Rotating Three-Way Air Spring Valve for Quiet Stiffness Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air spring assemblies lack the ability to easily adjust stiffness rates and generate noise during rectilinear movement of valve members, limiting their adaptability and performance in various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a rotatable actuator that allows fluid communication between multiple tanks, enabling up to four different stiffness rates and reducing noise through smooth transitions between positions, by aligning slots and orifices for controlled air flow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rectilinear movement valve member is used to switch between air reservoirs, then the valve can provide different spring rates, but noise is generated during the switching process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rectilinear movement of the valve member into rotational movement. The valve member rotates about an axis to align different orifices with communication passages, thereby switching between air reservoirs. This rotational motion eliminates the impact and friction associated with rectilinear movement, significantly reducing noise generation while maintaining the ability to provide different spring rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rectilinear sliding mechanism with a rotational mechanism. Instead of the valve member moving back and forth linearly to open/close passages, it rotates to align orifices with communication passages. This substitution changes the mechanical interaction from sliding contact to rotational alignment, reducing wear and noise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air reservoirs are used to provide different stiffness rates, then the adaptability of the air spring assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed with multiple orifices that can align with different communication passages depending on its rotational position. A single valve member thus controls communication between the air spring chamber and multiple different air reservoirs, providing multi-functionality. This eliminates the need for separate valves for each reservoir, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve member. Instead of having separate valves for each air reservoir connection, one valve member with multiple orifices performs all switching functions by rotating to different positions. The valve body also integrates multiple communication passages and orifices in a compact arrangement, merging what would otherwise be separate components.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a rotatable actuator is used instead of rectilinear movement, then noise is reduced through smooth transitions, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is segmented with multiple discrete orifices positioned at specific angular locations. The valve body is segmented with corresponding communication passages. This segmentation allows for discrete, well-defined alignment positions that are easier to manufacture with standard tolerances compared to continuous rectilinear positioning. Each orifice-passages alignment represents a distinct switching position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional rectilinear movement to two-dimensional rotational movement with angular positioning. The orifices and communication passages are arranged in angular positions around the rotation axis. This dimensional change allows for more robust manufacturing tolerances, as angular positioning can be achieved with standard machining practices rather than precise linear positioning.
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 valve assembly provides adjustable stiffness rates and reduced noise levels, enhancing the adaptability and performance of air spring assemblies in industrial applications by allowing seamless transitions between stiffness settings.
Implementation Method 1
The opened end is disposed in fluid communication with the first tank. The at least one upper orifice is disposed in fluid communication with the cavity and the second tank. The at least one lower orifice is disposed in fluid communication with the cavity and the third tank. The actuator is in fluid communication with the first tank, the second tank, and the third tank.
Implementation Method 2
An actuator is disposed in the cavity of the body and rotatable along the body axis. The actuator is movable from a first position to a second position, a third position, and a fourth position. The rotation movement of the actuator allows the stiffness rates of the air spring to be easily adjusted by switching the valve. In addition, the rotational movement provides a smooth transition between the stiffness rates, e.g. from the first position to the second position, the third position, or the fourth position, thereby reducing the amount of noises generated by a rectilinear movement of the valve member.
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve assembly (20) for an air spring (22) includes a body (24) having an opened end (26) disposed in communication with a first tank (30) and a closed end (28). The body defines a cavity (32, 34) separated by a divider (36) into an upper and a lower portion. The body defines at least one upper orifice (38) in communication with the cavity and a second tank (42); and at least one lower orifice (40) in communication with the cavity and a third tank (44). An actuator (46) is disposed in communication with the first, the second, and the third tank. The actuator is rotatable from a first position wherein the actuator is in communication with the first tank alone to a second position allowing communication between the first and the second tank, a third position allowing communication between the first and the third tank, and a fourth position allowing communication between the first, the second, and the third tank.