Regenerative Vehicle Shock Absorber Fluid Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorption systems in vehicles operate independently, leading to inefficiencies and unexploited energy potential, as they do not effectively manage pressures and vacuums generated during operation, and existing regenerative systems suffer from pulsation issues in flow movement regulation.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative shock absorption system where all shock absorbers are connected through a single fluid circuit, with one-way valves ensuring continuous fluid movement to a turbine-powered alternator/generator, a flow regulator to dampen pulsations, and a reserve tank to manage fluid accumulation, optimizing energy generation and system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If shock absorbers operate independently without a unified fluid circuit, then the system structure is simpler, but energy generation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent shock absorbers into a unified regenerative shock absorption system where all shock absorbers are connected through a single fluid circuit. This allows the system to collect and utilize hydraulic energy from all shock absorbers simultaneously, transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy through a turbine-generator setup, thereby improving overall energy generation effectiveness while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
2Loss of energy
If a single fluid circuit is used to connect all shock absorbers, then energy generation is improved, but flow movement pulsations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow regulator as an intermediary device in the fluid circuit that acts as a buffer between the pulsating flow from shock absorbers and the turbine-generator. This flow regulator smooths out the pulsations by storing excess fluid during high-flow periods and releasing it during low-flow periods, ensuring continuous and stable turbine rotation for consistent electrical energy generation while maintaining the benefits of the unified fluid circuit
3Productivity
If flow pulsations are present in the fluid circuit, then the system structure is simpler, but energy generation continuity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by incorporating a flow regulator that anticipates and compensates for flow pulsations before they reach the turbine-generator. The flow regulator pre-smooths the fluid flow by accumulating excess fluid during compression strokes and supplementing flow during rebound strokes, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted turbine rotation. This preliminary regulation mechanism maintains high energy generation continuity while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple through the use of a single integrated circuit
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 configuration enhances the effectiveness of shock absorption and electrical energy generation by regulating flow pressure and rate, ensuring continuous energy production and improved system performance, addressing the inefficiencies and pulsation issues of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
passing through a turbine, operates an alternator/generator with which electrical energy is generated
Implementation Method 2
operates an alternator/generator with which electrical energy is generated that could be exploited in the vehicle itself
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention, as expressed by the title of the present description, relates to a shock absorption system with electrical energy generation, for vehicles, which provides advantages and features to the function for which it is intended, which are described in detail below and which entail an improvement to the current prior art. The subject matter of the present invention concerns an improved shock absorption system in which all the shock absorbers of the vehicle are connected together by means of a fluid circuit, each shock absorber having two one-way inlet valves and two one-way outlet valves, such that, both in the ascending and descending movements of the piston of the shock absorber, a pressure increase is produced in one of the chambers thereof and a vacuum in the opposite chamber, establishing a means of compensation with the rest of the shock absorbers by regulating the inlet and outlet flow, wherein said flow passes through a small turbine associated with an alternator in which electrical energy is generated for use in the vehicle. The system is further distinguished in that it comprises: a device for regulating flow and damping the pulsing movement thereof, from where the flow is directed to the turbine; and a reserve tank located after the turbine to cover the amount of fluid that accumulates in the pulse-damper/regulator, thereby optimising the performance of the system.