Leaf Spring Ride-Height Actuation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems, such as leaf suspension systems, face challenges in dynamically adjusting ride height and counterbalancing load variations, which can lead to uneven ride quality and reduced accessibility, especially in vehicles with varying cargo loads.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system incorporating electronically actuated linear actuators and a microprocessor-based control unit that adjusts the distance between the leaf spring and the axle mount based on ride-height sensors and other inputs, allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal ride height and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional leaf suspension systems are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ride height cannot be dynamically adjusted and load variations cannot be counterbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the suspension system adjustable and adaptable to changing conditions. Specifically, it uses adjustable ride height mechanisms (such as air springs with adjustable pressure or mechanically adjustable leaf springs) that allow the suspension characteristics to be changed dynamically based on load conditions and driver preference, transforming a static suspension system into a dynamic one that can adapt to various scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying key suspension parameters such as spring stiffness, damping coefficients, and ride height. Through adjustable leaf spring designs with variable stiffness characteristics or air spring pressure adjustment, the system can change its mechanical parameters to optimize performance for different load conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving adaptability.
2Reliability
If conventional suspension systems are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the ride quality becomes uneven when cargo load varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by incorporating load sensing mechanisms that detect cargo weight variations and automatically adjust suspension parameters to counterbalance the effect of varying loads. The system uses sensors to measure the actual load on the vehicle and adjusts spring stiffness or damping forces accordingly, creating a counteracting effect that maintains consistent ride quality regardless of cargo weight changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor ride height, load conditions, and suspension performance, then using this information to automatically adjust suspension parameters. The feedback loop ensures that the suspension system responds to changing conditions in real-time, maintaining optimal ride quality by comparing actual performance with target performance and making corrective adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If electronically actuated linear actuators are added for ride height adjustment, then ride height can be dynamically adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing suspension components that perform multiple functions. The electronically actuated linear actuators are integrated with existing suspension elements such that the same mechanism serves both ride height adjustment and load compensation functions. Additionally, the control system integrates multiple sensing and actuation functions into a unified platform, reducing overall system complexity despite the added capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system includes a leaf spring, an actuator attached to the leaf spring, and an axle mount attached to the actuator. The actuator is disposed vertically between the leaf spring and the axle mount and is actuatable to change a distance between the leaf spring and the axle mount.