Integrated Spring-Damper Suspension for Ride Height and Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional suspension systems in vehicles face challenges in providing optimal ride comfort and adjustability on both paved and off-road terrain, particularly in military and utility vehicles, as they struggle to effectively manage ride height and damping forces across varying terrains.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an integrated spring damper system that combines the functionality of a gas spring and hydraulic damper, featuring a tubular main body with internal chambers and pistons, which allows for adjustable ride height and enhanced damping control through the use of inert gases and hydraulic fluids, along with a bypass manifold and flow control devices to manage fluid flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suspension systems are used, then the vehicle can operate on various terrains, but the ride comfort and damping control are insufficient on both paved and off-road terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates adjustable damping controls that allow the damping forces to be dynamically adjusted based on terrain conditions. The system transitions from static damping characteristics to dynamically adjustable damping, enabling optimization of ride comfort for both paved and off-road operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables adjustment of key suspension parameters including ride height and damping forces. By changing these parameters according to terrain requirements, the system maintains reliable ride comfort across diverse operating conditions from paved roads to rough off-road terrain.
2Reliability
If adjustable ride height and damping control are implemented, then ride comfort improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system integrates multiple functions including ride height adjustment and damping control into a unified system. By merging these functions and sharing common components such as the hydraulic fluid reservoir and control mechanisms, the system achieves enhanced ride comfort while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension design employs universal components that serve multiple functions. For example, the hydraulic system serves both ride height adjustment and damping control functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and thereby limiting complexity growth despite enhanced performance capabilities.
3Reliability
If inert gases and hydraulic fluids are used for damping control, then damping performance enhances, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs inert gases and hydraulic fluids to achieve superior damping control performance. The hydraulic damper utilizes fluid dynamics and gas compressibility to provide adjustable damping forces, enhancing ride comfort and terrain adaptability despite increased manufacturing complexity compared to purely mechanical systems.
4Reliability
If impulse forces are reduced, then passenger comfort improves, but the suspension component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates damping mechanisms that cushion impulse forces before they reach the passengers and vehicle components. By absorbing and dissipating shock energy through hydraulic damping and gas spring mechanisms, the system protects both passengers from discomfort and components from excessive wear caused by repeated impulse loading.
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
This solution provides improved ride comfort and adjustability by allowing for increased damping control, reduced impulse forces, and enhanced ride height adjustment, enabling vehicles to perform well on both paved and off-road surfaces with reduced wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
a first piston assembly separating the internal volume of the main body into a first chamber and a second chamber... The first piston assembly is configured to prevent direct fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
a tubular element extending at least partially within the main body... a second piston assembly including a side that is directly exposed to the first chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension element includes a main body having an internal volume, a tubular element extending at least partially within the main body, the main body and the tubular element each including a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a first piston assembly separating the internal volume of the main body into a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber defined by the outer surface of the tubular element, the inner surface of the main body, and a surface of the first piston assembly, and a second piston assembly including a side that is directly exposed to the first chamber. The sidewall of the main body defines an aperture therethrough that forms a portion of a flow path between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first piston assembly is configured to prevent direct fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.