Suspension Lockout Mechanism with Linear Generator and Cooling Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems, particularly in bicycles, suffer from power loss due to suspension compression and heat buildup in damping fluids, which affects damping performance and requires a solution for selective rigidity, enhanced heat dissipation, and energy conversion into usable electric power.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical suspension lock mechanism using an incompressible elastic element to immobilize suspension components, combined with a linear generator and cooling circuit to convert movement into electric power and enhance heat transfer, and dynamically adjustable damping fluids to regulate damping rates based on temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical suspension lock mechanism is used to provide selective rigidity, then suspension rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates a lockout mechanism that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing the suspension to adapt its rigidity based on operating conditions. The lockout assembly includes movable components that can engage or disengage to provide selective rigidity, enabling the system to switch between compliant and rigid states as needed.
2Loss of energy
If damping fluid is used to dissipate energy, then energy dissipation is improved, but heat buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a linear generator that converts the heat energy generated by damping fluid operation into useful electrical energy. The cooling circuit with heat exchange surfaces captures thermal energy from the damping fluid and uses it to generate electricity, transforming the harmful heat buildup into a beneficial energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling circuit system utilizes phase change materials or heat exchange processes to manage thermal energy from the damping fluid. By facilitating controlled phase transitions or heat transfer, the system effectively manages heat buildup while recovering energy.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a linear generator is added to convert movement into electric power, then energy recovery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear generator is integrated into the existing suspension mechanism, allowing the suspension components to serve dual functions: providing mechanical suspension and generating electrical energy. The movement of suspension components directly drives the generator, enabling energy recovery without requiring separate dedicated components for power generation.
4Temperature
If a cooling circuit is added to enhance heat dissipation, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is integrated with the linear generator system, combining heat dissipation and energy generation functions into a single unified system. The heat exchange surfaces of the cooling circuit also serve as components of the generator assembly, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution provides a rigid suspension mode when needed, improves heat dissipation, and converts suspension movement into electric power, optimizing performance by minimizing power loss and maintaining effective damping across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A linear generator and cooling circuit to convert movement into electric power
Implementation Method 2
cooling circuit to convert movement into electric power and enhance heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
cooling circuit to convert movement into electric power and enhance heat transfer
Implementation Method 4
A mechanical suspension lock mechanism using an incompressible elastic element to immobilize suspension components
Implementation Method 5
damping mechanism for energy dissipation... Damping assemblies often convert wheel movement into heat by means of fluid friction in a fluid filled dashpot
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.