Shock absorber with asymmetric valve pre-tightening ring

Abstract

A shock absorber for a vehicle includes a pressure tube, a piston body slidably disposed within the pressure tube, an exhaust disc having a first surface in surface contact with the piston body and an opposing second surface, a disc stack, and a pre-tightening ring axially disposed between the disc stack and the exhaust disc. The pre-tightening ring is in direct contact with the second surface of the blow disc and includes a rounded outer surface and a substantially constant thickness. The pre-tightening ring also includes a cross-sectional width that varies along its circumference. The pre-tightening ring improves the smoothness of the behavior of the air blowing opening of the shock absorber, so that the comfort degree of the vehicle is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automotive shock absorbers / dampers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to components of shock absorbers / dampers that provide improved exhaust smoothness. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Shock absorbers are typically used in conjunction with automotive suspension systems or other suspension systems to absorb unwanted vibrations generated during the movement of the suspension system. To absorb these unwanted vibrations, automotive shock absorbers are typically connected between the sprung mass (body) and the unsprung mass (suspension / drivetrain) of a vehicle.

[0004] The most common automotive shock absorbers are monotube and twin-tube shock absorbers. In a monotube shock absorber, a piston is located within a fluid chamber defined by a pressure tube and is connected to the sprung mass of the vehicle via a piston rod. The pressure tube is connected to the unsprung mass of the vehicle. The piston divides the fluid chamber of the pressure tube into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. The piston includes a compression valve that restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid from the second working chamber to the first working chamber during the compression stroke. The piston also includes a rebound valve that restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid from the first working chamber to the second working chamber during the rebound or extension stroke. Since the compression valve and the rebound valve are capable of restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid, the shock absorber is able to generate a damping force that counteracts the oscillations / vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted from the unsprung mass to the sprung mass.

[0005] The compression and rebound valve assemblies of a shock absorber have the function of controlling the fluid flow between the upper working chamber and the second working chamber of the shock absorber. By controlling the fluid flow between the two working chambers, a pressure drop is formed between the two working chambers, which contributes to the damping force of the shock absorber. The compression and rebound valves, as well as the check valve assembly, can be used to adjust the damping force to control ride and handling as well as noise, vibration, and harshness.

[0006] Typically, the compression valve and the rebound valve of a shock absorber each include a preload ring that is configured to provide an internal preload force to the valve plate in the compression valve and the rebound valve. This preload ring is circular and has a circular outer surface and a circular hole that is concentric with the circular outer surface.

[0007] Although there are various functions and elements available for adjusting shock absorbers, it is still necessary to improve the adjustability and repeatability of shock absorbers. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This section is a general overview of the disclosure and is not a complete disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a preload ring is provided that is configured to adjust the exhaust point transition to improve the smoothness of the exhaust point opening behavior of a vehicle's shock absorber. The preload ring has a circular outer surface and includes an elliptical hole extending through the preload ring. The elliptical hole is concentric with the circular outer surface, wherein the circular outer surface of the preload ring has a first center, and the elliptical hole has a second center at the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis of the elliptical hole, and wherein the second center is concentric with the first center.

[0010] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the preload ring has a circular outer surface and includes a circular hole extending through the preload ring. The circular hole is eccentric with the circular outer surface, wherein the circular outer surface of the preload ring has a first center, and the circular hole has a second center, and wherein the second center is offset from the first center.

