Valve Block Pneumatic Actuation for Active Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active suspension damping systems for motor vehicles face challenges in temporarily shutting hydraulic fluid within shock absorbers without risking faulty operation, especially during function testing and maintenance, requiring robust and inexpensive solutions to manage hydraulic fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A valve block with a movable piston that separates the interior space into connecting and control spaces, allowing for hydraulic connection and control pressure application to shut or open the hydraulic fluid flow, eliminating the need for mechanical actuation and reducing the risk of accidental closure, featuring a low component count and simplified sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical actuation system is used to close the connecting duct, then the valve can be actuated, but the risk of accidental closure increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation with pneumatic actuation. A control pressure introduced into the control space acts on the valve piston to close the connecting duct, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, springs, or latches. This substitution reduces the risk of accidental closure from mechanical contact or vibration while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure to actuate the valve piston. A control duct introduces control pressure into a control space behind the valve piston, creating a pneumatic force that reliably closes the connecting duct without mechanical contact. This pneumatic system provides controlled, accidental-free operation.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing points are provided in the valve block, then sealing reliability improves, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions into a single sealing point. The valve piston itself serves as both the actuating element and the sealing element, combining the functions of movement control and fluid sealing. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve piston performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the moving element that controls duct closure, as the sealing element that prevents fluid leakage, and as the actuating surface that responds to control pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and simplifies assembly.
3Reliability
If a robust shutting mechanism is implemented, then reliability improves, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is self-actuating through pneumatic pressure. The control pressure introduced through the control duct automatically actuates the valve piston to close the connecting duct without requiring external mechanical actuators, sensors, or control systems. This self-service mechanism provides robust reliability while keeping manufacturing costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple pneumatic pressure system to achieve robust shutting. Control pressure introduced into the control space reliably actuates the valve piston to seal the connecting duct, providing a robust and inexpensive solution compared to mechanical actuation systems with multiple moving parts.
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
Enables inexpensive and robust temporary shutting of hydraulic fluid in shock absorbers with a low risk of faulty operation, ensuring high service life and robustness, and rapid re-establishment of functionality after mounting or maintenance, while minimizing manufacturing costs and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a control pressure can be introduced through the control duct in the control space in order to close the connecting duct
Data Source
AI summary
A valve block for an active suspension damping system of a vehicle includes a valve housing delimiting an interior space for connecting to a shock absorber of a wheel suspension system, and a valve piston movably guided in the interior space. The valve piston divides the interior space into a connecting space and a control space. A connecting duct communicates with the connecting space for hydraulically connecting to a damper volume of the shock absorber. At least one connector duct communicates with the connecting space for connection of a hydraulic line. A control duct communicates with the control space for applying a control pressure in the control space. The valve piston has a plug for closing the connecting duct in a closed position of the valve piston in the interior space and for opening the connecting duct in an open position of the valve piston in the interior space.