Pneumatic Spring Module Layout for Low-Height Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air spring modules with multi-chamber rolling pistons face challenges in simplified production and reliable automated assembly due to the offset positioning of valves, which complicates the assembly process and increases manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The air spring module design features working spaces arranged next to each other in the rolling piston, allowing all valves to be positioned in a single plane, enabling simplified and cost-effective automated assembly without compensating for positional tolerances, and incorporating a low overall height with the valves arranged horizontally and integrated partition walls for efficient space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If working chambers are arranged one above the other in the axial direction, then the air spring volume can be adjusted, but the valves must be positioned offset which complicates automated assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging working chambers in the axial direction (one above the other) to arranging them radially adjacent to each other around the shock absorber cylinder. This dimensional change allows all valves to be positioned in the same horizontal plane, enabling simplified automated assembly while maintaining the ability to adjust air spring volume through the rolling piston mechanism
2Ease of manufacture
If working chambers are arranged radially adjacent to each other, then all valves can be positioned in one plane for simplified assembly, but the installation height must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by positioning the rolling piston with radially arranged working chambers around the shock absorber cylinder. The working chambers are arranged concentrically, with partition walls extending radially inward, allowing the entire multi-chamber structure to fit within a compact radial envelope while maintaining low installation height. The rolling piston itself rolls around the cylinder, maximizing space utilization
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 design facilitates reliable and efficient assembly of the air spring module with reduced positional tolerances, allowing for easy manufacturing and adjustment of the spring rate through multiple working chambers, while maintaining a low overall height and simplifying the production process.
Implementation Method 1
an air spring with a rolling bellows which is fastened to an air spring cover and a rolling piston
Implementation Method 2
the rolling bellows at least partially delimits a first working chamber filled with compressed air
Implementation Method 3
a shock absorber for cushioning and damping vibrations of a vehicle chassis
Implementation Method 4
damping vibrations
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pneumatic spring module (10) with a pneumatic spring (11) and a shock absorber (12) for spring cushioning and damping vibrations of a motor vehicle chassis. The pneumatic spring (11) has a rolling bellows (16) which is fastened to a pneumatic spring cover (13) and to a rolling piston (19). The rolling bellows (16) at least partly delimits a first working chamber (17) which is filled with compressed air. The rolling piston (19) is provided with least two working chambers (20, 21) which are separated from one another by a partition (37, 38) and are connectable to the first working chamber (17) via switchable valves (28, 29) arranged in the rolling piston (19). In order to obtain simple production and installation and a low overall height, the rolling piston (19) has at least two working chambers (20, 21; 57, 58) which are arranged lying next to one another.