Passive Ride Height Suspension Using Fluid Bladder and Accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems face a compromise between road-holding/handling, braking, comfort, and noise isolation, as they struggle to dynamically adjust ride height in response to varying road conditions and vehicle loads while maintaining contact between the road wheel and surface.
Innovation Solution
A passively controlled adjustable ride height suspension system utilizing an inflatable bladder and accumulator, which pumps and stores fluid in response to wheel forces, allowing the vehicle body to adjust height by selectively inflating or deflating, regulated by a sensor and controller to optimize ride height based on road conditions and vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspension systems are used, then the vehicle maintains basic road-holding and handling, but the ride height cannot be dynamically adjusted in response to varying road conditions and vehicle loads
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system uses the vehicle's own motion and suspension forces to pump fluid between the accumulator and bladder, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex active control mechanisms. The system serves itself by utilizing the natural compression and rebound forces of the suspension to drive fluid transfer, enabling dynamic ride height adjustment without adding significant complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a hydraulic system consisting of a bladder, accumulator, and fluid communication network to control ride height. By using fluid pressure and volume changes in the bladder, the system achieves smooth and controllable suspension height adjustment, leveraging hydraulic principles to transform mechanical suspension forces into positional control
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pneumatic suspensions are used, then ride height can be adjusted, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and utilizes the existing suspension forces and motion already present in the vehicle system, rather than introducing a separate powered actuation system. By taking out the need for external pumps, motors, or complex control valves, the system achieves ride height adjustment using only the natural dynamics of the suspension itself, significantly reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder serves multiple functions: it acts as both the suspension element and the ride height control mechanism. The same hydraulic fluid that provides suspension support also controls the ride height by being transferred to or from the accumulator, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity
3Reliability
If the suspension system dynamically adjusts ride height, then handling and comfort are enhanced, but additional components and control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension corner automatically regulates ride height by utilizing the forces generated during normal vehicle operation. The bladder and accumulator work together in a self-regulating manner, where suspension compression naturally pumps fluid to the accumulator and rebound naturally returns fluid to the bladder, maintaining wheel contact without additional active control components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the ride height control function with the existing suspension corner components. The bladder is integrated into the suspension assembly, and the accumulator is positioned to work in conjunction with the damper and control arm, combining multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity while enhancing reliability
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
This system effectively maintains contact between the road wheel and surface, enhancing handling and comfort by dynamically adjusting ride height, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing complexity compared to traditional pneumatic suspensions.
Implementation Method 1
a bladder arranged at the suspension corner, characterized by a variable height, and configured to pump a fluid in response to forces generated at the wheel and hold a volume of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
an accumulator in fluid communication with the bladder. The accumulator is configured to selectively accumulate the fluid pumped by the bladder and subsequently on demand release the fluid back into the hydraulic system
Implementation Method 3
The damper used in the suspension corner is configured to cushion forces being generated at the wheel as the vehicle traverses the road surface
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a road wheel includes a suspension corner connecting the road wheel to the vehicle body. The suspension corner maintains contact between the road wheel and a road surface. The suspension system includes a bladder arranged at the suspension corner for pumping a fluid in response to forces generated at the wheel and holding a volume of the fluid. The suspension system also includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the bladder for selectively accumulating the fluid pumped by and releasing the fluid to the bladder. The suspension system additionally includes a valve for selectively retaining the accumulated fluid in and releasing thereof from the accumulator. The height of the bladder varies in response to the volume of fluid being held by the bladder to set a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner.