Integrated Ride Height Sensing Shock Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock assemblies do not incorporate a height-sensing device, leading to increased cost and complexity by requiring separate ride-height sensing systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a height-sensing device within the shock assembly, utilizing a piston assembly with a piston rod and a potentiometer or variable resistor to measure the displacement of fluid and generate a signal indicative of the piston's position, allowing for integrated ride height sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a separate height-sensing system is used, then ride height information can be obtained, but the overall cost and complexity of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the height-sensing device with the shock assembly into a single integrated unit. The sensor is positioned within the shock assembly housing, and the piston rod of the shock assembly serves as part of the sensing mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate height-sensing systems while maintaining accurate ride height measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock assembly is designed to serve dual functions: providing shock absorption and providing ride height sensing. The piston rod and fluid displacement mechanism that originally served only the shock damping function are now utilized to generate height-sensing signals, allowing one component to perform multiple functions.
2Loss of information
If a separate height-sensing system is used, then ride height information can be obtained, but the overall cost of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the height-sensing device with the shock assembly into a single integrated unit. The sensor is positioned within the shock assembly housing, and the piston rod of the shock assembly serves as part of the sensing mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate height-sensing systems while maintaining accurate ride height measurement capability.
3Reliability
If the piston moves relative to the tube, then shock damping function is performed, but ride height sensing capability is lost without additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly is designed to serve dual functions: providing shock absorption and providing ride height sensing. The piston rod and fluid displacement mechanism that originally served only the shock damping function are now utilized to generate height-sensing signals, allowing one component to perform multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a sensor that detects the position of the piston rod as it moves during shock damping operation. This creates a feedback mechanism where the movement necessary for shock absorption is simultaneously measured to provide ride height information, ensuring both functions occur together without interference.
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 integration reduces the need for additional sensors, lowering costs and complexity while providing accurate vehicle height information for improved ride control and vehicle subsystem management.
Implementation Method 1
A height-sensing device is disposed within the first tube and the second tube and includes a variable resistor attached to one of the inner surface of the second tube and the piston rod of the piston assembly and a conductive wiper attached to the other of the inner surface of the second tube and the piston rod of the piston rod assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A shock assembly includes a first tube having a cylindrical wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. A second tube is received within the first tube and includes a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A piston assembly is received within the second tube and includes a piston rod and a piston that is selectively movable relative to the first tube and the second tube. A height-sensing device is disposed within the first tube between the inner surface of the first tube and the outer surface of the second tube.