Vehicle Height Adjustment via Linear Actuator Suspension Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle height adjustment systems require significant modification to the vehicle body structure and wheel wells, limiting their adaptability and ease of installation for lowering the chassis for loading and unloading purposes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a linear actuator and flexible connector to compress the vehicle's suspension component, allowing the chassis to be lowered without modifying the vehicle body or wheel wells, by moving the wheel assembly toward the chassis and placing the flexible connector in tension, thereby compressing the suspension component further for additional lowering range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear actuator and compression device are used to lower the chassis, then the chassis can be lowered to a desirable height near the ground surface, but the suspension component must be compressed beyond its normal load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static load-bearing state during normal operation to a dynamic compressed state during chassis lowering. The compression device temporarily applies additional force to compress the suspension component beyond its normal load capacity, then releases when lowering is complete, allowing the suspension to return to its normal operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator serves as an intermediary device that applies controlled force to the wheel assembly, which in turn compresses the suspension component. This intermediary mechanism allows precise control over the compression process, ensuring the suspension component is compressed only to the extent needed for chassis lowering while minimizing stress on the component.
2Ease of manufacture
If the wheel assembly is moved toward the chassis by the linear actuator, then the chassis can be lowered without modifying the vehicle body structure, but the flexible connector must withstand high tension forces
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector is designed as a high-strength flexible element that can withstand the tensile forces generated during chassis lowering. The flexibility allows it to accommodate the movement of the wheel assembly toward the chassis while maintaining structural integrity under tension, and it can be easily attached and detached from the vehicle body without permanent modification.
3Length of moving object
If the suspension component is compressed further for additional lowering range, then the chassis can reach lower positions, but the available space in the wheel well is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vertical dimension within the wheel well space to achieve additional chassis lowering. By compressing the suspension component in the vertical direction, the chassis can be lowered further without requiring additional horizontal space in the wheel well, effectively using the available vertical clearance to extend the lowering range.
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 the vehicle chassis to be lowered to a desirable height near the ground surface without modifying the vehicle structure, enhancing loading and unloading accessibility while maintaining the vehicle's operational integrity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible connector is placed in tension
Implementation Method 2
the suspension component is compressed toward the chassis by the flexible connector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for raising and lowering a vehicle that is supported by a wheel suspended from a frame of the vehicle by a suspension component. The apparatus includes a linear actuator that is vertically oriented to move the wheel of the vehicle relative to the frame of the vehicle. A compression device is arranged to compress the suspension component of the vehicle in response to movement of the wheel by the linear actuator.