Multi-Circuit Hydraulic Actuator for Vehicle Pitch and Roll Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle stabilization systems using reservoir tanks and hydraulic fluid pumps increase vehicle weight, generate noise and vibrations, and require frequent maintenance due to hydraulic fluid evaporation and leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with integrated hydraulic actuators that replace the need for a separate reservoir tank and fluid pump, using fluid chambers and pistons to control vehicle body movement relative to wheels, reducing noise, vibration, and weight while eliminating the need for external valve arrangements and pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reservoir tank and hydraulic fluid pump are used in the stabilization system, then hydraulic fluid can be stored and delivered to shock absorbers, but the vehicle weight increases and noise and vibrations are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reservoir tank from the hydraulic system, extracting the storage function and replacing it with a closed-loop system where hydraulic fluid is recirculated between the pump and shock absorbers. This eliminates the need for a separate reservoir, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining stabilization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hydraulic fluid storage and circulation functions into an integrated closed-loop system. The hydraulic fluid serves dual purposes: as the working medium for the pump and as the stabilizing medium for the shock absorbers, eliminating the need for separate reservoir and pump systems.
2Reliability
If a reservoir tank and hydraulic fluid pump are used in the stabilization system, then hydraulic fluid can be stored and delivered to shock absorbers, but noise and vibrations are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reservoir tank from the hydraulic system, extracting the storage function and replacing it with a closed-loop system where hydraulic fluid is recirculated between the pump and shock absorbers. This eliminates the need for a separate reservoir, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining stabilization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop hydraulic system is self-contained, with the hydraulic fluid continuously recirculating between the pump and shock absorbers without requiring external reservoirs or additional components. The system serves itself by maintaining fluid circulation and pressure regulation internally, reducing noise and vibrations from external components.
3Reliability
If a reservoir tank is used in the hydraulic circuit, then hydraulic fluid can be stored, but frequent maintenance is required due to evaporation and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reservoir tank from the hydraulic system, extracting the storage function and replacing it with a closed-loop system where hydraulic fluid is recirculated between the pump and shock absorbers. This eliminates the need for a separate reservoir, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining stabilization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop hydraulic system is self-contained, with the hydraulic fluid continuously recirculating between the pump and shock absorbers without requiring external reservoirs or additional components. The system serves itself by maintaining fluid circulation and pressure regulation internally, reducing noise and vibrations from external components.
4Reliability
If a reservoir tank is used in the hydraulic circuit, then hydraulic fluid can be stored, but the movement of damping fluid in the enclosure affects the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reservoir tank from the hydraulic system, extracting the storage function and replacing it with a closed-loop system where hydraulic fluid is recirculated between the pump and shock absorbers. This eliminates the need for a separate reservoir, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining stabilization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop hydraulic system is self-contained, with the hydraulic fluid continuously recirculating between the pump and shock absorbers without requiring external reservoirs or additional components. The system serves itself by maintaining fluid circulation and pressure regulation internally, reducing noise and vibrations from external components.
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 system provides improved control over vehicle body movement, reduces noise and vibration, minimizes weight and maintenance, and enhances stability by directly adjusting hydraulic fluid pressure within the closed hydraulic system, allowing for efficient power transmission and precise control of damping pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one hydraulic actuator is configured to adjust a preload of the at least two hydraulic damper assemblies by moving hydraulic fluid into and out of the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
each of the at least one actuator pistons is operatively connected to a drive unit, the drive unit being configured to generate a translation of the at least one actuator pistons in the first and second direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A system 201, 202, 300, 400, 500 for use in a vehicle to control movement of a vehicle body relative to each wheel of the vehicle. The system comprising at least two hydraulic damper assemblies 210, 211, 310, 311, 410, 411, 510, 511 or shock absorbers, each configured to connect the vehicle body to a respective wheel of the vehicle. The system further comprises at least one hydraulic actuator 100, 225, 325, 425, 525 configured to be in fluid communication with at least two of the hydraulic damper assemblies. The at least one hydraulic actuator comprises at least two fluid chambers 150, 154, each comprising an aperture 157, 158 at a first end thereof, and at least two actuator pistons 140, 144, each slidable within respective fluid chambers in a first direction, D1, thereof for moving hydraulic fluid into the fluid chamber via the aperture and in a second direction, D2, for moving hydraulic fluid out of the fluid chamber via the aperture. Further, each of the at least one actuator pistons is operatively connected to a drive unit 110, 228, the drive unit being configured to generate a translation of the at least one actuator pistons in the first and second direction. Still further, the at least one hydraulic actuator is configured to adjust a preload of the at least two hydraulic damper assemblies to control at least one of a pitching movement of the vehicle body relative to the wheels of the vehicle; and a rolling movement of the vehicle body relative to the wheels of the vehicle.