Ride stabilizing system

Abstract

A ride stabilizing system is provided that includes a housing. The housing is formed with a cavity. A bridge is positionable in cavity. The bridge divides the cavity into at least two chambers. A valve is mounted in opposing ends of the housing for injecting variable volumes of gas into at least two chambers. In addition, a port is formed in the bridge for fluid communication between the cavity and a fluid source containing a fluid. At least one piston is included that is slidably positionable in at least two chambers. Each piston is equipped with a leakage control assembly. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The apparatus and method disclosed in this document pertain generally to correcting and dampening undesirable vehicular movement. More particularly, the new and useful stabilizer disclosed and claimed in this document pertains to an ride stabilizing system. The stabilizer is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for dampening the ride of vehicles like skid steer loader vehicles and four-wheel drive front loaders.

BACKGROUND

Some vehicles like skid steer loader vehicles, often called “bobcats” in the industry, and four-wheel drive front loaders, and similar vehicles bearing considerable loads, evidence undesirable movements during operation. Undesirable vehicular movements may be caused or induced on vehicles that use limited or no suspension, are out of balance, yet must traverse irregular surfaces, thus inducing kinetic energy reactions similar to an accordion effect, such as bouncing, rocking, and so on. The undesirable movements are disorienting and disconcerting to vehicle drivers, and cause loads carried by such vehicles to further accentuate the undesirable movements. Suggestions have been made for dampening such movements, but none provides the substantially leveled ride that the ride stabilizing system shown in this document allows. Accordingly, a need exists in the industry for a new, useful and improved ride stabilizing system.

SUMMARY

The ride stabilizing system includes a housing that is formed with two chambers. A piston is positionable in each chamber. A unique leakage control system is attached to each piston. The housing is shaped, and includes apparatus, for selectively injecting variable amounts of gas and fluid into the two chambers. In general, the leakage control system includes applicators that contact the inner surface of each chamber. Each applicator is designed to hold a lubricant. The applicators are mounted in ducts formed in the housing. O-rings also are included in the leakage control system.

It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities. The structure and co-operation of structure of the ride stabilizing system also will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, drawing figures, and appended claims. Accordingly, the foregoing has outlined only broadly the more important features of the invention to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better understand the contributions to the art. The ride stabilizing system is not limited in application to the details of construction, or to the arrangements of the components, provided in the following description and drawing figures, but is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of description, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems. The claims, therefore, include equivalent constructions. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is intended neither to define the ride stabilizing system, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to limit the scope of the claims. The novel features of the ride stabilizing system are best understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 of the drawing is a perspective view of the ride stabilizing system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of components of the ride stabilizing system;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a piston used in the ride stabilizing system;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away cross-section view of the ride stabilizing system;

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the ride stabilizing system with three chambers; and

FIG. 6 is an example of a vehicle on which the ride stabilizing system may be used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a ride stabilizing system 10 is provided that in its broadest context includes a housing having at least two chambers. A valve is mounted in opposing ends of housing for injecting variable volumes of gas into at least two chambers. In addition, a port is formed in a bridge for fluid communication between cavity and a fluid source containing a fluid. The ride stabilizing system also includes at least one piston. The at least one piston is slidably positionable in each of the two chambers. Each piston is equipped with a leakage control assembly.

The leakage control assembly, in its broadest context, includes a plurality of applicators that are positioned to be in contact with the inner surface of the at least two chambers. The plurality of applicators is selected from the group of applicators consisting of applicators, blades, spreaders, wipers, squeegees, brushes, and sponge-type devices. The leakage control system also includes one or more lubricants infused in plurality of applicators. A plurality of peripheral ducts formed in the piston, and one or more o-rings engageable with the plurality of peripheral ducts.

More specifically, and in cross-reference between FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, ride stabilizing system 10 is provided that in its broadest context includes a housing 12. Housing 12 is formed with a cavity 14. A bridge 16 is positionable in cavity 14. Bridge 16 divides cavity 14 into at least two chambers 18a,b. A valve 20 is mounted in opposing ends 22a,b of housing 12 for injecting variable volumes of gas into at least two chambers 18a,b. In addition, a port 24, shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1 and 4 diagrammatically, is formed in bridge 16 for fluid communication between cavity 14 and a fluid source containing a fluid (not shown). Ride stabilizing system 10 also includes at least one piston 26. At least one piston 26 is slidably positionable in at least two chambers 18a,b. Piston 26 is equipped with a leakage control assembly 28 as shown best by cross-reference between FIGS. 3 and 4.

Leakage control assembly 28 is mounted on each piston 26a,b as shown best by cross-reference between FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. Pistons 26a,b are cylindrical bodies 30a,b dimensioned and shaped to be slidably insertable in each of the at least two chambers 18a,b. Cylindrical bodies 30a,b have a leading end 32 and a trailing end 34, as shown best by reference to FIG. 4. Cylindrical bodies 30a,b are dimensioned to be approximately coincident with the dimension D¹ of each of at least two chambers 18a,b. As shown, each chamber 18a,b includes an inner surface 36.

