Suspension Preload Adjustment via Actuated Retainer Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension systems for vehicles, such as motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, have fixed preload settings that do not adapt to varying conditions like added weight or load, requiring cumbersome adjustments and limiting optimal handling and drivability.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with a shock absorber housing, a spring, and a retainer collar, where an actuator moves the retainer collar along the longitudinal axis to adjust the spring preload, allowing for electric or hydraulic control to change the preload during operation based on sensors for load, pressure, and temperature, enabling quick adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed preload setting is used in the suspension system, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the handling and drivability cannot be optimized for various operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static fixed preload configuration to a dynamic adjustable system. The actuator mechanism enables the retainer collar to move along the shock absorber housing, dynamically adjusting spring preload based on operating conditions such as load, terrain, or rider preference, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the preload parameter of the spring through actuated movement of the retainer collar. By varying the compression amount of the spring (preload parameter), the suspension can adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, balancing adaptability with complexity
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of preload is performed using a wrench, then the preload can be changed, but the process is cumbersome and requires the vehicle to be unloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment system (wrench and collar) is replaced with an actuated system. The actuator can be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, eliminating the need for manual tools and operations. This substitution dramatically improves ease of operation and reduces adjustment time, allowing preload changes during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system performs its own adjustment through the actuator mechanism without requiring external manual intervention. The system can automatically or semi-automatically adjust preload based on sensors or control inputs, making the adjustment process self-service and eliminating the cumbersome manual procedure
3Productivity
If the retainer collar is moved to adjust spring position, then the preload can be changed rapidly, but additional actuator components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it moves the retainer collar to adjust preload, and can potentially integrate with other suspension control functions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing rapid adjustment capability while potentially reducing overall system component count through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a vehicle and method for operating the same includes a shock absorber housing having a longitudinal axis, a spring disposed around the shock absorber housing, a retainer collar disposed around the shock absorber housing and an actuator engaged to the retainer collar. The actuator moves at least a portion of the retainer collar to move the spring in a direction corresponding the longitudinal axis. A switch generates a ride height position signal. A controller is coupled to the actuator and the switch. The controller controls a position of the actuator in response to the ride height position signal.