Vehicle Suspension Air Spring Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension devices for wheeled vehicles with air springs have limited adjustment possibilities due to inseparable connections between air chambers and compressors, restricting the generation of pressure differences and resulting in restricted suspension system adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The suspension device incorporates transverse air chambers connected to main air chambers via control valves and switchable valves, allowing independent pressurization of these chambers, enabling the creation of different pressure levels and facilitating rapid ride height adjustments by using a compressor to build up pressure differences in the transverse volumes, which can be stored and used to adjust the vehicle's height without compressor assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If air chambers are inseparably connected to the compressor by a common filling line, then the suspension system structure is simple, but the possibility to generate pressure differences is lost and adjustment possibilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air supply system by providing separate filling lines for each air chamber instead of a common connection. Each air chamber (first and second air chambers) has its own dedicated filling line connected to the compressor, allowing independent pressure control. This segmentation enables the system to generate pressure differences between chambers while maintaining manageable complexity through modular valve arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic controllability by equipping each filling line with switchable valves that can be actuated independently. This allows the system to dynamically switch between different operating modes: equalizing pressure across chambers, pressurizing specific chambers, or isolating chambers. The dynamic valve control transforms the rigid common connection into a flexible, adaptable system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional air chambers are connected together via a connecting line with switchable valves, then some adjustment flexibility is provided, but independent pressurization of chambers is not possible and adjustment possibilities remain restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent further segments the air chamber system by introducing transverse air chambers that are separately connectable to each main air chamber via controlled connections. Each transverse air chamber can be independently associated with specific air springs, creating a segmented architecture that enables fine-grained pressure control while distributing the complexity across multiple independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse air chambers act as intermediary elements between the compressor and the main air chambers. These intermediate volumes can be selectively pressurized and then used to transfer pressure to specific air springs, providing a buffering mechanism that enhances adjustment flexibility while protecting the main system from direct pressure fluctuations.
3Speed
If the compressor is used to build up pressure differences in transverse volumes, then rapid ride height adjustments are enabled, but the system requires more complex valve control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-pressurizing the transverse air chambers before actual ride height adjustment is needed. The compressor builds up pressure in these intermediate volumes in advance, storing potential energy that can be rapidly deployed. When adjustment is required, the pre-charged transverse chambers can quickly transfer pressure to the air springs without waiting for the compressor to respond, enabling rapid adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse air chambers enable self-service operation by storing compressed air that can be used autonomously for adjustments. Once the transverse chambers are pressurized, they can independently provide the pressure needed for ride height changes without requiring the compressor to be actively running during the adjustment process, reducing the burden on the active control system.
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 design enhances the suspension system's adjustability, allowing for improved comfort and rapid ride height adjustments by enabling independent pressure control in transverse air chambers, which can be used to influence the vehicle's springing, rolling, and pitching behavior, and store energy for efficient height adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor (1) arranged between the two transverse air chambers (13, 14) is connected to the first transverse air chamber (13) via a first connecting line (10) in which a first switchable valve (16) is arranged, and to the second transverse air chamber (14) by a second connecting line (11) in which a second switchable valve (15) is arranged
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension device for a wheeled vehicle with a plurality of air springs is described. Two main air chambers of two air springs of a respective vehicle axle are connected together via a transverse air chamber which forms an intermediate volume. A compressor arranged between the two transverse air chambers is connected to the first transverse air chamber via a first connecting line in which a first switchable valve is arranged, and to the second transverse air chamber via a second connecting line in which a second switchable valve is arranged, so that direct filling/direct evacuation of the intermediate volumes of the two transverse air chambers is possible.