Vehicle Spring Height Adjustment with Nested Rotary-Linear Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle height adjustment systems, particularly electromechanical ones, face challenges such as large installation space requirements, need for vehicle modifications, limited height adjustment options, and safety concerns due to component failures.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical vehicle height adjustment unit with a rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism, an electric motor, and a locking system, which allows for compact installation, flexible height adjustment (up to four or more levels), and enhanced safety through self-locking capabilities without requiring significant vehicle modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electromechanical height adjustment systems are used, then height adjustment function is achieved, but installation space requirements become large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment functionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement mechanism is arranged to surround the vehicle spring, with the rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism nested within the spring's inner diameter. The first member and second member are positioned concentrically around the spring, maximizing space utilization and reducing overall installation footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from conventional linear actuator arrangements to a rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism that operates in a radial dimension around the vehicle spring. This dimensional change allows compact packaging within the limited space around the spring mounting point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional electromechanical height adjustment systems are used, then height adjustment is possible, but vehicle construction modifications are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidvehicle construction adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement mechanism is designed as a universal interface that can be integrated with existing vehicle spring mounting points. The top mount connects to the vehicle body while the lower spring pad interfaces with the existing spring, allowing installation without modifying vehicle construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The displacement mechanism acts as an intermediary device between the existing vehicle spring and body mounting points. It mediates the height adjustment function by displacing the top mount relative to the upper spring pad, without requiring modifications to either the spring or body mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional electromechanical height adjustment systems are used, then basic height adjustment is achieved, but the number of height levels is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment operationVSAvoidnumber of height levels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous height adjustment capability through the rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism, allowing dynamic positioning at any point within the adjustment range rather than being limited to discrete predefined levels. The electric motor can operate at variable speeds and positions to achieve flexible height settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of height adjustment from discrete predefined levels to continuous variable positioning. The displacement mechanism can achieve any position within its stroke range by controlling the rotation angle of the first member, providing enhanced adaptability for different driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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, versatile, and safe vehicle height adjustment system that reduces installation space, offers flexible height settings, and ensures safety in case of component failures by utilizing a rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism and an electric motor with a self-locking system.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor (202) coupled to the rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism (207, 208) to drive the first member (207)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism (207, 208), comprising a first member (207) that is rotatably mounted and a second member (208)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotary-to-linear motion conversion: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11999210B2Electromechanical vehicle height adjustment unit and vehicle height adjustment method

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 ILJIN MOTION & CONTROL GMBH

AI summary

An electromechanical vehicle height adjustment unit comprises an upper spring pad operative to support an upper end of a vehicle spring, a top mount that is displaceable relative to the upper spring pad, and a displacement mechanism coupled to the upper spring pad and the top mount and operative to displace the top mount relative to the upper spring pad in a height direction. The displacement mechanism comprises a rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism and an electric motor.