As also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each piston 26a,b has a groove 38 circumferentially formed in pistons 26a,b adjacent trailing end 32 of cylindrical bodies 30a,b. The distance D² between the center-line of groove 38 and trailing end 34 of cylindrical bodies 30a,b is not a limitation of ride stabilizing system 10. Distance D² may vary depending on the movement sought to be controlled and stabilized by the use of one or more installations of ride stabilizing system 10 on a vehicle 42, which is shown for purposes of enhancing the description of ride stabilizing system 10 in FIG. 5.

As also shown by cross-reference between FIG. 2-4, leakage control assembly 28 includes an annular closure device 42. Annular closure device 42 is mounted in groove 38. Annular closure device 42 is contactable with inner surface 36 of chambers 18a,b. In one embodiment of ride stabilizing system 10, annular closure device 42 includes one or more applicators 44. One or more applicators 44 are contactable with inner surface 36 of the chambers 18a,b As will be evident to one skilled in the art, one or more applicators 44 may be any of a variety of applicators, including blades, spreaders, wipers, squeegees, brushes, and sponge-type devices to identify a few. In one embodiment of leakage control assembly 28, one or more applicators 44 are formed from a nitrile material. In another embodiment of leakage control assembly, one or more applicators 44 are formed for holding a lubricant, such as a Teflon® lubricant.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, one embodiment of leakage control assembly 28 includes a slot 50. Slot 50 is circumferentially formed in cylindrical body 30 adjacent leading end 32 of cylindrical body 30. The distance D³ between the center line of slot 50 and leading end 34 of cylindrical body 30 is not a limitation of ride stabilizing system 10. Distance D³ may vary depending on the movement sought to be controlled or dampened by the use of one or more installations of ride stabilizing system 10 on vehicle 40. In one embodiment of ride stabilizing system 10, a sealing ring assemblage 52 is installed in slot 50. Sealing ring assemblage 52, in one embodiment of leakage control assembly 28, includes one or more applicators 44′. One or more applicators 44′ are contactable with inner surface 36 of chambers 18a,b. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, one or more applicators 44′ may be any of a variety of applicators, including blades, spreaders, wipers, squeegees, brushes, and sponge-type devices to identify a few. Specifically, in one embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, applicator 44′ is a polyurethane insert formed with a serrated cross-sectional edge 54 contactable with the inner surface 36 of chambers 18a,b. In another embodiment of a sealing ring assemblage 52, sealing ring assemblage 52 also includes one or more o-rings 48a,b.

As perhaps best shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 2 and 3, one embodiment of leakage control assembly 28 includes an indenture 56 interposed in cylindrical body 30 between groove 38 and slot 50. The Distance D⁴, as shown in FIG. 3, between the center line of indenture 56 and trailing end 38 of cylindrical body 30 is not a limitation of ride stabilizing system 10. Distance D⁴ may vary depending on the movement to be controlled or dampened by the use of one or more installations of ride stabilizing system 10 on vehicle 40. A lubric sleeve 58, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is set in indenture 56. Lubric sleeve 58 includes one or more applicators 44 contactable with inner surface 36 of hollow housing 12. As shown perhaps best in FIG. 3, which is but one embodiment of leakage control assembly 28, lubric sleeve 58 includes one or more applicators 44 formed substantially like a rectangular sponge for holding a lubricant. In another embodiment, perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, one or more applicators 44 defines a reservoir 60 for holding a lubricant (not shown)

In operation, therefore, leakage control assembly 28 of ride stabilizing system 10 solves lubriscosity problems not solved by other suggestions for dampening a vehicle ride using apparatus similar to ride stabilizing system 10, including what are known generally as accumulators. The lubricants used in association with leakage control assembly 28 of ride stabilizing system 10 eliminates the need for an opening through the cylindrical body 30 of pistons 26a,b or in any other structural feature of ride stabilizing system 10. In addition, leakage control assembly 28 of ride stabilizing system 10 includes a variety of leakage control redundancies—including at least annular closure device 42 mounted in groove 38, sealing ring assemblage 52 installed in slot 50, and lubric sleeve 58 set in indenture 56 interposed in cylindrical body 30 between groove 38 and slot 50—for forming a reliable seal and insuring immiscibility of gases and fluids during operation of ride stabilizing system 10. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, the design and structural cooperation of leakage control assembly 28 is responsive to leakage problems induced by gravity. The use of two opposing chambers 18a,b, in combination with leakage control assembly 28, is contrary to all prior teaching in the field.