[0011] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the preload ring has a circular outer surface and includes an elliptical hole extending through the preload ring. The elliptical hole is eccentric with the circular outer surface, wherein the circular outer surface of the preload ring has a first center, and the elliptical hole has a second center at the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis of the elliptical hole, and wherein the second center is offset from the first center.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a shock absorber for a vehicle is provided. The shock absorber includes a pressure tube, a piston body slidably positioned within the pressure tube, an exhaust disc having a first surface in contact with a surface of the piston body and an opposing second surface, a disc stack, and a preload ring axially positioned between the disc stack and the exhaust disc. The preload ring is in direct contact with the second surface of the exhaust disc and includes a circular outer surface and a substantially constant thickness. The preload ring further includes a cross-sectional width that varies along its circumference.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a shock absorber for a vehicle is provided. The shock absorber includes a pressure tube, a piston body slidably positioned within the pressure tube, an exhaust disc having a first surface facing the piston and an opposing second surface, and a preload ring. The preload ring includes a first surface in contact with the second surface of the exhaust disc, a second surface opposite the first surface of the preload ring, a circular outer surface extending from the first surface of the preload ring to the second surface of the preload ring, and an inner surface extending from the first surface of the preload ring to the second surface of the preload ring. The inner surface of the preload ring defines a hole extending through the preload ring. The circular outer surface of the preload ring has a first center, and the inner surface of the preload ring has a second center, wherein the second center is offset from the first center.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a shock absorber for a vehicle is provided. The shock absorber includes a pressure tube, a piston body slidably positioned within the pressure tube, an exhaust disc having a first surface facing the piston and an opposite second surface, and a preload ring. The preload ring includes a first surface in contact with the second surface of the exhaust disc, a second surface opposite the first surface of the preload ring, a circular outer surface extending from the first surface of the preload ring to the second surface of the preload ring, and an inner surface extending from the first surface of the preload ring to the second surface of the preload ring. The inner surface defines a hole passing through the preload ring. The circular outer surface of the preload ring has a first center, and the inner surface of the preload ring has a second center, wherein the second center is offset from the first center.

[0015] From the description herein, further application areas and advantages will become apparent. It should be understood that the description and specific examples herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are only for illustrative purposes of selected embodiments and not all possible embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 is a view of an exemplary vehicle equipped with a shock absorber in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a partial side view of a shock absorber constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 3A is a view showing Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the piston body, a compression bleed valve assembly, a compression blowoff valve assembly, and a piston rod of the shock absorber shown; Figure 3B is a view showing Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the rebound bleed valve assembly, the rebound blowoff valve assembly, and a retaining nut of the shock absorber shown; Figure 4 is a view taken from Figure 3A a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber taken along line 4-4 in; Figure 5 is a view taken from Figure 3A a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber taken along line 5-5 in; Figure 6A is a perspective view of a first side of an exemplary piston body in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 6B is a perspective view of a first side of an exemplary piston body in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 7AIs a perspective view of an exemplary preload ring of a shock absorber according to the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 7B Is Figure 7A A top view of the exemplary preload ring; Figure 7C 、 Figure 7D 、 Figure 7E 、 Figure 7F 、 Figure 7G 、 Figure 7H 、 Figure 7I And Figure 7J Is Figure 7A Cross-sectional views of the exemplary preload ring taken at different angles around the exemplary preload ring at lines 7C-7C, 7D-7D, 7E-7E, 7F-7F, 7G-7G, 7H-7H, 7I-7I, and 7J-7J respectively; Figure 8A Is a perspective view of another exemplary preload ring of a shock absorber according to the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 8B Is Figure 8A A top view of the exemplary preload ring; Figure 8C 、 Figure 8D 、 Figure 8E 、 Figure 8F 、 Figure 8G 、 Figure 8H 、 Figure 8I And Figure 8J Is Figure 8A Cross-sectional views of the exemplary preload ring taken at different angles around the exemplary preload ring at lines 8C-8C, 8D-8D, 8E-8E, 8F-8F, 8G-8G, 8H-8H, 8I-8I, and 8J-8J respectively in Figure 8B ; Figure 9A Is a perspective view of another exemplary preload ring of a shock absorber according to the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 9B Is Figure 9A A top view of the exemplary preload ring; Figure 9C 、 Figure 9D 、 Figure 9E 、 Figure 9F 、 Figure 9G 、 Figure 9H 、 Figure 9I And Figure 9J Is Figure 9A Cross-sectional views of the exemplary preload ring taken at different angles around the exemplary preload ring at lines 9C-9C, 9D-9D, 9E-9E, 9F-9F, 9G-9G, 9H-9H, 9I-9I, and 9J-9J respectively in Figure 9B ; Figure 10 A top view of an exemplary preload ring of a shock absorber in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 11 A perspective view of an exemplary exhaust disk and an exemplary preload ring of a shock absorber in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; Figure 12 Shows Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of another exemplary piston body, compression exhaust valve assembly, and piston rod of the shock absorber shown; and Figure 13 A graph of the force response curve of the shock absorber moving to the compression position; In several views of the drawings, corresponding reference numerals represent corresponding parts. Detailed Description

