Nested Gas Spring Shock Absorber for Active Wheel Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems lack the ability to independently and actively adjust ride height, spring rate, and damping characteristics of individual wheels, leading to suboptimal handling and comfort, particularly in varying terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A combined gas spring and shock absorber system with dual chambers, each with independent pressure control via valves and sensors, allowing for real-time adjustment of ride height, spring rate, and damping through an on-board processor, optionally using air or other gases, and incorporating a built-in compressor for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional passive suspension systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the handling and comfort performance is suboptimal in varying terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a gas spring and shock absorber into a single integrated assembly, where the gas spring provides spring rate adjustment and the shock absorber provides damping control. This merging allows independent adjustment of both spring rate and damping characteristics through a unified control system, improving adaptability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system implements dynamic adjustability through electronic control valves that can modify gas pressure in the gas spring chambers and damping characteristics in the shock absorber in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions by actively changing suspension parameters rather than being fixed
2Ease of operation
If independently adjustable suspension systems are implemented, then handling and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to manage multiple functions through a unified architecture. The electronic control unit coordinates pressure adjustment in both gas spring chambers and damping control in the shock absorber, allowing independent wheel adjustment while using a standardized control approach that reduces overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber is positioned inside the gas spring assembly, creating a nested configuration where the shock absorber housing fits within the gas spring housing. This nesting reduces spatial requirements and integrates the valve mechanisms and control systems into a compact unified structure
3Manufacturing precision
If dual-chamber gas spring with independent pressure control is used, then ride height and spring rate control are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring is divided into two independent chambers with separate inlet and outlet valves, allowing independent pressure control for each chamber. This segmentation enables precise control of ride height and spring rate by adjusting pressure in individual chambers, while each chamber can be manufactured and tested separately before final assembly
4Productivity
If active suspension control with sensors and processors is implemented, then vehicle performance is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system uses periodic adjustment cycles rather than continuous control. The electronic control unit monitors sensor inputs and activates valves only when adjustment is needed based on terrain conditions or ride height deviations, rather than continuously modulating pressure. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining performance
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 independent and active control over wheel suspension, improving handling, comfort, and stability by dynamically adjusting to terrain conditions, enhancing vehicle performance and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable suspension gas spring having at least two chambers
Implementation Method 2
compressed CO2 or other suitable compressed gases
Implementation Method 3
A shock absorber component is mounted within the gas spring, and cooperates with the gas spring
Data Source
AI summary
A combination gas spring and shock absorber apparatus includes a vented gas spring housing and a vented shock absorber housing slidably mounted within the gas spring housing. A shock absorber piston is concentrically mounted within a gas spring piston. A base housing is slidably mounted in the gas spring housing. A shaft extends through the base housing and into the shock absorber housing. The shock absorber piston is mounted in the shock absorber housing on the free end of the shaft. The gas spring piston is mounted in the gas spring housing on the distal end of the base housing. The shock absorber piston is fluidically sealed and slides within the shock absorber housing. The gas spring piston is fluidically sealed and slides along the gas spring housing and the shock absorber housing. The base housing telescopically translates relative to the gas spring housing.