Ride Height Control Actuator Piston Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in achieving a compromise between ride comfort and handling, particularly in adjusting ride height to accommodate various vehicle purposes, which is not efficiently addressed by traditional suspension designs.
Innovation Solution
A ride height control actuator with a piston and locking device, utilizing solenoids and elastic elements to selectively restrain and release the piston, allowing for precise adjustment of vehicle body height relative to the road surface, integrated into a suspension system with sensors and a controller for real-time regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suspension systems are used, then the vehicle can maintain basic ride height, but the system cannot adapt to various vehicle purposes and cannot achieve compromise between ride comfort and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static fixed ride height to a dynamic adjustable system. The actuator mechanism with movable piston and locking device enables the ride height to be dynamically adjusted between minimum and maximum positions, allowing the vehicle to adapt to different purposes and conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through a focused adjustment mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ride height is adjusted to accommodate various vehicle purposes, then adaptability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a movable piston, a locking device with locking surfaces, and an actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving the capability to adjust ride height between minimum and maximum positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the piston and the housing. It provides controlled engagement through locking surfaces that can selectively lock the piston at desired positions, enabling precise ride height adjustment without requiring a continuously complex control system. The locking mechanism mediates between the simple actuation input and the desired positional output.
3Manufacturing precision
If a locking device is used to restrain the piston, then precise position control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device replaces complex continuous mechanical control systems with a simpler discrete locking mechanism. By using locking surfaces that engage at specific positions, the system achieves precise piston position control without requiring continuously variable mechanical linkages or complex control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
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 precise and adaptive adjustment of vehicle ride height, balancing comfort and handling by allowing for intermediate height settings between minimum and maximum travel, enhancing vehicle performance and operator control.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation mechanism may include a first solenoid and a second solenoid. Each solenoid may be configured to extend the respective first half-collar and the second half-collar into the recess to thereby restrain the piston in the predetermined position.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator may include at least one elastic element configured to facilitate retraction of the first and second half-collars out of the recess to thereby release the piston.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a first housing, a second housing fixed to the first housing, and a piston configured to translate relative to each of the first housing and the second housing. The actuator also includes a locking device configured to selectively restrain the piston in a predetermined position relative to each of the first housing and the second housing and release the piston. The actuator additionally includes an actuation mechanism configured to activate the locking device to thereby restrain the piston in the predetermined position. Also disclosed is a suspension system for a vehicle employing such an actuator at a suspension corner, wherein the actuator is used to set a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner.