chassis is performed to secure the bracket, then the bracket is firmly attached, but the structural integrity of the chassis is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is extracted from the chassis structure itself and placed into a separate bracket component. This eliminates the need to drill or tap into the chassis, removing the harmful effect while preserving the chassis's structural integrity. The bracket carries its own mounting features independent of the chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary that provides the attachment function without requiring modification of the chassis. It includes channels and flanges that can be secured to the chassis frame members using alternative methods that do not compromise the chassis structure.
3Ease of operation
If a simple bracket design is used that can be easily attached without drilling, then installation is quick and easy, but the attachment may be less secure
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design allows for dynamic attachment methods - it can be secured using zip ties for quick installation or bolts for more secure attachment. The channel and flange structure accommodates different fastening approaches, allowing the installation method to be adjusted based on the required reliability level.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment reliability parameter can be changed by selecting different fastening methods. The same bracket structure can be attached with lower reliability (zip ties) for ease of installation or higher reliability (bolts) for secure attachment, allowing the parameter to be adjusted based on application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis having a frame member, and a suspension system carried by the chassis. One or more air spring assemblies are associated with the suspension system, with each air spring assembly having an air bag, an air line and an air valve. An inflation valve bracket includes a channel and a flange depending from the channel. The channel is at least partially wrapped around the frame member. The flange has one or more openings with a corresponding air valve in each opening.