Multi-Chamber Gas Spring for Linear Vehicle Suspension Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas springs in vehicle suspension systems face challenges with a large initial gas volume leading to low spring force and excessive compliance, requiring a solution to adjust the gas spring rate effectively throughout the compression stroke.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension system gas spring with a compressible main gas chamber and an additional volume that can be combined to change the gas spring rate, utilizing a low friction piston seal and adjustable secondary gas chamber to extend the linear portion of the spring rate curve, allowing for user-adjustable parameters such as chamber volumes and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a large initial gas volume is used in the gas spring, then the stroke length is extended, but the spring force becomes too low and compliance becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring is divided into multiple gas chambers (first gas chamber and second gas chamber) separated by a floating piston. This segmentation allows different portions of the gas volume to be utilized at different stages of compression, enabling the system to achieve both extended stroke and adequate spring force through staged gas compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective gas volume parameter dynamically during operation. Initially, only the first gas chamber is active providing high spring force. As compression progresses and the floating piston moves, the second gas chamber is gradually incorporated, increasing the effective gas volume and extending the stroke while maintaining appropriate spring characteristics.
2Length of moving object
If a large initial gas volume is used in the gas spring, then the stroke is extended, but the spring rate becomes too compliant
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gas volume into multiple chambers, the system can control the progression of compliance. The first gas chamber provides initial stiffness, and the second gas chamber is gradually engaged to extend stroke without causing excessive overall compliance, as each chamber contributes progressively to the total volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective gas volume during compression through the movement of the floating piston. This dynamic adjustment allows the spring rate to progress from stiffer initial characteristics to more compliant later characteristics, matching the desired performance profile rather than maintaining fixed compliance throughout the stroke.
3Length of moving object
If the gas spring rate is reduced to extend stroke, then the stroke increases, but the spring force becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The first gas chamber is pre-configured to provide adequate spring force for the initial portion of the stroke. This preliminary action ensures sufficient force is available when the vehicle encounters bumps, while the second gas chamber is prepared to be gradually incorporated as compression progresses, extending the overall stroke without compromising initial support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective gas volume parameter during operation to extend stroke. As the floating piston moves in response to compression, the second gas chamber is gradually incorporated into the active volume, allowing the compression stroke to extend beyond what would be possible with a fixed small gas volume while maintaining appropriate force characteristics through the transition.
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
The solution provides a more linear spring rate for a substantial portion of the travel, reducing the spring rate exponentially only in the latter stages of compression, enhancing the shock absorber's performance by maintaining a smooth transition and adjustable characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible main gas chamber and an additional volume combinable with the main chamber to change a gas spring rate of the system
Implementation Method 2
a low friction piston seal is created by a flexible seal member
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a vehicle suspension system gas spring. In one embodiment, a vehicle suspension system gas spring includes a compressible main gas chamber and an additional volume combinable with the main chamber to change a gas spring rate of the system. In one embodiment, a low friction piston seal is created by a flexible seal member.