Adjustable Ride-Height Suspension for Safe Tire Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems require manual intervention and external tools like jacks for tire changes, which can be cumbersome and unsafe on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Intelligent vehicle control systems with adjustable ride height suspension systems that automate tire change modes by adjusting ride heights to ensure safe tire changes on level surfaces, using sensors to assess vehicle slope and prompting users to prepare the vehicle before initiating adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention and external tools like jacks are used for tire changes, then the tire changing process can be completed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and unsafe on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's adjustable ride height suspension system automatically adjusts the ride height at the tire change location to facilitate tire removal and installation without requiring external jacks or manual intervention. The system self-regulates the vehicle position to create optimal working conditions for tire changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical jack system with an electronically controlled suspension system that uses actuators to adjust ride height. This substitution eliminates the need for separate external tools and integrates the lifting function into the vehicle's existing suspension infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is positioned on uneven surfaces for tire changes, then accessibility to the tire may be improved, but the safety and stability of the vehicle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the vehicle's current slope and orientation, then automatically adjusts the ride height at each corner to level the vehicle body. This creates an equipotential working surface for safe tire changes regardless of the underlying terrain, ensuring the vehicle remains stable and level during the procedure.
3Device complexity
If traditional manual methods are used for tire changes, then no additional system complexity is introduced, but the process requires more time and manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable ride height suspension system performs multiple functions: it provides routine ride height adjustment for comfort and performance, and simultaneously serves as an integrated tire changing assistant. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated tire changing equipment, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automated tire changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are advanced control systems providing tire change modes for vehicles with adjustable ride-height suspension systems, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such systems. A method of operating a vehicle includes a controller receiving an input signal indicative of a tire change event for the vehicle, and determining a location of a tire associated with the tire change event. In response to receiving the input signal, the controller determines if a real-time slope of the vehicle is greater than a preset maximum secure slope; if not, the controller prompts a user to prepare the vehicle for the tire change event. After prompting the user to prep the vehicle, the controller commands the vehicle's ride height suspension system to lower the ride height of the tire's corner module to a predefined lowered height and raise the ride height of all other corner module to a predefined raised height.