Non-Jacking Vehicle Stabilizer Using Pneumatic Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle stabilization systems require significant power to lift the vehicle frame, leading to high costs and difficulties in ingress and egress due to elevated stabilization height.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle stabilization system incorporating an active suspension module, stabilizers, fluid manifold, and fluid controller that supports the vehicle without lifting it, using pneumatic springs and deployment mechanisms to maintain stability while minimizing power consumption and maintaining a lower profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicle stabilizers jack the vehicle frame upward to stabilize the vehicle, then the vehicle achieves stable support, but the vehicle frame is lifted to a significant height above the ground, increasing the difficulty of ingress and egress
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer system is divided into two functional components: a non-jacking stabilizer that provides support without lifting the frame, and a separate jack system that can be used independently if frame elevation is needed. This segmentation allows the stabilizer to focus solely on providing stable support while maintaining the frame at a lower, more accessible height.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the stabilizer to lift the vehicle frame upward for stabilization, the invention inverts the approach by having the stabilizer extend downward or horizontally to provide support while keeping the frame at its original height. The stabilizer leg extends to the ground and provides support through lateral or downward force rather than upward lifting force.
2Reliability
If vehicle stabilizers jack the vehicle frame upward to stabilize the vehicle, then the vehicle achieves stable support, but significant power is required to lift the vehicle, requiring heavy and expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the stabilization function from the lifting function. The non-jacking stabilizer handles only the stabilization task, which requires minimal power, while any necessary frame elevation is handled by a separate jack system. This division allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall power requirements and component weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer system utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms that can provide substantial support force with minimal power input. By using fluid pressure systems, the stabilizer can maintain vehicle support with very low continuous power consumption, as the system simply needs to maintain pressure rather than continuously overcome gravity like mechanical jacks must.
3Reliability
If vehicle stabilizers jack the vehicle frame upward to stabilize the vehicle, then the vehicle achieves stable support, but heavy and expensive components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer system is segmented into a non-jacking stabilizer component and a separate jack component. The non-jacking stabilizer can be designed as a lightweight structure since it only needs to provide lateral support and prevent movement, not bear the full vehicle weight through lifting. This segmentation reduces the weight and cost of each individual component while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer system is designed to work passively once deployed, using the vehicle's own weight and the stabilizer's geometric configuration to maintain stability without requiring heavy-duty active control systems. The system self-regulates through mechanical geometry and fluid pressure equilibrium, eliminating the need for expensive heavy-duty motors, sensors, and control systems that would be required for active jacking stabilizers.
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 efficient and cost-effective stationary vehicle stabilization without the need for heavy components, facilitating easier access and reducing power requirements while maintaining vehicle stability.
Implementation Method 1
The active suspension module can include a pneumatic spring, shock absorber, and/or damper
Implementation Method 2
The active suspension module can include a pneumatic spring, shock absorber, and/or damper
Implementation Method 3
The active suspension module can include a pneumatic spring, shock absorber, and/or damper
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle stabilization system including a frame; a wheel; a control arm connected to the frame and the wheel; a fluid spring connected to the frame and the control arm; a stabilizer connected to the frame and operable between a retracted and extended position; a reservoir; and a fluid manifold connected to the fluid spring and the chamber, fluidly coupling the spring interior and stabilizer chamber to the reservoir interior. A vehicle stabilization method including maintaining an orientation of the vehicle frame, coupling the frame to a support surface using a stabilizer by introducing a fluid to a chamber of the stabilizer, and retracting a wheel by reducing a quantity of fluid within a fluid spring coupling the wheel to the frame.