Regenerative Suspension Accumulator Energy Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regenerative suspension systems in vehicles fail to efficiently generate hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to operate motors and electric generators due to variations in driving surfaces, limiting their ability to recharge batteries and reduce fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative suspension system that replaces or complements standard shock absorbers with a pump attached to a central accumulator cylinder, using pressurized fluid or air to charge a motor coupled to an electric generator, which captures energy from road variations and suspension movement to recharge vehicle batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a regenerative suspension system uses standard shock absorbers to capture energy from suspension movement, then the system structure is simple, but the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure generated is insufficient to efficiently operate motors and electric generators
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy capture and storage function into separate components: standard shock absorbers capture energy from suspension movement, a pump converts this energy into pressurized fluid, and a central accumulator stores the pressurized fluid. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to generate sufficient power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pump and central accumulator as intermediary components between the shock absorbers and the motor/generator system. The pump converts mechanical energy from suspension movement into hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, and the accumulator stores this pressurized fluid, providing a reliable power source that overcomes the insufficient pressure limitation of direct shock absorber connection.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system uses variations in driving surfaces to generate power, then the system can recharge batteries, but the pressure generated is insufficient due to subtle variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic systems to amplify the pressure generated by subtle driving surface variations. The pump converts the mechanical energy from suspension movement into high-pressure fluid, and the central accumulator maintains and regulates this pressure, enabling the system to generate sufficient hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to efficiently operate motors and electric generators despite the subtle nature of road variations.
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 system effectively generates electricity from suspension movement, improving battery recharge and fuel efficiency, capable of producing substantial power to operate vehicle systems without fuel combustion, such as lighting a 120-volt bulb or generating 10-15 kilowatts per hour in an SUV.
Implementation Method 1
A pump attaches via a hose to a central accumulator cylinder that is mounted on a vehicle. Pressurized fluid, air, or other material charges the accumulator.
Implementation Method 2
The accumulator is coupled to a motor via a solenoid valve, or other automatic pressure relief valve, as in air brake systems on tractors, which releases high-pressure fluid or air into the motor.
Implementation Method 3
The motor is coupled to an electric generator. The rotating motion of the motor spins the generator shaft. Electricity created by the generator may be fed back into one or more batteries or energy storage elements in the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
In exemplary embodiments, a regenerative suspension system replaces or complements a standard shock absorber on a vehicle. A pump attaches via a hose to a central accumulator cylinder that is mounted on a vehicle. Pressurized fluid, air, or other material charges the accumulator. The Pressurized fluid, air, or other material is controllably released via a valve in order to perform work.