Vehicle Suspension Actuator System with Decoupled Hydraulic Accumulators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Active suspension systems face challenges in efficiently managing both low-frequency driver-induced and high-frequency road-induced inputs, leading to increased energy consumption and potential delays in response time due to the need to accommodate varying force demands.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system with separate hydraulic accumulators and valves that decouple high and low-frequency force demands, using a damper valve and variable pressure relief valves to manage hydraulic fluid flow efficiently, allowing only the required accumulators to be activated when needed, thereby reducing average power consumption without compromising response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single hydraulic accumulator system is used to accommodate both low-frequency and high-frequency force demands, then the system can handle all force requirements, but the average power consumption increases due to the need to accommodate large flows for low-frequency demands continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single accumulator system into two separate accumulators: a first hydraulic accumulator for high-frequency force demands and a second hydraulic accumulator for low-frequency force demands. This segmentation allows each accumulator to be optimized for its specific frequency range, enabling the first accumulator to remain small and energy-efficient while the second accumulator handles large flows only when needed for low-frequency demands.
2Speed
If the second accumulator is always connected and active to handle low-frequency demands, then the system can accommodate large flows, but the response time for high-frequency demands is delayed due to power consumption and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the hydraulic circuit configuration through a controller that monitors force demands and actively switches between different accumulator configurations. The system can dynamically connect or disconnect the second accumulator and adjust valve positions based on real-time requirements, allowing rapid response to high-frequency demands while maintaining the capability to handle low-frequency demands when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a decoupled accumulator system with active switching is implemented, then the average power consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to additional valves and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the hydraulic circuit with multi-functional components that can serve different purposes based on system requirements. The first valve can function as a flow control valve for high-frequency demands or be bypassed for low-frequency demands. The second valve acts as a switch that can connect or disconnect the second accumulator based on the type of force demand. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 allows for effective management of both low and high-frequency inputs, reducing energy consumption and maintaining rapid response times by ensuring that only the necessary accumulators are engaged when required, thus enhancing the overall performance of the suspension system.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic accumulator connected to the first hydraulic circuit between the first port and the first valve
Implementation Method 2
a second hydraulic accumulator connected to the first port by a second valve
Implementation Method 3
the first valve being a damper valve operable to variably restrict flow of hydraulic fluid out of the first chamber
Implementation Method 4
the second valve being a variable pressure relief valve operable to variably restrict flow of hydraulic fluid from the first port to the second hydraulic accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator system for a vehicle suspension system includes: an actuator having a piston and a first fluid chamber separated from a second fluid chamber by the piston; a hydraulic pump having a first port connected by a first hydraulic circuit to the first chamber via a first valve, the first valve being a damper valve operable to variably restrict flow of hydraulic fluid out of the first chamber; a first hydraulic accumulator connected to the first hydraulic circuit between the first port and the first valve; and a second hydraulic accumulator connected to the first port by a second valve, the second valve being a variable pressure relief valve operable to variably restrict flow of hydraulic fluid from the first port to the second hydraulic accumulator.