[0018] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0019] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. To thoroughly understand the embodiments of this disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies have not been described in detail.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not limiting. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprising", "including", "containing", and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily being performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It should also be understood that alternative steps or alternative sequences may be utilized.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). The term “and / or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply an order or sequence. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0023] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms may also encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements or features described as “beneath” or “below” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] See Figure 1, the vehicle 10 shown in the figure includes a rear suspension 12, a front suspension 14, and a body 16. The rear suspension 12 has a rear axle assembly (not shown) adapted to operatively support the rear wheels 18 of the vehicle. The rear axle assembly is operatively connected to the body 16 by a pair of shock absorbers 20 and a pair of coil springs 22. Similarly, the front suspension 14 includes a front axle assembly (not shown) for operatively supporting the front wheels 24 of the vehicle. The front axle assembly is operatively connected to the body 16 by a second pair of shock absorbers 26 and a pair of coil springs 28. The shock absorbers 20 and 26 function to dampen the relative movement between the unsprung portions (i.e., the front and rear suspensions 14 and 12, respectively) and the sprung portion (i.e., the body 16) of the vehicle 10. Although the vehicle 10 is described as a passenger vehicle having front and rear axle assemblies, the shock absorbers 20 and 26 can be used in other types of vehicles or machinery, or other types of applications, such as vehicles having independent front suspension systems and / or independent rear suspension systems. Additionally, the term "shock absorber" as used herein encompasses shock absorbers and shock absorber systems and thus also includes MacPherson struts. It should also be understood that the scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to include shock absorber systems with independent shock absorbers 20 and coil-over shock absorbers 26.

[0025] Additionally referring to Figure 2 , the shock absorber 20 is shown in more detail. Although Figure 2 only the shock absorber 20 is shown, it should be understood that the shock absorber 26 also includes the piston assembly described below for the shock absorber 20. The shock absorber 26 differs from the shock absorber 20 only in the manner of its connection to the sprung and unsprung portions of the vehicle 10 and the mounting position of the coil spring 28 relative to the shock absorber 26.

[0026] The shock absorber 20 includes a pressure tube 30, a piston assembly 32, and a piston rod 34. The pressure tube 30 and the piston rod 34 extend coaxially along a longitudinal axis 35. The pressure tube 30 defines an inner cavity 42. The piston assembly 32 is slidably disposed in the inner cavity 42 of the pressure tube 30 and divides the inner cavity 42 into a first working chamber 44 and a second working chamber 46. A seal 48 is provided between the piston assembly 32 and the pressure tube 30 to allow the piston assembly 32 to slide relative to the pressure tube 30 without excessive friction and to seal the first working chamber 44 from the second working chamber 46.

[0027] The piston rod 34 is attached to the piston assembly 32 and extends through the first working chamber 44 and the upper end cap 50, which closes the first end 51 of the pressure pipe 30. The attachment end 53 of the piston rod 34 opposite to the piston assembly 32 is connected to the body 16 of the vehicle 10 (i.e., the sprung part of the vehicle 10). The pressure pipe 30 is filled with hydraulic fluid and includes an attachment fitting 54 at the second end 55 of the pressure pipe 30, and the attachment fitting 54 is connected to the unsprung parts of the suspensions 12 and 14. Thus, the first working chamber 44 is positioned between the first end 51 of the pressure pipe 30 and the piston assembly 32, and the second working chamber 46 is positioned between the second end 55 of the pressure pipe 30 and the piston assembly 32. The suspension movement of the vehicle 10 will cause the piston assembly 32 to extend / rebound or compress relative to the pressure pipe 30. During the movement of the piston assembly 32 within the pressure pipe 30, the valve within the piston assembly 32 controls the movement of the hydraulic fluid between the first working chamber 44 and the second working chamber 46. It should be understood that the shock absorber 20 can be installed in reverse, where the attachment end 53 of the piston rod 34 is connected to the unsprung parts of the suspensions 12 and 14, and the attachment fitting 54 is connected to the body 16 (i.e., the sprung part of the vehicle 10).

