Regenerative suspension with accumulator systems and methods
In exemplary embodiments, a regenerative suspension system replaces or complements a standard shock absorber on a vehicle. A pump attaches via a hose to a central accumulator cylinder that is mounted on a vehicle. Pressurized fluid, air, or other material charges the accumulator. The Pressurized fluid, air, or other material is controllably released via a valve in order to perform work.
1. A system, comprising:
a pump including a manifold;
a cylinder formed in the manifold;
a piston disposed in the cylinder and configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid;
an accumulator fluidly coupled to the piston;
a hydraulic motor fluidly coupled to the accumulator; and
an alternator coupled to the hydraulic motor, wherein the hydraulic motor is configured to rotate the alternator.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cylinder and reservoir comprise an extrusion.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing that cohouses the hydraulic motor and the alternator.
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a hydraulic intensifier capable of receiving the hydraulic fluid from the accumulator and delivering the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic fluid comprises magnetorheological fluid (“MR fluid”).
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the MR fluid is capable of inducing an electrical current in an electrical conductor as the MR fluid travels over the electrical conductor.
7. A regenerative suspension device, comprising:
a manifold;
a cylinder that is coupled to the manifold and an accumulator that is coupled to the manifold, wherein the cylinder receives a piston coupled to a wheel of a vehicle, and wherein the piston transfers a pressurized fluid from the cylinder, through the manifold, and to the accumulator as the wheel of the vehicle encounters variations on a driving surface;
a hydraulic motor that is coupled to the manifold and rotates in response to receiving the pressurized fluid from the accumulator; and
an alternator that is coupled to the hydraulic motor and receives a rotational energy of the hydraulic motor, wherein said cylinder comprises an extrusion.
8. The regenerative suspension device of claim 7 , further comprising a reservoir, wherein the reservoir and the cylinder comprise the extrusion.
9. The regenerative suspension device of claim 7 , further comprising a housing that cohouses the hydraulic motor and the alternator.
10. The regenerative suspension device of claim 9 , wherein the housing further cohouses the accumulator.
11. The regenerative suspension device of claim 7 , further comprising a hydraulic intensifier capable of receiving the pressurized fluid from the accumulator and delivering the pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor.
12. The regenerative suspension device of claim 7 , wherein the pressurized fluid comprises magnetorheological fluid (“MR fluid”).
13. The regenerative suspension device of claim 12 , wherein the MR fluid is capable of inducing an electrical current in an electrical conductor as the MR fluid travels over the electrical conductor.
14. A system for charging a power supply of a vehicle comprising:
a battery, and
a plurality of regenerative suspension devices, wherein each regenerative suspension device comprises:
a cylinder configured to pressurize fluid upon compression by a pump within said cylinder,
an accumulator functionally situated and configured to receive the fluid pressurized by said pump,
a hydraulic motor, and
an alternator,
wherein said cylinder, said accumulator, and said hydraulic motor are coupled by a manifold,
wherein said pressurized fluid rotates said hydraulic motor,
wherein said hydraulic motor rotates said alternator, and
wherein said alternator charges said battery.
15. The system of claim 14 , further comprising a reservoir fluidly coupled to the cylinder, wherein the cylinder and the reservoir comprise an extrusion.
16. The system of claim 14 , further comprising a housing that cohouses the hydraulic motor and alternator.
17. The system of claim 14 , wherein the housing further cohouses the accumulator.
18. The system of claim 14 , further comprising a hydraulic intensifier capable of receiving the pressurized fluid from the accumulator and delivering the pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor.
19. The system of claim 14 , wherein the fluid comprises magnetorheological fluid (“MR fluid”).
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the MR fluid is capable of inducing an electrical current in an electrical conductor as the MR fluid travels over the electrical conductor.