FIG. 2 shows the various components of ride stabilizing system 10. Each component is shown only for purposes of adding to the clarity of the detailed description. In one embodiment of ride stabilizing system 10, housing 12 is a unitary monolithically formed body. In another embodiment, ride stabilizing system 10 is manufactured of discrete elements and components assembled by, for example, welding, as shown in FIG. 2.

Ride stabilizing system 10 shown in drawing FIGS. 1-4 includes at least one embodiment of ride stabilizing system 10, but as is now evident to one skilled in the art, the embodiments shown are not intended to be exclusive, but merely illustrative of the disclosed but non-exclusive embodiments. Claim elements and steps in this document have been numbered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Claim elements and steps have been numbered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. The numbering is not intended to, and should not be considered as intending to, indicate the ordering of elements and steps in the claims. Means-plus-function clauses in the claims are intended to cover the structures described as performing the recited function that include not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and screw may not be structural equivalents, in the environment of the subject matter of this document a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, ride stabilizing system 10 is shown as a ride stabilizing system 100. Ride stabilizing system 100 includes a third chamber called the compensatory chamber 102. Compensatory chamber 102 is useful in overcoming a number of problems, including cavitation. The term “cavitation” as used in this document describes at least the condition of the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid caused by moving solid bodies or by sound waves. Cavitation may induce pitting and wearing away of surfaces of components as the partial vacuums collapse in the liquid. As is known to those skilled in the art, cavitation is associated with compressible fluids and the tendency of the density of compressible fluids to change as any other fluid properties change. During flows of compressible fluids, shock waves may occur, resulting in choking, or cavitation, under which further downstream conditions cannot be transmitted upstream.

Problems associated with cavitation may arise within one or more components of an interconnected vehicular fluid system of the kind found in complex, heavy-duty vehicles of the type shown in FIG. 6. Valves are subject to cavitation, and may wear, generate excessive noise and vibrations, and even lose capacity to function as a valve. Compensatory chamber 102, as shown in FIG. 5 and marked Chamber 3, minimizes cavitation and other problems by controlling pressure differentials and changes of liquids in an interconnected vehicular fluid system 104. To assist in controlling cavitation, compensatory chamber 102 is a comparatively low volume chamber, Chamber 2 is a comparatively low volume chamber, and chamber 18a, marked Chamber 1 in FIG. 5, is a comparatively high volume chamber.

As shown, ride stabilizing system 100 also includes one or more valves 106a-c. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, at least one valve 106b is side-mounted on ride stabilizing system 100, meaning that valve 106 is mountable over an inlet port 108 formed through the wall 110 of housing 12. A spacer ring 112 is provided whose opening (not shown) is coincident with a longitudinal axis through inlet port 108 for fluid communication with chamber 18b that is marked as Chamber 2 in FIG. 5. Spacer ring 112 also secures valve 106b on ride stabilizing system 100 and on valve stem 113. As also shown in FIG. 5, Chamber 3 of ride stabilizing system 100 includes a second fluid inlet 114. A fluid lumen 116, having a proximal end 118 and a distal end 120, is provided. Proximal end 118 is inserted into second fluid inlet 114.

As further shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5, fluid lumen 116 is part of a tube 122 having a leading end 124 and a trailing end 126 is included. Tube 122 may be any of a number of fluid-conveying tubes typically associated with interconnected vehicular fluid system 104 of vehicle 40. Trailing end 126 of tube 122 is connectable to second fluid inlet 114. Leading end 126 of tube 122 may lead to one or more fluid containing devices 128a,b. Fluid containing devices 128a,b may be pumps, valves, compressors, pressure adjusters, volume controllers, and similar devices. To alleviate undesirable cavitation and related problems within components of interconnected vehicular fluid system 104 of vehicle 40, unwanted fluid pressure differentials and changes may be controlled by flowing fluid downstream through tube 122 to Chamber 1, and upstream when the fluid flow has been controlled.

Claims

1. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle, comprising:

a housing formed with two chambers;

a piston movably positionable in each of the two chambers, wherein the piston includes a peripherally mounted leakage control system; and

means for injecting variable amounts of gas and fluid into the two chambers.

2. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the two chambers include an inner surface.

3. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 2, wherein the peripherally mounted leakage control system includes at least one applicator contactable with the inner surface.

4. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 3, wherein the at least one applicator is selected from the group of applicators consisting of applicators, blades, spreaders, wipers, squeegees, brushes, and sponge-type devices.

5. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least one applicator is formed for holding a lubricant.

6. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 5, wherein the peripherally mounted leakage control system includes a plurality of peripheral ducts.

7. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 6, further comprising one or more gaskets engageable with the ducts.

8. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 7, further comprising one or more applicators insertable in the ducts and contactable with the inner surface of the two chambers.

9. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 8, wherein the injecting means includes a valve mounted in opposing ends of the housing for injecting variable volumes of gas into the two chambers.

