Vehicle Suspension Air Compressor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-terrain vehicles face challenges with sway bars adding weight and mechanical complexity, and air compressor systems in vehicles used in off-road conditions are prone to malfunction due to dust, dirt, and water ingress, while also occupying valuable storage space with their bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
An air compressor system integrated into the vehicle's frame, utilizing the engine's air intake system to supply air to air springs in the suspension system, which communicates fluidly and includes valves to prevent air transfer between springs, eliminating the need for a sway bar and providing an auxiliary air output for inflation purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a sway bar is used to connect laterally opposite wheels to reduce vehicle roll, then the vehicle's stability is improved, but the weight and mechanical complexity of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sway bar from the vehicle suspension system and replaces it with a pneumatic control system using air springs and a compressor. This extraction eliminates the mechanical complexity and weight of the sway bar while maintaining roll control through pneumatic pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical sway bar system with a pneumatic system consisting of air springs, a compressor, and control valves. This replacement uses pneumatic pressure to control vehicle roll instead of mechanical linkages, reducing complexity while maintaining stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate air compressor is carried in off-road vehicles to inflate tires and other items, then the versatility of the vehicle is improved, but the storage space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air compressor into the vehicle's existing suspension system, where it serves dual purposes: controlling air spring pressure for suspension function and providing compressed air for tire inflation and other auxiliary needs. This merging eliminates the need for a separate portable compressor, saving storage space while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated compressor serves multiple functions: it maintains air spring pressure for suspension operation, provides air for tire inflation, and can supply compressed air for other vehicle accessories. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate equipment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a compressor is used to supply pressurized air to air springs in off-road conditions, then the suspension performance is improved, but the compressor malfunctions due to dust, dirt, and water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air intake system as an intermediary between the external environment and the compressor. This intermediary filters out dust, dirt, and water from the air before it enters the compressor, protecting the compressor from contamination while still allowing it to function in off-road conditions.
4Ease of operation
If air springs are used in the suspension system to improve vehicle comfort, then the ride quality is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the air spring system to be self-regulating, where the compressor automatically maintains proper air pressure in the springs based on suspension needs. The system uses the vehicle's existing air intake and basic pneumatic components, allowing the air springs to provide improved ride quality without requiring complex external control systems.
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 reduces the vehicle's tendency to roll without the need for a sway bar, prevents dust and water ingress into the compressor, and optimizes storage space by integrating the compressor into the vehicle's frame, providing a versatile air supply for both suspension and auxiliary uses.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor for supplying air to two air springs used in the suspension system
Implementation Method 2
air springs used in the suspension system for the wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a frame, at least one front wheel connected to the frame, at least one front suspension assembly connecting the at least one front wheel to the frame, at least one rear wheel connected to the frame, and at least one rear suspension assembly connecting the at least one rear wheel to the frame. At least one of the at least one front and at least one rear suspension assemblies includes an air spring. A seat is connected to the frame. An engine is connected to the frame and is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. An air compressor is connected to the frame and fluidly communicates with the at least one air spring for supplying air to the at least one air spring. A control unit is electrically connected to the air compressor for controlling an operation of the air compressor.