Rear Suspension Damping Control With In-Cabin Manual Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing off-road vehicles require the vehicle to be stopped for manual adjustment of shock absorber damping functions, which is inconvenient, or use costly electronic actuators for remote control, which is not economically viable for all users.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of remote auxiliary reservoirs with manual controls positioned within the occupant space of the vehicle, allowing for active adjustment of rear shock absorber damping functions while the vehicle is moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual controls are positioned near the shock absorbers, then the damping function can be adjusted, but the vehicle must be stopped for adjustment which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary reservoir is separated from the shock absorber and positioned remotely within the occupant space, allowing independent adjustment of damping function without stopping the vehicle. The manual control is segmented from the shock absorber assembly and placed in the cabin for accessible adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote auxiliary reservoir acts as an intermediary between the occupant and the shock absorber damping mechanism. The reservoir contains adjustable orifices that mediate the flow of damping fluid, enabling control adjustments while the vehicle is in motion without directly interfering with the shock absorber operation.
2Ease of operation
If electronic actuators are used for remote control, then the vehicle can be adjusted while moving, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple manual control mechanism with adjustable orifices instead of expensive electronic actuators. The auxiliary reservoir with manual adjustment capability provides a cost-effective solution that achieves remote adjustability without requiring complex electronic systems, sensors, or power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The occupant directly controls the damping function through manual adjustment of the auxiliary reservoir settings while moving. The system is self-regulating through the adjustable orifices that control fluid flow without requiring external power sources, electronic controls, or complex actuation mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the manual control is positioned within the occupant space, then adjustment can be made while moving, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary reservoir serves multiple functions: it stores damping fluid, provides adjustable flow control through multiple orifice options, and acts as a remote control mechanism. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated component that simplifies the overall control architecture.
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 convenient and cost-effective active adjustment of rear suspension damping without needing to stop the vehicle, enhancing user experience and comfort by allowing real-time adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A first auxiliary reservoir in fluid communication with the first shock absorber and having a manual control for adjusting a damping function of the first shock absorber
Data Source
AI summary
An off-road vehicle includes a frame assembly defining an occupant space and a rear suspension including first and second shock absorbers that respectively couple first and second rear wheels to the frame assembly. A first remote auxiliary reservoir is in fluid communication with the first shock absorber and has a first shock absorber damping control. A second remote auxiliary reservoir is in fluid communication with the second shock absorber and has a second shock absorber damping control. The first shock absorber damping control and the second shock absorber damping control are positioned within the occupant space, thereby enabling active adjustments to the damping function of the rear suspension.