[0028] Additionally refer to Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,the piston assembly 32 includes: a piston body 60 attached to the piston rod 34, a compression bleed valve assembly 62, a rebound bleed valve assembly 64, a compression exhaust valve assembly 66, and a rebound exhaust valve assembly 68. The piston rod 34 includes a reduced-diameter section 70 located at the end of the piston rod 34, and the reduced-diameter section 70 is disposed within the pressure pipe 30 such that the reduced-diameter section 70 forms a shoulder 72 abutting against the piston assembly 32. The piston body 60 is located on the reduced-diameter section 70, the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 are longitudinally located between the piston body 60 and the shoulder 72, and the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 and the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 are longitudinally located between the piston body 60 and the threaded end 74 of the piston rod 34. A fixing nut 76 mates with the threaded end 74 of the piston rod 34 to fix the compression exhaust valve assembly 66, the compression bleed valve assembly 62, the piston body 60, the rebound bleed valve assembly 64, and the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 to the piston rod 34. The piston body 60 abuts against the compression bleed valve assembly 62, the compression bleed valve assembly 62 abuts against the compression exhaust valve assembly 66, and the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 abuts against the shoulder 72 formed on the piston rod 34. The piston body 60 also abuts against the rebound bleed valve assembly 64, the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 abuts against the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68, and the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 abuts against the fixing nut 76. The fixing nut 76 fixes the piston body 60, the compression bleed valve assembly 62, the compression exhaust valve assembly 66, the rebound bleed valve assembly 64, and the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 to the piston rod 34.

[0029] Continue to refer to Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the piston body 60 includes a first surface 80 located on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 and a second surface 84 located on the second side 86 of the piston body 60. The first surface 80 and the second surface 84 are opposite and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis 35. In some embodiments, the first surface 80 and the second surface 84 may be flat surfaces. The first surface 80 and the first side 82 may face the first working chamber 44. The second surface 84 and the second side 86 may face the second working chamber 46. The piston body 60 includes a central hole 88, and the piston rod 34 is configured to extend through the central hole 88. The piston body 60 further includes hubs 90 that surround the central hole 88 and extend from the first surface 80 and the second surface 84 respectively. Each hub 90 terminates at a hub surface 92. The outer circumferential portion 94 of the piston body 60 is configured to receive the seal 48. The piston body 60 defines a plurality of compression flow exhaust channels 96, a plurality of rebound flow exhaust channels 98, and a plurality of bleed flow channels 100. The compression flow exhaust channels 96, the rebound flow exhaust channels 98, and the bleed flow channels 100 are channels through which hydraulic fluid can flow. Therefore, each of the compression flow exhaust channels 96, the rebound flow exhaust channels 98, and the bleed flow channels 100 can be referred to as a fluid channel.

[0030] Compression bleed valve assembly and rebound bleed valve assembly For example, the compression bleed valve assembly 62 includes a first set of valve components, such as a flow limiting disk 102, an orifice disk 104, a fulcrum disk 106, a check disk 108, and a spring 110. The flow limiting disk 102, the orifice disk 104, the fulcrum disk 106, the check disk 108, and the spring 110 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 are configured to be stacked along the axis 35 on the first side 82 of the piston body 60.

[0031] The rebound bleed valve assembly 64 includes, for example, a second set of valve components, where the second set of valve components includes the same type and number of components as the first set of valve components. The rebound bleed valve assembly 64 includes, for example, a flow limiting disk 102, an orifice disk 104, a fulcrum disk 106, a check disk 108, and a spring 110. The flow limiting disk 102, the orifice disk 104, the fulcrum disk 106, the check disk 108, and the spring 110 of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 are configured to be stacked along the axis 35 on the second side 86 of the piston body 60.

[0032] Although the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 are shown and described as having the same type and number of components, in some embodiments, the type and number of components in the compression bleed valve assembly 62 may be different from the type and number of components in the rebound bleed valve assembly 64. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 may include additional, fewer, and / or other components without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the exact type, number, and / or arrangement of components is not required. The restrictor disk 102, the orifice disk 104, and the check disk 108 may be referred to as bleed disks.

