Motorcycle Height Control via Segmented Hydraulic Jack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle height control devices for motorcycles cannot retain the vehicle height at intermediate positions between the high and low positions, lacking efficient control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle height control device incorporating a damper tube, piston rod, hydraulic jack, suspension spring, and hydraulic pump, with vehicle height detection means and a selector valve that allows the vehicle height to be adjusted and retained at any position through telescopic motion, using a solenoid valve for efficient control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-level vehicle-height control device is used to switch between high and low positions, then the vehicle height can be adjusted between two levels, but the vehicle height cannot be retained at any intermediate position between the high and low positions
Solution Approach 1:
The jack chamber is divided into multiple segments with intermediate ports corresponding to different height positions. By controlling which ports are connected to the oil reservoir chamber, the system can retain the vehicle at specific intermediate positions rather than only at extreme high or low positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector valve is designed with multiple positions (not just two) to dynamically control the connection between different jack chamber ports and the oil reservoir chamber. This allows the system to transition between multiple height retention states, enabling the vehicle to be held at any intermediate position as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual operation is used to switch the control valve, then the vehicle height can be switched between two levels, but the control efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates height detection means that continuously monitors the vehicle height and provides feedback to the control means. Based on this feedback, the control means automatically actuates the selector valve to maintain the desired height, eliminating the need for manual operation and significantly improving control efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to automatically regulate the vehicle height without requiring manual intervention. The height detection means and control means work together to self-adjust the selector valve position, allowing the system to service itself and maintain optimal height without human input.
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 the motorcycle to maintain any intermediate vehicle height position, improving ride stability and adjustability by efficiently controlling the hydraulic fluid flow using a solenoid valve based on detection results.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump that performs a pumping operation in conjunction with telescopic motion of the piston rod with respect to the damper tube to discharge hydraulic oil so that the hydraulic oil is fed to the jack chamber in the hydraulic jack
Implementation Method 2
a selector valve that connects, by switching, the jack chamber in the hydraulic jack to an oil reservoir chamber that is in communication with an oil chamber in the damper tube
Implementation Method 3
control means for controlling the switching of the selector valve based on a detection result from the vehicle height detection means to retain the vehicle height at any position
Implementation Method 4
a suspension spring that is interposed between a spring bearing supported by a plunger inserted in a jack chamber in a hydraulic jack and a spring bearing provided around the other one of the damper tube and the piston rod
Implementation Method 5
a hydraulic jack provided around one of the damper tube and the piston rod
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle height control device for a motorcycle which enables a vehicle height to be retained at any intermediate position and which implements instantaneously switchover of the vehicle height. A vehicle height control device for a motorcycle has vehicle height detection means for detecting the vehicle height, a selector valve that connects, by switching, a jack chamber in a hydraulic jack to an oil reservoir chamber that communicates with oil chambers in a damper tube, and control means for controlling the switching of the selector valve based on a detection result from the vehicle height detection means in order to retain the vehicle height at any position.