Vehicle Height Adjustment Apparatus Using Door Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle height adjustment systems using air springs for improving boarding and deboarding characteristics are complex and costly due to the need for cameras and image processing, increasing the size and cost of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle height adjustment apparatus with multiple units per wheel, a pressure tank, compressor, and opening and closing valves that adjust vehicle height based on preparation information such as door open or seat belt release, allowing for efficient fluid flow and height adjustments without the need for image processing, using a simple configuration with first and second flow passage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera and image processing apparatus are added to adjust vehicle height based on captured images, then boarding and deboarding characteristics improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of detecting boarding/deboarding intent from the complex camera/image processing system and implements it through simple sensor detection of door opening/closing actions. This removes the unnecessary camera and image processing apparatus while retaining the core functionality of adjusting vehicle height for improved boarding characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing door sensors and control systems to automatically detect when boarding or deboarding is intended, eliminating the need for separate detection apparatus. The vehicle height adjustment apparatus self-regulates based on simple sensor inputs from door switches, rather than requiring complex external monitoring systems.
2Ease of operation
If a camera and image processing apparatus are added to adjust vehicle height, then boarding and deboarding characteristics improve, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky camera and image processing apparatus from the system, retaining only the essential height adjustment functionality. The solution uses compact door sensors already present in the vehicle, dramatically reducing the volume occupied by the height adjustment apparatus while maintaining improved boarding characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If image analysis and complex control processes are implemented, then boarding and deboarding characteristics improve, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive camera systems and image processing capabilities with inexpensive door sensors and simple control logic. The solution uses low-cost components that are already standard in vehicle manufacturing, significantly reducing the manufacturing cost while achieving the same functional outcome of improved boarding characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing vehicle sensors and control systems to perform detection and control functions, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated components. The door switches and control units already present in the vehicle are repurposed to manage height adjustment, reducing additional manufacturing costs.
4Speed
If multiple opening and closing valves and flow passage systems are provided, then vehicle height adjustment speed and flexibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic valve control system where the opening and closing valves are selectively activated based on the desired height adjustment direction and magnitude. The control unit dynamically switches between different flow passage systems (first flow passage for height increase, second flow passage for height decrease) to optimize adjustment speed while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than permanent complex hardware configuration.
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 solution improves boarding and deboarding characteristics by adjusting vehicle height efficiently and cost-effectively, reducing complexity and size while maintaining stable travel and parking postures.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure tank that stores the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a compressor that pressure-feeds the working fluid
Implementation Method 3
a suspension that includes air springs using compressed air
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of opening and closing valves that are interposed between the vehicle height adjustment units and the supply source
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 supply source (26) of the working fluid; opening and closing valves (24) interposed between the vehicle height adjustment units and the supply source; and a control unit (56) adjusting a vehicle height for each of the vehicle height adjustment units to at least one of a first vehicle height suitable for at least one of boarding and deboarding, and a second vehicle height suitable for travelling, wherein when the control unit acquires preparation information indicative of the transition of a preparation state to at least one of boarding and deboarding preparation states, the control unit adjusts the vehicle height adjustment units from the second vehicle height to the first vehicle height.