Semi-Active Suspension Hydraulic Arrangement for Cab Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension hydraulic arrangements for vehicle cabs, particularly in off-road vehicles like agricultural vehicles, are not effective in reducing cab motion across a wide range of operating conditions in an optimized and cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
A semi-active suspension hydraulic arrangement featuring a pair of cylinders with a levelling module, including selection valves, orifices, and an accumulator module, controlled by an electronic control unit to manage fluid flow and damping, allowing for adjustable damping characteristics and improved comfort through differentiated fluid flow rates and resistance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic suspension arrangements are used, then basic dampening function is provided, but the system cannot provide suitable dampening across all working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a semi-active suspension system where the damping characteristics can be dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. The electronic control unit receives signals from sensors (acceleration sensor, height sensor) and actively modifies the damping force through controllable valves, allowing the system to adapt to different working conditions rather than using fixed damping characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the damping parameter dynamically by controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through electronically controlled valves. The controllable damping valve adjusts the orifice size or flow resistance based on feedback from sensors, thereby changing the damping coefficient according to the vehicle's motion state and external conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive hydraulic suspension is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but cab motion reduction is insufficient across wide operation range
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-active suspension system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor the cab's motion state (acceleration, position). The electronic control unit processes this feedback information and adjusts the damping force accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adapts to different operating conditions without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely passive mechanical damping elements with an electronically controlled hydraulic system. Instead of relying on fixed mechanical dampers, the system uses electro-hydraulic actuators and controllable valves that can be remotely controlled by an electronic control unit, substituting mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control.
3Ease of operation
If multiple dampening levels are provided, then cab motion is better controlled, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable damping valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide different damping levels, control fluid flow in multiple directions, and respond to various sensor inputs. This multi-functional valve design reduces the need for separate valves for each damping level, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide multiple dampening characteristics.
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 enhanced comfort by optimizing suspension levelling and damping, allowing for versatile control of cab motion, improved reactivity, and user-configurable damping settings, effectively reducing cab motion across various operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic circuit that controls flow of fluid between two cylinder chambers and between the chambers and an accumulator to dampen motion
Implementation Method 2
controls flow of fluid between two cylinder chambers... to dampen motion
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Suspension hydraulic arrangement (1) of a work vehicle for controlling at least one pair of cylinders (3), each cylinder (3) comprising a casing configured to be coupled to one between a chassis and a cab of the work vehicle and defining a space into which a piston may slide, carried by a rod configured to be coupled to the other between the chassis and the cab of the work vehicle, such piston sliding in tight manner into the casing, thereby dividing such space into a piston chamber (3a', 3b') and a rod chamber (3a", 3b"), the suspension hydraulic arrangement (1) comprising a levelling module (2) fluidly interposed between a source of fluid in pressure of the work vehicle and the cylinders (3), and being configured to control the passage of fluid from the source to cylinders (3), the suspension hydraulic arrangement (1) further comprising a fluid management module (14) and an accumulator module, the fluid management module (14) comprising an orifice (21) and an electro actuated proportional valve (22) fluidly interposed in parallel between the accumulator module and piston and rod chambers (3a', 3b', 3a", 3b").