Shock Absorber Position Sensing for Automatic Suspension Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems are inflexible and require significant manual labor and costly modifications to adjust height for different terrains, limiting their ability to seamlessly transition between road and off-road configurations, and lack automated features for safety and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose air suspension kit with a shock absorber assembly featuring a hall effect sensor that detects linear position changes, allowing for automatic height adjustment via an air compressor and control unit, enabling easy conversion between road and off-road modes while enhancing driver safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional spring and shock absorber system is used, then the vehicle can reduce shock when striking bumps, but the suspension height is fixed and cannot be adjusted for different terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed suspension components with dynamically adjustable air springs and shock absorbers. The air springs can vary their air pressure to change suspension height, and the shock absorbers can adjust their damping characteristics, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different terrains and driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the suspension system by using air pressure to adjust spring stiffness and shock absorber damping forces. By varying the air pressure in the air springs, the suspension height and stiffness can be continuously adjusted, while the electronic control system modifies shock absorber parameters to optimize performance for different conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system is modified for off-road use, then the vehicle can traverse rough terrain, but significant manual labor and costly modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting suspension system where the electronic control system automatically monitors driving conditions and adjusts suspension height and damping characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates air pressure and shock absorber settings based on sensor inputs, eliminating the need for manual labor and expensive custom modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and automated actuators. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic controls simplifies the modification process and reduces both labor requirements and overall system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If existing air suspension kits are used, then the vehicle height can be adjusted, but the systems lack automation and require manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor suspension height, vehicle load, and driving conditions, providing feedback to the electronic control system. The control system processes this feedback and automatically adjusts air spring pressure and shock absorber settings to maintain optimal suspension characteristics, creating a closed-loop automated system that responds dynamically to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated electronic control system performs all suspension adjustments without requiring driver intervention. The system monitors its own performance through sensors and self-regulates by controlling air pressure and damping forces, making the operation as simple as entering the vehicle while providing advanced automated functionality.
4Productivity
If manual suspension adjustment is performed, then the vehicle height can be changed, but extended periods of service and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an electronic control system that automatically regulates suspension height and damping characteristics. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual processes of adjusting air pressure and mechanical components, allowing instant electronic control of suspension parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all suspension adjustments automatically without requiring service intervention. The electronic control system continuously monitors conditions and self-regulates suspension parameters in real-time, eliminating the need for periodic manual service and reducing overall service time to minimal maintenance intervals.
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 system provides a fast, economical, and user-friendly method to modify vehicle suspension, expanding terrain capabilities and ensuring driver safety by automatically adjusting height based on speed and terrain, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the disclosure relates to a shock absorber configured with a hall effect sensor, the shock absorber configured to measure or detect a change in a linear position, which may then be converted to a speed value
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber for a vehicle, the shock absorber having an absorber body with an outer surface, and a movable piston having a first end configured to couple with the vehicle, and a second end disposed within the absorber body. There is a magnet assembly disposed around and external of the movable piston at the second end. The absorber has a sensor assembly having a sensor body coupled with the outer surface. An inner sensor body has a sensor disposed therein configured to detect a change in a linear position of the magnet assembly.