Integrated Shock Absorber Layout for Compact Vehicle Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shock absorbers with vehicle height adjustment functions are large due to the separate reservoir and hydraulic jack system, making them difficult to mount on vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design that incorporates a cylinder filled with liquid, a piston to partition the cylinder into extension and compression chambers, a piston rod, a suspension spring, a reservoir for accumulating liquid, a damper circuit, and a pump with a switching valve to selectively enable the damper mode or vehicle height adjustment mode, eliminating the need for a hydraulic jack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate reservoir and hydraulic jack system is used for vehicle height adjustment, then the vehicle height adjustment function is achieved, but the overall size of the shock absorber becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir and hydraulic jack system into an integrated unit within the shock absorber structure. The reservoir is positioned within the shock absorber body, and the hydraulic jack shares the same hydraulic fluid supply, merging what were previously separate components into a unified system that achieves vehicle height adjustment without increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides suspension damping through the shock absorber main body while simultaneously enabling vehicle height adjustment through the integrated hydraulic jack system. The reservoir serves both the hydraulic jack operation and the shock absorber fluid needs, creating a multi-functional system that eliminates the need for separate dedicated components.
2Ease of operation
If a hydraulic jack is attached to the outer periphery of the outer shell for vehicle height adjustment, then the spring seat can be driven axially, but the shock absorber size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic jack is nested within the shock absorber structure rather than being attached externally. The jack chamber is positioned inside the shock absorber body, and the piston rod of the jack operates within the confined space, allowing the spring seat to be driven axially without increasing the external dimensions of the shock absorber.
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 design miniaturizes the shock absorber while maintaining the vehicle height adjustment functionality, allowing for compact integration on vehicles without the need for a separate jack and tank.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that is able to suck liquid from the reservoir and discharge the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a switching valve that is installed between the shock absorber main body and the damper circuit and the pump and is able to switch a damper mode and a vehicle height adjustment mode
Implementation Method 3
a suspension spring that biases the shock absorber main body in an extending direction
Implementation Method 4
a damper circuit that is connected to the extension side chamber, the compression side chamber, and the reservoir and generates a damping force in the shock absorber main body at the time when the shock absorber main body expands/contracts
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber with a vehicle height adjustment function according to the present invention includes a shock absorber main body that includes a cylinder filled with liquid, a piston that partitions inside of the cylinder into an extension side chamber and a compression side chamber, a piston rod coupled to the piston, a suspension spring that biases the shock absorber main body in an extending direction, a reservoir that accumulates liquid, a damper circuit that is connected to the extension side chamber, the compression side chamber, and the reservoir and generates a damping force in the shock absorber main body at the time when the shock absorber main body expands/contracts, a pump that is able to suck liquid from the reservoir and discharge the liquid, and a switching valve that is installed between the shock absorber main body and the damper circuit and the pump and switches a damper mode in which the shock absorber main body is connected to the damper circuit so as to generate a damping force in the shock absorber main body and a vehicle height adjustment mode in which the shock absorber main body is connected to the pump.