Vehicle Suspension Air Spring Piston Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust ride height and spring rate based on desired ride modes and terrain conditions, leading to suboptimal ride quality and ground clearance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension system incorporating an air cylinder, air spring piston, and flexible bellows, controlled by valves to manage air pressure and volume, allowing for adjustable ride height and spring rate through the use of pressurized gas, enabling selection of different ride modes and heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional suspension system is used, then the structure is simple, but the ride height and spring rate cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an air spring assembly with a flexible bellows that expands and contracts based on air pressure to dynamically adjust ride height. The air spring piston and air passage allow controlled air flow to inflate or deflate the bellows, providing continuous ride height adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of air (pressure and volume) to control the spring rate and ride height. By varying the air pressure in the bellows, the system can dynamically adjust both the suspension stiffness and the vehicle ride height, enabling adaptation to different road conditions and loading scenarios.
2Reliability
If fixed spring rate is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ride quality is suboptimal for different terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic suspension system where the spring rate can be continuously adjusted based on operating conditions. The air spring assembly allows real-time modification of suspension characteristics by controlling air pressure, enabling the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions, vehicle loads, and driving preferences for optimal ride quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors ride height sensors and adjusts air pressure accordingly to maintain desired ride characteristics. This feedback mechanism ensures that the suspension responds appropriately to changes in vehicle loading and road conditions, maintaining optimal ride quality across different operating scenarios.
3Speed
If air is exhausted from the second chamber only, then the structure is simple, but the air passage length increases and response time slows
Solution Approach 1:
The air exhaust path is segmented into multiple routes: air can be exhausted directly from the second chamber through the second port, or through the air passage connected to the air spring piston. This segmentation allows selective exhaust paths depending on the required response speed and ride height adjustment needs, optimizing both speed and control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The air passage is pre-configured to provide a direct exhaust route from the second chamber to the air spring piston, allowing rapid pressure equalization when needed. This preliminary arrangement of the air passage ensures that when quick adjustment is required, the air can flow through the optimized path without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration.
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 system provides improved ride quality, increased ground clearance, and enhanced suspension performance by dynamically adjusting ride height and spring rate according to selected ride modes, enhancing both on-road and off-road capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Air may be provided to the first chamber via the first port and exhausted from the second chamber via the second port and the air passage to increase a distance between the air spring piston and the end plate
Implementation Method 2
The piston may separate the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers may have first and second ports that permit air to enter and exit the first and second chambers, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension system and a method of control. The system may include an air cylinder, an air spring piston, and an air spring. The air spring piston may be positioned with respect to the air spring with the air cylinder.