Modular Electropneumatic Air Suspension for Chassis Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chassis air suspension devices for commercial vehicles require a large number of electrical connections for level control, leading to increased assembly effort and potential contact-related failures.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized chassis air suspension device with modular electropneumatic air suspension modules, each containing a solenoid valve device and electronic control unit, which adjusts air spring bellows pressure based on target and actual level signals, reducing the need for extensive signal lines and allowing independent testing of modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central electronic control unit controls solenoid valves to regulate target level at various chassis sections, then level control is achieved, but a large number of electrical connections (signal lines) are required, increasing assembly effort and potential contact failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into autonomous electropneumatic modules, each responsible for a specific chassis section. Each module contains its own electronic control unit and solenoid valve assembly, eliminating the need for extensive centralized electrical connections. The modules communicate via a data bus rather than individual signal lines, significantly reducing wiring complexity while maintaining level control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A data bus serves as an intermediary communication medium between the central electronic control unit and the distributed electropneumatic modules. This single communication channel replaces multiple individual signal lines, reducing the number of electrical connections from many separate wires to a single standardized bus system, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing contact failure points.
2Reliability
If a central electronic control unit with multiple signal lines is used, then level control is achieved, but assembly effort increases due to routing numerous electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The electropneumatic system is segmented into modular units, each with integrated control electronics and valve assemblies. This modular architecture allows modules to be pre-assembled and tested independently, then installed as complete units on the vehicle, dramatically reducing on-site assembly effort and electrical routing complexity while preserving full level control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electropneumatic module is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can control multiple air springs within its section. The modules use standardized interfaces and communication protocols, allowing them to be installed in different vehicle configurations without custom wiring, thereby reducing assembly effort while maintaining reliable level control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous signal lines are routed for level control, then chassis sections can be controlled, but contact problems may lead to system failure
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into autonomous modules with integrated electronics, the patent eliminates the need for numerous interconnecting signal lines between the central control unit and individual actuators. Each module processes control signals locally and communicates status via a robust data bus, reducing the number of potential contact failure points while maintaining the ability to control multiple chassis sections independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The data bus acts as a reliable intermediary communication channel that replaces fragile point-to-point signal line connections. This standardized bus system provides shielded, noise-resistant communication with fewer connection points, thereby maintaining chassis section control capability while significantly improving resistance to contact-related system failures.
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 simplifies assembly, enhances reliability by reducing electrical connections and allowing independent module testing, and maintains consistent suspension comfort across varying loads.
Implementation Method 1
at least one air spring bellows by which at least one section of the chassis is supported relative to the suspension
Implementation Method 2
integrated module solenoid valve assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a chassis air-suspension device (1) for supporting a chassis of a utility vehicle (2) on running gear, including level control, which comprises at least the following: at least one central electronic control unit (24c) which predetermines at least one desired level signal characterizing a desired level for at least one section of the chassis, at least one level sensor (14, 16a, 16b) which produces an actual level signal characterizing an actual level of the at least one section of the chassis, at least one air-spring bellows (12a, 12b) which supports the at least one section of the chassis in relation to the running gear, and at least one compressed-air reservoir. According to the invention, the chassis air-suspension device (1) is constructed modularly and comprises, as modules, at least the central electronic control unit (24c) and additionally at least one electropneumatic air-suspension module (18, 20), wherein the at least one electropneumatic air-suspension module (18, 20) is provided with an integrated module solenoid valve device (22c, 22d) and with an electronic module control unit (24c, 24d) integrated in the module solenoid valve device (22c, 22d) for control purposes, wherein the electronic module control unit (24c, 24d) processes the at least one desired level signal and the at least one actual level signal, and wherein the module solenoid valve device (22c, 22d) is connected to the at least one air-spring bellows (12a, 12b) and to the at least one compressed-air reservoir, and wherein the electronic module control unit (24c, 24d) is designed so as to control the module solenoid valve device (22c, 22d) depending on the at least one actual level signal and the at least one desired level signal in such a manner that, by ventilating the at least one air-spring bellows (12a, 12b) with compressed air from the at least one compressed-air reservoir or by venting the at least one air-spring bellows (12a, 12b) into a pressure sink (40c, 40d), the actual level of the at least one section of the chassis is adapted to the desired level.