Remote Actuated Vehicle Suspension with Hydraulic Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems in vehicles are limited in their ability to effectively manage uneven road surfaces, leading to discomfort for passengers and reduced vehicle performance, especially when traveling over depressions or bumps, as they lack efficient active control mechanisms to modulate damping forces and spring rates in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with a remotely located damper actuator and spring actuator, hydraulically or pneumatically coupled to the spring and damper assembly, allowing for non-linear actuation and independent control of damping forces and spring rates, enabling active adjustment to maintain vehicle attitude and ride height across uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a passive suspension system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to actively control damping forces and spring rates in real-time is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into independent controllable units: a spring assembly and a damper assembly, each with its own actuator. This segmentation allows independent control of spring rate and damping force, enabling real-time adaptation to road conditions while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't overly complicate the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote actuator assembly serves as an intermediary between the control system and the spring-damper components. This intermediary mechanism transmits actuation forces through linkages to both the spring and damper, enabling centralized control while keeping the actuators physically separated from the wheel assembly, thus balancing control capability with structural simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If the damper actuator is located remotely from the spring and damper assembly, then packaging and aerodynamic profile are improved, but the actuation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Linkage mechanisms serve as intermediaries that transmit actuation forces from the remotely located actuators to the spring and damper assemblies. These linkages bridge the physical gap between the compact actuator locations (improving aerodynamics) and the wheel assembly, enabling remote actuation without requiring complex direct-coupling mechanisms at the wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic or pneumatic actuators located remotely from the wheel assembly. These fluid-based actuation systems can transmit force over distance through hoses, enabling compact packaging of actuator components in the vehicle body while maintaining effective control of the suspension elements at the wheel.
3Measurement precision
If non-linear actuation is implemented, then the control precision over uneven terrain is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the spring actuator and damper actuator can independently vary their output forces in non-linear patterns. This dynamic control allows the system to apply precisely tailored forces to counteract specific road irregularities, with the actuators adjusting their characteristics in real-time based on sensor feedback and control algorithms.
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 solution enhances passenger comfort and vehicle performance by actively managing damping forces and spring rates, maintaining a consistent ride height and reducing the impact of road irregularities, thereby improving handling and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The damper actuator may be hydraulically coupled to a damper member and configured to cause the damper member to extend or retract
Implementation Method 2
The spring actuator may be pneumatically coupled to a spring member and configured to control an amount of deflection of the spring member
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for controlling movement of a vehicle wheel may include a spring and damper assembly coupling the wheel to the vehicle chassis for movement of the wheel relative to the vehicle chassis. The spring and damper assembly may include a spring coupled to a damper member configured to extend and retract the wheel relative to the vehicle chassis. The suspension system may further include a damper actuator located remotely from the spring and damper assembly and configured to modify an amount of damping and/or wheel extension. The suspension system may also include a spring actuator integrated with the damper actuator and configured to control an amount of deflection of the spring and/or to alter a spring rate. The damper actuator may be provided at a location in the vehicle separated from the spring and damper assembly.