Adjustable Ride Height Sensor Relocation Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Automotive vehicles face challenges in maintaining a comfortable ride due to the limitations of existing automatic level adjusting devices, which fail to effectively monitor and adjust ride height and wheel movement in real-time.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable ride height sensor relocation device comprising a single unitary metal cam-shaped element with through openings and threaded holes is strategically attached to the front arm of a control arm, connecting to a suspension ride sensor and actuator rod, allowing for precise monitoring and adjustment of ride height and wheel movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed ride height sensor mounting position is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different ride height requirements is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different ride height requirementsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing a movable sensor mounting position along the control arm. The sensor can be relocated to different positions on the control arm to accommodate varying ride height requirements, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the mounting position into multiple discrete locations along the control arm. By dividing the continuous control arm into specific mounting zones, the system enables selective positioning of the sensor to achieve desired ride heights while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the sensor is relocated to achieve optimal ride height, then the ride comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveride comfortVSAvoidsensor relocation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the control arm to serve dual functions: it acts as both a structural suspension component and as a positioning track for the ride height sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate relocation mechanisms, achieving sensor repositioning without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring of ride height is implemented, then the ride quality is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveride qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring ride height through the relocated sensor and using this information to adjust suspension damping in real-time. The system compares actual ride height measurements with target values and automatically adjusts dampener forces to maintain optimal ride quality, creating a closed-loop control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11351832B2Adjustable ride height sensor relocation device and a method for its use
Publication Date: 2022.06.07 VERBOWSKI LARRY
  • US11351832B2 patent drawing
  • US11351832B2 patent drawing
  • US11351832B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustable ride height sensor relocation device that comprises a single unitary cam shaped element and is incorporated into the suspension system of a vehicle to control ride quality of the vehicle. A suspension system in a vehicle containing such an adjustable ride height sensor relocation device and a method of restoring original automotive equipment parameters for a suspension system of a vehicle.