Vehicle Height Adjustment Apparatus with Threshold-Based Compressor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle height adjustment apparatuses face inefficiencies in controlling vehicle height due to reliance on pressure differences and compressor operation, leading to suboptimal vehicle height adjustment speeds and increased component complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle height adjustment apparatus with a control unit that manages a plurality of opening and closing valves to selectively use different flow passage systems, allowing for efficient compressor operation and real-time vehicle height adjustment speed monitoring, using vehicle height acquisition units to determine when to drive the compressor based on predetermined threshold values and delay periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the vehicle height adjustment apparatus uses a pressure difference to supply high-pressure air from the pressure tank to the air springs, then the structure is simpler, but the vehicle height adjustment speed becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve configuration adaptable based on operating conditions. The control unit dynamically switches between different valve opening patterns (first pattern with first and fourth valves opened, second pattern with second and third valves opened) depending on whether the vehicle height adjustment speed is above or below the threshold, allowing the system to transition from a static pressure-difference-based system to a dynamic hybrid system that maintains both simplicity and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the existing pressure difference system by introducing a threshold-based control mechanism. When the adjustment speed drops below the threshold, the system changes parameters by opening the compressor and switching valve patterns, transforming the system from pure pressure-difference operation to a hybrid mode that maintains adequate adjustment speed while preserving structural simplicity
2Speed
If the compressor is continuously driven to pressure-feed air to maintain supply efficiency, then the vehicle height adjustment speed is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using intermittent compressor operation instead of continuous driving. The control unit monitors the vehicle height adjustment speed and only activates the compressor when the speed falls below the predetermined threshold, creating a periodic on-off operation pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate adjustment performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback control by continuously monitoring the vehicle height adjustment speed and using this information to control compressor operation. The control unit receives feedback on the current adjustment speed and adjusts the compressor state accordingly, activating it only when needed (when speed < threshold) and deactivating it when the threshold is met, thereby optimizing energy consumption based on actual system performance
3Measurement precision
If the control unit continuously monitors vehicle height adjustment speed and controls compressor operation, then the vehicle height adjustment precision is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the control unit utilize existing sensor data (vehicle height or air spring pressure) that is already being collected for other purposes in the air suspension system. The control unit calculates the adjustment speed from this existing data without requiring additional dedicated sensors, allowing the system to self-monitor and self-regulate using resources already available in the vehicle
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
This configuration enables precise control of vehicle height adjustment speed, reduces compressor sensitivity, and improves flow efficiency by selecting appropriate flow passage systems, thereby enhancing the overall vehicle height adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure tank 26 that stores high-pressure air; When the working fluid flows from the pressure tank to the vehicle height adjustment unit due to a pressure difference therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a compressor 36 that pressure-feeds air; the control unit drives the compressor to pressure-feed the working fluid to the vehicle height adjustment units
Implementation Method 3
air springs 12FR, 12FL, 12RR, and 12RL using compressed air; an air spring 12 that supports the vehicle body 2 based on elastic force of the compressed air
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle height adjustment apparatus (10) includes: vehicle height adjustment units (12) respectively provided to correspond to wheels of a vehicle body, and adjusting a vehicle height in response to the supply and discharge of a working fluid; a pressure tank (26) storing the working fluid; a compressor (36) pressure-feeding the working fluid; opening and closing valves (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) interposed between the vehicle height adjustment units and the pressure tank; a vehicle height acquisition unit (58) acquiring a vehicle height value of the wheel; and a control unit (56) controlling the vehicle height adjustment unit to adjust a vehicle height, and controlling the compressor, wherein when a vehicle height adjustment speed, calculated from the vehicle height value, is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the control unit drives the compressor to pressure-feed the working fluid to the vehicle height adjustment units.