Vehicle Suspension Blocking Device for Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel axle assemblies in vehicles and trailers face challenges with air suspension systems that reduce air pressure when vehicles are switched off, leading to uneven loading and unloading conditions, and potential collisions during tipping processes, due to the complexity and limited retrofittability of known blocking devices.
Innovation Solution
A wheel axle assembly with a simple, easily retrofittable locking device that blocks the deflection travel of the suspension device, maintaining a predetermined height by inserting a blocking element between the vehicle frame and wheel axle, using a rotating shaft and actuator unit that can be pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically powered, allowing for adjustable blocking distance and independent operation from the vehicle's ignition status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking device is installed to maintain vehicle frame height, then the minimum height above roadway is guaranteed, but the device complexity increases due to individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blocking device with the existing suspension device by integrating the blocking element into the suspension assembly. The blocking element is positioned to interact with the spring bellows of the air suspension system, merging the height-blocking function with the existing suspension structure rather than adding a completely separate mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains the minimum vehicle frame height, prevents frame collision during tipping operations, and works with both air suspension and non-air suspension systems. The blocking element can be positioned at different locations depending on the suspension type, providing universal applicability across different vehicle configurations.
2Reliability
If a blocking device is designed with multiple components, then the height blocking function is achieved, but the retrofittability to existing vehicles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is divided into separate modular components: a blocking element that can be positioned at different locations, a mounting structure that attaches to existing vehicle frame points, and connection means that interface with the suspension system. This segmentation allows the device to be retrofitted to various vehicle types without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element can be positioned at different locations depending on the specific vehicle and suspension type. For air suspension systems, the blocking element is positioned to interact with the spring bellows, while for other suspension types, it can be positioned differently. This local adaptability enables retrofittability to existing vehicles with different suspension configurations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the air suspension is not pressurized during loading/unloading, then energy consumption is reduced, but the vertical distance between vehicle frame and wheel axle decreases causing level differences
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is pre-positioned to engage with the suspension system at the desired minimum height position before loading or unloading operations begin. This preliminary positioning of the blocking mechanism ensures that the vehicle frame maintains the correct height relative to the loading area throughout the operation, eliminating the need for continuous air suspension pressurization adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a blocking device (340) for blocking the compression travel of a suspension system (320) of a vehicle. The blocking device (340) according to the invention has a blocking element (342) that is movable between a release position and a blocking position and is configured to block the compression travel of the suspension system (320) only in the blocking position. The blocking device (340) further comprises an actuating device that is connected to the blocking element (342) and is configured to move the blocking element (342) between the release position and the blocking position.