Actively Variable Shock Absorbing Strut with Sensor-Controlled Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock attenuation systems in vehicles, such as aircraft and land vehicles, face challenges in effectively managing varying shock loads during contact with surfaces, as they lack adaptive mechanisms to adjust damping and spring force in real-time based on predictive and real-time sensor data.
Innovation Solution
An actively variable shock absorbing strut system with a control system that includes sensors, electronically controllable valves, and a pressurized gas source, allowing for semi-active and active modes of operation to adjust damping and spring force dynamically based on predictive and real-time data from sensors, ensuring optimal energy absorption during landing and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-parameter shock absorbers are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to varying shock loads is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber employs actively variable damping coefficients and spring forces that can be dynamically adjusted during operation based on real-time sensor data and predictive algorithms, transforming a static system into an adaptive one that responds to varying shock load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses predictive algorithms that analyze sensor data to anticipate upcoming shock loads and pre-adjust the damping coefficients and spring forces before the actual shock event occurs, optimizing performance in advance
Solution Approach 3:
The shock absorber incorporates sensors that continuously monitor system state and shock conditions, feeding this information back to the control system which adjusts the damping and spring parameters in real-time to maintain optimal performance
2Reliability
If actively variable damping and spring force systems are implemented, then the shock absorption performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions including sensor data acquisition, predictive algorithm processing, real-time parameter adjustment, and actuator control into a single unified system that manages both damping and spring force variations through coordinated valve control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electronically controllable valves to regulate fluid flow, enabling dynamic adjustment of damping coefficients and spring forces through hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms, providing precise control without complex mechanical linkages
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time sensor data and predictive algorithms are used, then the adaptability to landing conditions is enhanced, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system selectively activates full active control only when predictive algorithms detect significant upcoming shock events, using partial or reduced control during normal operation to conserve energy while maintaining adaptability when needed
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 shock absorption capabilities, ensuring a smooth ride and reducing structural stress by dynamically adjusting to anticipated and actual landing conditions, thereby improving safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring portion... providing a spring force
Implementation Method 2
a main viscous damping mechanism... providing a velocity dependent damping force
Implementation Method 3
a controllable orifice... providing a controllable damping force
Implementation Method 4
The gas pressure and/or volume in the gas spring portion can be varied to vary the spring force
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for an actively variable shock absorbing system for actively controlling the load response characteristics of a shock absorbing strut. In one embodiment the shock absorbing system comprises a controllable valve adapted for actively varying a load response characteristic of the shock absorbing strut. The shock absorbing system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an input for receiving a signal from a sensor, an algorithm adapted to determine an optimal position for the controllable valve in view of the sensor signal, and an output for sending a control signal to the controllable valve to place the valve in the optimal position.