Manifold Block Restrictor Valves for Concurrent Vehicle Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concurrent leveling systems for vehicles face challenges in smoothly raising and lowering the vehicle due to pressure imbalances between the front and rear ends, often resulting in tilting and inefficient airflow, as the heavier front end creates higher pressure that hinders simultaneous lowering of the rear end.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a manifold block with restrictor valves and a pneumatic valve assembly that uses a single magnetic force to control airflow, allowing for smooth and quick height adjustments by regulating fluid flow and reducing backpressure, enabling simultaneous and balanced raising and lowering of both ends without switching air spring blocker valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional manifold block with suspension valves is used to control airflow, then the vehicle can be raised and lowered, but the heavier front end creates higher pressure that prevents smooth concurrent lowering of both ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow resistance parameter by incorporating restrictor valves with specific orifice sizes in the airflow paths. The restrictor valve for the rear air spring has a different orifice size than those for the front air springs, creating differential flow resistance that compensates for the weight difference between front and rear ends, enabling balanced concurrent lowering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different flow resistance characteristics to different parts of the system. Specifically, the rear air spring circuit has a restrictor valve with a larger orifice compared to the front air spring restrictors, creating localized quality differences in flow resistance that balance the pressure distribution during vehicle leveling operations
2Ease of manufacture
If smaller ABS and ESC valves are used to reduce cost, then the system becomes more cost-effective, but controlling airflow for smooth leveling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the airflow control function by adding separate restrictor valves for each air spring circuit. This segmentation allows independent control of flow resistance in each circuit, enabling the use of smaller, simpler valves while maintaining smooth leveling performance through coordinated flow restriction
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor valves act as intermediary elements between the air springs and the suspension valves. These intermediaries regulate airflow to prevent abrupt pressure changes, allowing the use of smaller valves while maintaining smooth operation through controlled flow intermediation
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 solution ensures smooth and efficient leveling of the vehicle by maintaining balanced airflow between the axles, preventing tilting and allowing for quick and cost-effective operation using smaller, high-value ABS and ESC valves, while maintaining vehicle stability and ride height adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
An armature is slidably disposed in the channel and spaced from the stator. At least one coil is disposed about the stator and the armature for generating a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A first elastic member is disposed between the stator and the armature for biasing the armature axially away from the stator
Implementation Method 3
The body includes at least one restrictor valve disposed in series with the front suspension valves and in fluid communication with the front suspension valves for reducing fluid back flow
Data Source
AI summary
A concurrent leveling system includes a pressurized air source. A manifold block, having a body defining an air feed inlet, is disposed between air springs and the pressurized air source. The body includes front and rear suspension valves. Each of the suspension valves defines a suspension valve orifice having a first predetermined diameter. The body includes at least one restrictor valve parallel to and in fluid communication with the front suspension valves. The at least one restrictor valve includes a first check valve and a first blocker valve orifice defining a first orifice diameter. The first check valve and the first blocker valve orifice are disposed parallel to one another and in series with the front suspension valves and in fluid communication with the air feed inlet and the front suspension valves for reducing fluid back flow to allow the vehicle to be lowered in nominal loading conditions.