[0033] Continuing to refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , each of the restrictor disk 102, the orifice disk 104, the pivot disk 106, the check disk 108, and the spring 110 is shown and described in more detail in the figures.

[0034] Restrictor disk The restrictor disk 102 includes a ring 112 having a central hole 114 and fingers 116 extending radially outward from the ring 112. In some embodiments, the fingers 116 are opposite each other such that the fingers 116 are spaced apart from each other by approximately 180 degrees about the axis 35. In some embodiments, the fingers 116 are spaced apart from each other at an angle less than or greater than 180 degrees about the axis 35. The restrictor disk 102 may be bowtie-shaped. For example, the width of the fingers 116 increases along the fingers 116 such that the fingers 116 become wider as the fingers 116 extend away from the ring 112. Although shown as bowtie-shaped, in some embodiments, the restrictor disk 102 may have fingers 116 of other shapes, such as rectangular or square by way of example only. Although shown in the figures as having two fingers 116, the restrictor disks 102 may each include only one or more than two fingers 116. The restrictor disk 102 may move from an unbent / un deflected position to a bent / deflected position. In the unbent / un deflected position, the fingers 116 of the restrictor disk 102 are configured to contact the piston body 60.

[0035] The restrictor disk 102 also includes one or more holes 118. For example, each finger 116 includes a hole 118 that extends radially inward from the outer edge of each finger 116 of the restrictor disk 102. The holes 118 are configured to allow fluid to flow axially and / or radially relative to the axis 35 of the shock absorber 20. Hydraulic fluid is capable of flowing through the holes 118 and the bleed flow passage 100. Each hole 118 opens in the axial direction and is configured to allow fluid to flow axially through the restrictor disk 102 relative to the axis 35. Additionally, each hole 118 opens in the radial direction and is configured to allow fluid to flow radially through the hole 118 at the outer edge of the fingers 116 relative to the axis 35. In some embodiments, the holes 118 are configured to remain open to fluid flow regardless of the position of the restrictor disk 102.

[0036] Orifice plate The orifice plate 104 includes a ring 120 having a central hole 122 and fingers 124 extending radially outward from the ring 120. In certain embodiments, the fingers 124 are opposite each other such that the fingers 124 are spaced apart from each other by approximately 180 degrees about an axis 35. The orifice plate 104 can be bowtie-shaped. For example, the width of the fingers 124 increases along the fingers 124 such that the fingers 124 become wider as the fingers 124 extend away from the ring 120. Although shown as bowtie-shaped, in certain embodiments, the orifice plate 104 can have fingers 124 of other shapes, such as rectangular or square by way of example only. Although shown as having two fingers 124, the orifice plates 104 can each include only one or more than two fingers 124. In certain embodiments, the fingers 124 of the orifice plate 104 have the same size and shape as the fingers 116 of the flow-limiting plate 102.

[0037]

[0037] The orifice plate 104 also includes one or more holes 126. For example, each finger 124 includes a hole 126 that extends radially inward from the outer edge of each finger 124 of the orifice plate 104. In certain embodiments, the holes 126 of the orifice plate 104 have the same size and shape as the holes 118 of the flow-limiting plate 102. In certain embodiments, the holes 126 of the orifice plate 104 have different sizes and / or shapes than the holes 118 of the flow-limiting plate 102.

[0038]

[0038] The holes 126 are configured to allow fluid to flow axially and / or radially relative to the axis 35 of the shock absorber 20. Hydraulic fluid can flow through the holes 126 and the bleed flow passage 100. Each hole 126 opens in the axial direction and is configured to allow fluid to flow axially through the orifice plate 104 relative to the axis 35. Additionally, each hole 126 opens in the radial direction and is configured to allow fluid to flow radially through the hole 126 at the outer edge of the finger 124 relative to the axis 35. In certain embodiments, the holes 126 are configured to remain open to fluid flow regardless of the position of the orifice plate 104.

[0039] Pivot plate The pivot plate 106 includes a ring 128 having a central hole 130. The pivot plate 106 is configured to provide a pivot point for the check plate 108.

