Isolator Performance Logging System for Suspension Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension seats for military, commercial, and recreational vehicles lack effective methods for real-time monitoring and logging of performance data, particularly in harsh conditions, which can lead to inadequate mitigation of forces and accelerations, potentially causing injury and equipment failure.
Innovation Solution
An isolator performance data logging system comprising accelerometers and displacement sensors that measure and log mitigated and unmitigated accelerations, displacement, and other parameters, allowing for real-time data display and adjustment of isolator settings to enhance safety and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time monitoring and logging of performance data is implemented, then safety and performance can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time monitoring of isolator performance data including displacement, acceleration, and force measurements. This feedback mechanism allows operators to adjust isolator settings dynamically to maintain optimal performance and safety levels, directly addressing the reliability improvement while managing complexity through automated data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated logging and analysis of performance data without requiring constant manual intervention. The isolator system self-monitors its performance parameters and provides data for analysis, reducing the operational burden while maintaining enhanced safety and reliability.
2Reliability
If isolator settings are fine-tuned to reduce forces and accelerations, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of isolator settings based on real-time performance data and operating conditions. Rather than static fine-tuning, the system adapts compression and rebound damping characteristics dynamically, allowing safety optimization without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies isolator performance by changing key parameters such as compression damping, rebound damping, air pressure, and spring constant based on monitored performance data. These parameter adjustments optimize safety while using standard isolator adjustment mechanisms rather than adding complex new systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If performance data is logged in harsh conditions, then equipment lifespan can be extended through optimization, but measurement precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs robust, simple sensors that can withstand harsh marine environments including saltwater exposure, temperature extremes, and vibration. While individual sensors may have limited lifespans in such conditions, their simplicity and replaceability ensure continuous monitoring capability, extending overall system operational life through easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system uses corrosion-resistant materials and sealed housings to protect measurement components from harsh marine conditions. This composite approach combining protective enclosures with sensitive measurement devices maintains measurement precision while withstanding environmental degradation.
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 enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of suspension seat performance, improving safety by mitigating forces and accelerations, and extending equipment lifespan by optimizing isolator settings and usage.
Implementation Method 1
a first accelerometer unit fixable relative to a mitigated end of an isolator to measure mitigated accelerations, a second accelerometer unit fixable relative to an unmitigated end of the isolator to measure unmitigated accelerations
Implementation Method 2
the displacement sensor measures a displacement of the target relative to the displacement sensor for determining a displacement of the isolator
Implementation Method 3
An isolator (e.g. a shock absorber), such as a coil-over shock absorber or an air-shock absorber, mitigates (e.g. reduces or dampens) relative movement and acceleration between the first and second portions
Data Source
AI summary
An isolator performance data logging system comprising a displacement unit for measuring a displacement of the isolator. the displacement unit comprises a displacement sensor housing fixable relative to a mitigated end of the isolator, a target fixable relative to an unmitigated end of the isolator. A displacement sensor is located within the displacement sensor housing for measuring a displacement of the target relative to the displacement sensor. A first accelerometer unit is fixable relative to the mitigated end of the isolator. A second accelerometer unit is fixable relative to the unmitigated end of the isolator.