10. A ride stabilizing system for a vehicle as recited in claim 9, wherein the injecting means includes a port formed in the housing for fluid communication between the two chambers and a fluid source.

11. A stabilizer, comprising:

a housing formed with a cavity;

a plurality of chambers formed in the cavity, wherein at least one of the plurality of chambers is formed for cavitation control;

a plurality of valves mounted on the housing;

a port formed in housing for fluid communication between the cavity and a fluid source;

a piston slidably positionable in one or more of the plurality of chambers; and

a leakage control assembly mounted on the piston.

12. A stabilizer as recited in claim 11, wherein the plurality of chambers includes a variable gas void.

13. A stabilizer as recited in claim 11, wherein the plurality of chambers includes a variable fluid void.

14. A stabilizer as recited in claim 11, wherein the leakage control system is peripherally mounted on the piston.

15. A stabilizer as recited in claim 11, wherein the leakage control system includes a plurality of applicators contactable with the at least two chambers.

16. A stabilizer as recited in claim 15, wherein the plurality of applicators is selected from the group of applicators consisting of applicators, blades, spreaders, wipers, squeegees, brushes, and sponge-type devices.

17. A stabilizer as recited in claim 11, wherein the leakage control system includes one or more lubricants infused in the plurality of applicators.

18. A stabilizer as recited in claim 11, wherein the leakage control system includes a plurality of peripheral ducts formed in the piston.

19. A stabilizer as recited in claim 18, further comprising one or more o-rings engageable with the plurality of peripheral ducts.

20. A piston assembly for an accumulator, comprising:

a cylindrical body slidably insertable in the accumulator, the body having a leading end and a trailing end;

a groove circumferentially formed in the cylindrical body adjacent the trailing end of the cylindrical body;

an annular closure device mounted in the groove;

a slot circumferentially formed in the cylindrical body adjacent the leading end of the cylindrical body;

a sealing ring assemblage installed in the slot;

an indenture interposed in the cylindrical body between the groove and the slot; and

a lubric sleeve set in the indenture.

21. A piston assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the accumulator is a hollow housing having an inner surface and an outer surface.

22. A piston assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the annular closure device includes one or more applicators contactable with the inner surface of the accumulator.

23. A piston assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein the one or more applicators is selected from the group of applicators consisting of applicators, blades, spreaders, wipers, squeegees, brushes, and sponge-type devices.

24. A piston assembly as recited in claim 23, wherein the one or more applicator is formed from a nitrile material.

25. A piston assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein the one or more applicators is formed for holding a lubricant.

26. A piston assembly as recited in claim 25, wherein the lubricant is a Teflon® lubricant.

27. A piston assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the annular closure device includes one or more gaskets engageable with the groove.

28. A piston assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the sealing ring assemblage includes one or more applicators.

29. A piston assembly as recited in claim 28, wherein the one or more applicators is a polyurethane insert formed with a serrated cross-sectional edge contactable with the inner surface of the hollow housing.

30. A piston assembly as recited in claim 20, further comprising a gasket engageable with the slot.

31. A piston assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the lubric sleeve includes one or more applicators contactable with the inner surface of the hollow housing.

32. A piston assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the indenture and the one or more applicator define a reservoir for holding a lubricant.

33. A method for dampening vehicular motion, comprising:

determining the ride characteristics of the vehicle;

designing a ride stabilizing system for the vehicle;

manufacturing one or more ride stabilizing systems for installation on a vehicle; and

installing the one or more ride stabilizing systems on the vehicle.

34. A method for dampening vehicular motion as recited in claim 33, wherein the designing step includes the substeps of:

forming a housing to include a hollow cavity;

installing a bridge within the hollow cavity for dividing the cavity into at least two chambers;

mounting a valve in opposing ends of the housing for injecting variable volumes of gas into the at least two chambers;

forming a port in the bridge for fluid communication between the cavity and a fluid source;

shaping a piston for slideable positioning in the at least two chambers; and

mounting a leakage control assembly on the piston.

35. A method for dampening vehicular motion as recited in claim 34, wherein the housing forming step includes the substep of shaping the at least two chambers into varying dimensions.

36. A method for dampening vehicular motion as recited in claim 35, wherein the piston shaping step includes the substeps of:

forming the piston with a leading end and a trailing end;

installing the piston in the housing for trailing end contact with the fluid; and

installing the piston in the housing for leading end contact with a gas.

37. A method for dampening vehicular motion as recited in claim 36, wherein the leakage control assembly mounting step includes the substeps of:

forming a plurality of ducts in the piston;

mounting a plurality of applicators in the plurality of ducts;

dimensioning the plurality of applicators for contact with the sides of the at least two chambers; and

placing at least one o-rings in the plurality of ducts.