[0040] Check plate The check disk 108 includes a ring 132 having a central hole 134 and fingers 136 extending radially outward from the ring 132. In some embodiments, the fingers 136 are opposite each other such that the fingers 136 are spaced apart from each other by approximately 180 degrees about an axis 35. The check disk 108 can be bow-tie shaped. For example, the width of the fingers 136 increases along the fingers 136 such that the fingers 136 become wider as they extend away from the ring 132. Although shown as bow-tie shaped, in some embodiments, the check disk 108 can have fingers 136 of other shapes, such as rectangular or square by way of example only. Although shown as having two fingers 136, the check disks 108 can each include only one or more than two fingers 136. In some embodiments, the fingers 136 of the check disk 108 have the same size and shape as the fingers 116 of the flow-limiting disk 102 and / or the fingers 124 of the orifice disk 104.

[0041] Spring The spring 110 includes a ring 138 having a central hole 140 and a plurality of arms 142 extending circumferentially and radially outward from the ring 138. The plurality of arms 142 are further bent at an angle relative to a plane formed by the ring 138. The spring 110 is made of an elastically deformable material, such as spring steel, a plastic having suitable elastic properties, etc. Although shown as having three arms 142, the springs 110 can each include only one, two, or more than three arms 142. In some embodiments, the spring 110 can be a wave spring.

[0042] Compression valve assembly and rebound valve assembly The compression exhaust valve assembly 66 includes, for example, a third set of valve components, such as an exhaust disk 144, a ring 146, a plurality of valve plates 148, a fulcrum disk 150, a fulcrum support disk 152, and a valve stopper 154. The exhaust disk 144, the preload ring 146, the plurality of valve plates 148, the fulcrum disk 150, the fulcrum support disk 152, and the valve stopper 154 of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 are configured to be stacked and arranged on a first side 82 of the piston body 60 along an axis 35, wherein the compression bleed valve assembly 62 is configured to be located between the piston body 60 and the compression exhaust valve assembly 66.

[0043] The resilient exhaust valve assembly 68 includes, for example, a fourth set of valve components, where the fourth set of valve components includes the same type and number of components as the third set of valve components. For example, the resilient exhaust valve assembly 68 includes an exhaust disk 144, a ring 146, a plurality of valve plates 148, a fulcrum disk 150, a fulcrum support disk 152, and a valve stopper 154. The exhaust disk 144, preloading ring 146, plurality of valve plates 148, fulcrum disk 150, fulcrum support disk 152, and valve stopper 154 of the resilient exhaust valve assembly 68 are configured to be arranged in a stacked manner on the second side 86 of the piston body 60 along the axis 35, where the resilient bleed valve assembly 64 is configured to be located between the piston body 60 and the resilient exhaust valve assembly 68.

[0044] Although the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 and the resilient exhaust valve assembly 68 are shown and described as having the same type and number of components, in some embodiments, the type and number of components in the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 may be different from the type and number of components in the resilient exhaust valve assembly 68. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 and the resilient exhaust valve assembly 68 may include additional, fewer, and / or other components without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the exact type, number, and / or arrangement of components is not required.

[0045] Continuing to refer Figure 3A and Figure 3B , each of the exhaust disk 144, preloading ring 146, plurality of valve plates 148, fulcrum disk 150, and valve stopper 154 is shown and described in more detail.

[0046] Exhaust disk The exhaust disk 144 is a circular disk having a central hole 156 and a plurality of openings 158. The openings 158 are arranged around the axis 35. In some embodiments, the openings 158 of the exhaust disk 144 circumferentially overlap, where two or more openings 158 are at a common radius extending from the axis 35. These openings 158 may be spaced apart from each other along the radius of the exhaust disk 144. The openings 158 are configured to reduce the stiffness of the exhaust disk 144. The openings 158 are configured to allow fluid to flow from one side of the exhaust disk 144 to the other side of the exhaust disk 144. Although shown as having three openings 158, in some embodiments, the exhaust disk 144 includes more than three openings 158. In some embodiments, the exhaust disk 144 includes fewer than three openings 158. In some embodiments, the exhaust disk 144 does not include openings 158.

