Steerable Suspension Pneumatic Retractor Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steerable vehicle suspensions face issues with damper failure due to overloading and damage from road debris, which affects the stability and steering performance, especially at high speeds and during reversing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pneumatic retractors with a pressure-regulated control system that applies varying tensile forces to the steering knuckles, preventing rotation during reversing and mitigating oscillations at higher speeds, thereby enhancing stability and preventing damper-related failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dampers are used to provide stabilization force to steering knuckles, then steering stability is improved, but the dampers are subject to large compressive loads that can cause buckling or leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical damper system with a pneumatic retractor system that uses pressurized gas to provide the stabilizing force. The retractor uses a flexible membrane or bellows that expands under pressure to push the steering knuckle inward, eliminating the need for mechanical dampers that are prone to buckling and leaking under compressive loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure to generate the stabilizing force on the steering knuckles. The retractor system uses compressed gas stored in a reservoir, which is released to inflate a flexible element that provides the necessary inward force on the knuckle, replacing the mechanical damper approach with a pneumatic system that avoids compressive load failures.
2Ease of operation
If the retractor applies inward force to prevent steering during reversing, then steering control is improved, but the retractor must withstand high pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pressure control system that adjusts the pneumatic pressure in the retractor based on vehicle operating conditions. During reversing, the system increases pressure to prevent steering, while during forward motion, it reduces pressure to allow normal steering. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to meet varying operational requirements while managing pressure exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control system that monitors vehicle speed and direction to regulate the pneumatic pressure applied to the retractor. Sensors detect reversing conditions and trigger the pressure regulation mechanism to apply sufficient force to prevent steering, while feedback from the system allows for precise pressure management to avoid excessive stress on the retractor components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension allows steering knuckles to rotate freely, then steering maneuverability is improved, but oscillations and shimmy occur at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic pressure regulation to adjust the stabilizing force applied to the steering knuckles based on vehicle speed. At low speeds, the system maintains low pressure to allow free rotation and good maneuverability. At high speeds, the system increases pressure to provide stabilizing force that prevents oscillations and shimmy, thus adapting the system behavior to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of pneumatic pressure to control the interaction between the retractor and steering knuckle. By varying the pressure level, the system transitions between allowing free rotation for maneuverability and providing stabilizing force to prevent high-speed oscillations, thus using parameter change to resolve the contradiction between maneuverability and stability.
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 pneumatic retractor system effectively prevents damper failure and maintains steering stability by applying controlled pressure, ensuring the suspension operates reliably across different vehicle speeds and directions without the risk of buckling or leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a retractor (30) having a length that decreases in response to a pressure increase applied to the retractor (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable vehicle suspension can include an axle, at least one retractor having a length that decreases in response to a pressure increase applied to the retractor, and at least one wheel spindle. Resistance to rotation of the wheel spindle relative to the axle increases in response to the pressure increase applied to the retractor. A method of operating a steerable vehicle suspension of a vehicle can include allowing steering knuckles rotatably mounted at opposite ends of an axle to rotate relative to the axle while the vehicle moves forward, and applying an inwardly directed force simultaneously to each of the steering knuckles. Another steerable vehicle suspension can include two rotatably mounted steering knuckles, and two retractors connected to the steering knuckles. An inwardly directed force is applied by each retractor to a respective one of the steering knuckles in response to pressure applied to the retractors.