Integrated Air Supply Unit for Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air supply and management systems for vehicles are costly, bulky, and complex, necessitating a more efficient and compact solution for air-lift suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated air supply unit comprising a compressor housing with a piston, a pressure control unit with solenoid valves, a desiccant housing for moisture removal, and a piloted exhaust valve, which together provide a compact and efficient air supply system for air-lift suspension in vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate air supply units and air management modules are used, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air supply unit (compressor, dryer, control valves) and air management module (control valves, manifold pressure sensor, ECU) into a single integrated air supply unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication interfaces and physical connections between ASU and IAMM, reducing system complexity and component count while maintaining all necessary functions for air-lift suspension operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated air supply unit performs multiple functions that were previously distributed across separate components: compression, drying, moisture removal, air supply control, exhaust control, and system monitoring all occur within one unified device. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while ensuring reliable air management for the suspension system.
2Reliability
If separate air supply units and air management modules are used, then system reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the air management module into the air supply unit, the patent eliminates redundant housing, mounting structures, and connection hardware that would be required for separate components. The unified design reduces overall weight while maintaining all necessary control and monitoring functions for reliable air-lift suspension operation.
3Reliability
If separate air supply units and air management modules are used, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate production, testing, and assembly processes for distinct air supply and air management modules. The unified structure allows for simplified manufacturing workflows, reduced inventory requirements, and lower assembly complexity, all while maintaining system reliability through integrated control and monitoring functions.
4Reliability
If conventional air supply systems are used, then air management function is maintained, but volume and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the desiccant housing containing the moisture removal system is positioned within or adjacent to the compressor housing, and the pressure control unit with its solenoid valves is integrated into the same housing structure. This nesting of functional components within a unified housing significantly reduces the overall volume occupied by the air supply system while maintaining all necessary air management functions.
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 integrated air supply unit offers a more compact and lightweight solution compared to conventional systems, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining effective air management for vehicle suspension.
Implementation Method 1
a desiccant housing extending between the compressor housing and the PCU body and defining a desiccant cavity configured to hold a desiccant container for removing moisture from air passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a pressure control unit (PCU) body defining a plurality of fluid passages and a plurality of solenoid valves configured to selectively control airflow through corresponding ones of the plurality of fluid passages
Implementation Method 3
a compressor configured to supply pressurized air in a first pressurized air passage, wherein the compressor comprises the compressor housing
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
An integrated air supply unit comprises a compressor housing, a pressure control unit (PCU) body, and a desiccant housing extending between the compressor housing and the PCU body. The desiccant housing defines a desiccant cavity holding a desiccant container for removing moisture from air passing therethrough. A piston is slidably disposed within a piston bore of the compressor housing. The PCU body defines a plurality of fluid passages with solenoid valves selectively controlling airflow therethrough. The integrated air supply unit may also comprise: a manifold, a discharge control valve, a compressor supplying pressurized air in a first pressurized air passage, a dryer configured to remove moisture from the pressurized air in the first pressurized air passage and to supply dried pressurized air in a second pressurized air passage, a supply control valve to control airflow between the second pressurized air passage and the manifold, and a piloted exhaust valve.