Monotube Active Suspension Pump Flow Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional passive suspension systems lack the flexibility and advanced control needed to provide optimal comfort and road handling for various types of vehicles, as they rely on fixed damping forces and do not effectively accommodate different vehicle types or load conditions.

Innovation Solution

The proposed hydraulic actuator circuit includes a motor-driven pump system with accumulators and switch valves that control fluid flow between working chambers of shock absorbers, allowing for adjustable damping forces and static load leveling, enabling improved vehicle height adjustment and reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional passive suspension system with fixed damping forces is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot accommodate different vehicle types or load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to accommodate different vehicle typesVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability of damping forces through electronically controlled hydraulic actuators that can vary their characteristics in real-time based on vehicle conditions, replacing fixed passive components with actively controllable elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The semi-active suspension system is designed to serve multiple vehicle types and loading conditions through a unified platform that can adapt its damping characteristics, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific suspension designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If hydraulic actuators with piston flow restriction are used to generate damping forces, then vibration absorption is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration absorptionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The semi-active suspension system uses the vehicle's existing motion energy and gravity to generate damping forces, with the hydraulic actuators passively responding to piston movement rather than requiring continuous active power input, thereby reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The damping forces are generated through periodic piston movements that naturally occur during vehicle operation, utilizing the rhythmic nature of suspension compression and rebound cycles to create damping effects without continuous energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed damping forces are used in passive suspension systems, then the system is simple to implement, but roll control performance during cornering is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidroll control performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the damping parameter characteristics by allowing real-time adjustment of damping forces based on vehicle acceleration and cornering conditions, transforming fixed-parameter passive dampers into variable-parameter semi-active actuators that optimize roll control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances vehicle stability and comfort by providing flexible damping control, reducing energy consumption, and improving roll control performance, especially in cornering scenarios, while allowing for cost-effective integration into different vehicle designs.

Implementation Method 1

Because the piston is able to restrict the flow of damping fluid within the working chamber of the hydraulic actuator when the piston is displaced within the pressure cylinder, the hydraulic actuator is able to produce a damping force which counteracts the vibration of the suspension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 2

Other, more elaborate systems, can generate variable damping forces during rebound and compression movements of the hydraulic actuator regardless of the position and movement of the piston in the pressure tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10434835B2Monotube active suspension system having different system layouts for controlling pump flow distribution

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 ADVANCED SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A hydraulic actuator circuit is disclosed for use with first and second shock absorbers, which each may include a piston disposed within a housing. The piston helps define upper and lower working chambers. The circuit may have a motor, a first pump, driven by the motor, and is associated with the first shock absorber and the motor. A second pump, driven by the motor, may be associated with the second shock absorber. A first accumulator communicates with both of the first and second pumps. A first switch valve may assist in controlling fluid flow into the chambers of the first shock absorber. A second switch valve may assist in controlling fluid flow into the chambers of the second shock absorber.