Variable-Volume Accumulator for Fast Suspension Damping Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in quickly responding to uneven road conditions, causing discomfort and requiring larger pump capacities that limit installation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An accumulator system that varies the volume of a passage for pressurized oil, regulated by a driver and controller, to adjust damping force based on environmental conditions, using a variable portion and a driver to control fluid supply to the damper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a larger capacity pump is used to adjust damping force under various vehicle specifications, then the damping force adjustment capability is improved, but the pump size and footprint increase, limiting installation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator incorporates a variable volume chamber that can dynamically adjust its capacity based on different vehicle specifications and operating conditions. This allows a single pump size to serve multiple vehicle configurations, improving adaptability without requiring larger pump capacities for all applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the volume parameter of the accumulator chamber to adapt to different vehicle specifications. By varying the chamber volume rather than the pump capacity, the system achieves versatile damping force adjustment while maintaining a compact pump footprint suitable for various installation locations.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic fluid is supplied to compression or rebound chambers to move the piston and regulate damping force, then the damping force regulation is achieved, but the response time to road conditions is delayed, causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator pre-stores hydraulic fluid in a variable volume chamber, preparing the fluid in advance before it is needed. When road conditions change, the pre-positioned fluid can be immediately supplied to the damper chambers, eliminating delays associated with fluid transport from distant reservoirs and enabling faster response to uneven road surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable volume chamber acts as an intermediary between the pump and the damper chambers. It serves as a local fluid reservoir that can quickly supply or absorb hydraulic fluid based on real-time suspension demands, improving response speed while maintaining smooth damping force regulation.
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
Quickly adjusts damping force to improve ride comfort and reduce pump size requirements, enhancing vehicle stability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a driver for varying a volume of the first space
Implementation Method 2
a second space formed outside the variable portion; a moving portion at least partially inserted in the accumulator and movable by the driver
Implementation Method 3
a sealing portion disposed between the body and the moving portion to maintain sealing within the body
Data Source
AI summary
Accumulator and vehicle suspension system including the same are provided. An accumulator capable of supplying fluid to a suspension system of a vehicle includes a body for storing fluid, a movable portion disposed within the body to form a first space, and a driver for varying a volume of the first space within the movable portion.