Integrated Air Compressor Suspension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges with weight and mechanical complexity from sway bars, and air compressor systems are prone to malfunction due to dust and water ingress, especially in off-road conditions, while also occupying valuable storage space with bulky compressors.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with an air compressor integrated into the frame, controlled by a control unit that selectively supplies air to air springs and an auxiliary output, using sensors to determine operating conditions to optimize air pressure and conserve space by sharing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a sway bar is used to reduce vehicle roll, then the vehicle stability is improved, but the weight and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sway bar from the vehicle suspension system entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused weight and complexity issues. The vehicle achieves roll control through alternative means by adjusting suspension characteristics using air springs and control systems, eliminating the need for the mechanical sway bar linkage.
2Volume of moving object
If an air compressor is integrated into the vehicle frame, then storage space is conserved, but the risk of compressor malfunction due to dust and water ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air compressor is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides pressurized air for the air springs in the suspension system and also serves as a portable air supply for external applications like inflating tires or other inflatable equipment. This multi-functionality justifies the integrated design and maximizes the utility of the built-in compressor while minimizing the need for separate storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes an air line with a valve that acts as an intermediary between the compressor and the external environment. This valve controls and regulates the flow of air from the compressor, allowing selective supply to air springs or external devices, and can be closed to isolate the compressor from potential contaminants when not in use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the air compressor continuously supplies air to air springs, then the suspension performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air compressor operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the control system determines that air pressure adjustment is needed in the air springs. The control system monitors suspension conditions and triggers compressor operation in periodic cycles to maintain optimal air pressure, rather than running continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving suspension performance.
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
The system reduces weight and complexity by integrating the compressor and optimizing air supply, while preventing malfunctions by controlling air flow based on vehicle conditions, thus enhancing performance and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor connected to the frame... supplying air to the at least one air spring
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the at least one front and at least one rear suspension assemblies including an air spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a frame, at least two wheels, at least one front and one rear suspension assembly, at least one of the suspension assemblies including an air spring, an air compressor, at least one air spring valve selectively fluidly communicating the air compressor with the at least one air spring, an auxiliary air output, an auxiliary valve selectively fluidly communicating the auxiliary air output with the air compressor, a control unit electrically connected to the air compressor, the at least one air spring valve, the auxiliary valve, and a vehicle condition sensor. The condition sensor senses an operating condition of the vehicle. The control unit only opens the auxiliary valve to fluidly communicate the auxiliary air output with the air compressor when a predetermined operating condition of the vehicle is sensed by the condition sensor. A method of controlling a pneumatic system of a vehicle is also disclosed.