Pneumatic Actuator with Retention Spring for Truck Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dynamic weight management (DWM) mechanisms in vehicle truck assemblies experience frequent maintenance and degradation due to chain abrasion and variations in tension, leading to reduced component life and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A lift mechanism is introduced that includes a pneumatic actuator with a retention spring, maintaining nominal compression on the vehicle suspension and reducing slack in the linkage chain, thereby minimizing chain abrasion and tension variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting chain is used to dynamically redistribute load between axles, then weight distribution is improved, but the chain experiences abrasion and tension variations leading to component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
A retention spring is introduced as an intermediary element between the piston rod and the chain linkage. This spring maintains continuous nominal compression on the suspension system, preventing the chain from going fully slack while still allowing dynamic weight redistribution. The spring absorbs tension variations and prevents extreme compression cycles, thereby reducing wear on the chain and other components while preserving the adaptability of the DWM system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention spring provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining a baseline compression force on the suspension system. This pre-applied force prevents the chain from experiencing sudden tension spikes and full slack conditions, cushioning the mechanical components against extreme stress cycles before they occur. The spring ensures that the system operates within a controlled range of motion, reducing cumulative wear over time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the actuator is deactivated to reduce energy consumption, then energy use is improved, but the suspension loses compression leading to increased chain slack and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The retention spring provides a self-service function by automatically maintaining nominal compression on the suspension system without requiring continuous actuator engagement. When the actuator is deactivated to conserve energy, the spring sustains the necessary compression force, preventing chain slack and abrasion. This eliminates the need for continuous active control, reducing energy consumption while protecting against harmful wear effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention spring performs preliminary action by establishing and maintaining a baseline compression state in the suspension system before any dynamic weight management operations occur. This pre-established compression ensures that when the actuator is inactive, the chain remains taut enough to prevent abrasion while allowing the system to return to a neutral, energy-efficient state without complete decompression.
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 extends the life of DWM components by reducing random motion and sudden tension changes in the chain, decreasing maintenance requirements and wear on the system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member arranged in the cylinder and configured to exert a force on the piston rod along a central axis of the cylinder in a direction opposing a sliding of the piston rod when the vehicle suspension is decompressed
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic actuator having a cylinder piston abutted to a piston rod and configured to adjust the vehicle suspension based on a pressure in the pneumatic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reducing slack in a linkage chain of a vehicle truck assembly is provided. In one example, a method includes compressing a vehicle suspension by actuating an actuator with a cylinder abutted to a piston rod, the piston rod coupled to the vehicle suspension and, when deactivating the actuator, maintaining at least nominal compression on the vehicle suspension with the piston rod spaced away from a piston of the cylinder via a biasing member, the piston configured to slide within the cylinder along a central axis of the cylinder.