Vehicle Suspension Element with Air Spring and Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems lack the ability to efficiently adjust ride height across varying weight loadings, requiring complex mechanical linkages and heavier materials, while also being time-consuming to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A suspension element combining a damper with an air spring assembly, where the air spring is mounted on a frame with open sides, allowing for a larger damper body and utilizing lighter materials, with an air spring support frame maintaining spacing and adjustable air pressure to tailor ride characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical linkages are used to adjust ride height, then ride height adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the damper and air spring into a single integrated suspension element, eliminating the need for separate mechanical linkages to adjust ride height. The air spring's adjustable pressure directly controls ride height, merging two functions into one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an air spring with adjustable internal pressure to control ride height instead of mechanical linkages. By varying the air pressure within the spring chamber, the ride height can be continuously adjusted without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Strength
If heavier materials are used in suspension elements, then strength and durability are improved, but weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction in the air spring assembly, combining rigid components (cylinder, piston, rod) with flexible elements (air spring perimeter wall). This allows strength to be concentrated where needed while using lighter materials overall, reducing total weight compared to traditional solid metal suspension components.
3Reliability
If traditional suspension assembly methods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension element is segmented into distinct modular components (damper assembly, air spring assembly, support frame) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This modular approach maintains structural integrity through standardized connection points while significantly reducing overall assembly time compared to traditional monolithic suspension components.
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 configuration provides a progressive suspension with adjustable ride height, using lighter materials and simpler assembly, enhancing ride quality and allowing infinite adjustment of supporting forces based on weight and rider preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular air spring mounted on the first and second air spring mounts and having a flexible perimeter wall, wherein the air spring defines a air spring interior configured to hold a quantity of air in the air spring interior
Implementation Method 2
a damper extending between the first mount end and the second mount end. The damper may comprise a cylinder defining a chamber, a piston being positioned in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension element for a vehicle may comprise a damper including a cylinder, a piston in the chamber, and a rod mounted on the piston such that the piston moves with the rod. A air spring support frame may comprise a first support element movable with the cylinder, and a second support element mounted on the rod to permitting rod movement with respect to the second support element. A air spring assembly may include a first air spring mount mounted to move with the rod, a second air spring mount on the second support element, and a tubular air spring mounted on the first and second air spring mounts and defining a air spring interior to hold a quantity of air. The air spring support frame may include at least two connector elements connecting the support elements and being spaced from each other and substantially rigid to maintain a predetermined spacing between the support elements.