Integrated Shock Absorber Control Unit for Shorter High-Voltage Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active shock absorber devices for motor vehicles require improvements in safety and configuration of electrical connections, particularly focusing on dimensions, especially when using high-voltage electric signals.
Innovation Solution
An active shock absorber device incorporating an AC electric motor with a control unit that transforms the motor's torque or force into a damping or actuating force, using a conversion assembly to control the damping device, with a compact design that includes a control unit integrated near the spring support to minimize wire length and reduce the risk of short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control unit is positioned remotely from the shock absorber actuator, then the electrical wiring length increases, but the risk of short circuits and electrical malfunctions increases, especially with high-voltage signals
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is integrated directly into the shock absorber actuator assembly, merging the control electronics with the mechanical actuator. This consolidation eliminates long electrical wiring runs and reduces the risk of short circuits by minimizing the electrical connection paths in the high-voltage environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is positioned in a three-dimensional space adjacent to the actuator mechanism, utilizing available space within the shock absorber housing rather than extending wiring along the vehicle chassis. This spatial repositioning reduces wire length while maintaining functional connectivity.
2Reliability
If the control unit is integrated close to the spring support, then wire length is minimized and short circuit risk is reduced, but the available space for mounting and wiring becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is nested within the existing shock absorber housing structure, utilizing the internal cavity space around the piston rod and spring support. This nesting approach accommodates the control electronics without requiring additional external mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with a compact, thin-profile housing that can be mounted in the constrained space adjacent to the spring support. The flexible circuit board or wiring harness uses flexible routing to adapt to the limited mounting area while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
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 solution provides a compact and safe shock absorber device that effectively controls damping or actuating forces, ensuring reliable operation with high-voltage signals while minimizing the risk of electrical malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (16) configured to deliver a torque or a force
Implementation Method 2
the piston cooperates with a fluid wherein the piston is immersed inside the external casing, thus damping the movement of the shaft itself
Implementation Method 3
the helical spring has two axial ends respectively fixed to the body and to the suspension arm. In this way, the movement of the body in relation to the suspension arm corresponds to an extension or elastic compression of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber device for a motor vehicle includes a spring support, a spring, a damping device configured to exert a damping force, a control unit, an electric motor electrically connected to the control unit and controllable by the control unit through a power supply signal emitted by the control unit, such that the electric motor provides a torque or a force corresponding to the power supply signal, and conversion means configured to control the damping device turning the torque or force outputted into a further force corresponding to the torque or force outputted and exerted by means of the damping device, wherein the control unit is configured to receive a first control signal indicative of a target value for the further force and to provide the power supply signal as a function of the first control signal, such that the power supply signal corresponds to the target value for the further force, the control unit being coupled to the spring support in a fixed position relative to the spring support.