Load Leveling Emulsion Suspension with Fluid Compensation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current load leveling suspensions are not tunable over a wide range of vehicle types or operating conditions, limiting their adaptability to different vehicles and changing load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sprung load leveling strut with a compensation unit featuring three fluid chambers, including a spring chamber, a load leveling chamber, and a ride characteristic chamber, which allows for adjustment of vehicle ride height by varying the volume and pressure of compressible and incompressible fluids, enabling tunable ride height and spring rate progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coil or leaf springs are used to support vehicle weight with a load leveling component for additional compensation, then the suspension can provide basic load support, but the system is not tunable over a wide range of vehicle types or operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into distinct functional segments: a main spring chamber containing coil or leaf springs for primary load support, and a separate compensation chamber with a piston and compressible fluid for ride height adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together, enabling tunability across different vehicle types without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a movable piston within the compensation chamber that can dynamically adjust the volume of compressible fluid, thereby dynamically changing the ride height and spring rate characteristics. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the suspension to adapt to varying load conditions and vehicle types, providing tunability without increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pumped hydraulic oil system with a pneumatic bladder chamber is used for load compensation, then ride height can be adjusted in response to load changes, but the system cannot be tuned for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation chamber uses the vehicle's existing hydraulic system to supply incompressible fluid, eliminating the need for a dedicated pump. The system self-regulates ride height by allowing fluid to move between the compensation chamber and the main spring chamber based on load conditions, providing automatic adaptation to different operating conditions without adding complex pumping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as a ride height adjustment mechanism, a spring rate tuner, and a load compensation device. By using the existing hydraulic system's fluid for the compensation chamber, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate fluid systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the compensation unit uses compressible fluid in multiple chambers with pistons, then precise control of ride height and spring rate is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation chamber is integrated within the same housing as the main spring chamber, sharing common structural elements and fluid pathways. The piston in the compensation chamber works in conjunction with the main spring rather than as a completely separate system, merging multiple functions into a unified structure that achieves precise control without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enables precise adjustment of vehicle ride height and spring rate to accommodate various vehicle types and load conditions, providing improved stability and control by simulating the stiffness characteristics of conventional coil-over shock arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
The first chamber contains the first compressible fluid retained by a first piston
Implementation Method 2
The second chamber has a stop ring that defines a second chamber volume and is configured to accept a volume of an incompressible fluid
Implementation Method 3
The third chamber has a second piston and a closed end defining a third chamber volume that contains a second compressible fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system is disclosed utilizing oil addition and subtraction to actuate an accumulator to control position and stiffness in an Emulsion Shock/Oleo Pneumatic strut/Air spring strut. The strut maintains ride height for a wide variation in sprung mass and adjusts for the expansion/compression of the gas due to variations in temperature. The strut provides spring and damping characteristics.