[0047] Preloading ring The preloading ring 146 is circular and has a hole 160 extending through the preloading ring 146. As Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, in some embodiments, the hole 160 is elliptical. The preload ring 146 can be made of metal, plastic, or any suitable material. The preload ring 146 is configured to be radially outside of the opening 158 of the exhaust disc 144. The preload ring 146 is configured to provide an internal preload force to the valve plate 148.

[0048] Now turning to Figure 7A and Figure 7B , additional details of an example of the preload ring 146 are described. The preload ring 146 includes a first surface 700, a second surface 702 opposite the first surface 700, and a thickness 704 between the first surface 700 and the second surface 702. The preload ring 146 terminates at its periphery in an outer surface 706 that extends from the first surface 700 of the preload ring 146 to the second surface 702. In some embodiments, the outer surface 706 of the preload ring 146 is uninterrupted and continuously circular, and thus is a circular outer surface. Additionally, in Figure 7A and Figure 7B 's example, the elliptical hole 160 is formed by an inner surface 708 that extends from the first surface 700 of the preload ring 146 to the second surface 702, where the inner surface 708 is an elliptical inner surface.

[0049] The outer surface 706 has a first center 710. The inner surface 708 has a major axis 712, a length 713 along the major axis 712, a minor axis 714, a width 715 along the minor axis 714, and a second center 716 located at the intersection of the major axis 712 and the minor axis 714. As Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, the second center 716 of the inner surface 708 is concentric with the first center 710 of the outer surface 706. Since the second center 716 is concentric with the first center 710, the major axis 712 and the minor axis 714 of the inner surface 708 pass through the first center 710. In Figure 7A and Figure 7B 's example shown, the hole 160 is an elliptical hole located at the center of the preload ring 146.

[0050] In Figure 7B , the preload ring 146 is viewed perpendicular to the first surface (e.g., from the top). Figures 7C to 7J Shows cross-sections of the preload ring 146 taken at different angular positions along the circumference of the preload ring 146. These cross-sections are taken at locations similar to positions on an analog clock face. The preload ring 146 has a cross-sectional width that varies along the circumference of the preload ring 146. As Figure 7C shown, at zero (0) degrees (12 o'clock position), the preload ring 146 has a first cross-sectional width 718. As Figure 7D shown, at 45 degrees, the preload ring 146 has a second cross-sectional width 720. As Figure 7EAs shown, at 90 degrees (3 o'clock position), the preload ring 146 has a third cross-sectional width 722. As Figure 7F shown, at the 135-degree position, the preload ring 146 has a fourth cross-sectional width 724. As Figure 7G shown, at 180 degrees (6 o'clock position), the preload ring 146 has a fifth cross-sectional width 726. As Figure 7H shown, at 225 degrees, the preload ring 146 has a sixth cross-sectional width 728. As Figure 7I shown, at 270 degrees (9 o'clock position), the preload ring 146 has a seventh cross-sectional width 730. As Figure 7J shown, at 315 degrees, the preload ring 146 has an eighth cross-sectional width 732.

[0051] In Figures 7C to 7J the example of the preload ring 146 shown: (1) the first cross-sectional width 718 and the fifth cross-sectional width 726 are equal; (2) the second cross-sectional width 720, the fourth cross-sectional width 724, the sixth cross-sectional width 728, and the eighth cross-sectional width 732 are equal; and (3) the third cross-sectional width 722 and the seventh cross-sectional width 730 are equal. In Figures 7A to 7J the embodiment of the preload ring 146 shown, the cross-sectional widths that are 180 degrees apart around the circumference of the preload ring 146 are equal. As Figures 7C to 7J shown, in some embodiments, the thickness 704 of the preload ring 146 is substantially constant around the circumference of the preload ring 146.

[0052] Referring again to Figure 7B , the preload ring 146 is an asymmetric preload ring having at least one dividing line that passes through the first center 710 and divides the preload ring 146 into asymmetric halves. For example, the preload ring 146 is asymmetric about a dividing line 734 that passes through the first center 710. The preload ring 146 is also asymmetric about a dividing line 736 that passes through the first center 710.

[0053] Valve plate Now returning to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the valve plate 148 is a circular disk and includes a central hole 162. The valve plate 148 is elastically deformable. For example, a force applied to the outer edge of the valve plate 148 can cause the valve plate 148 to bend such that the outer edge moves axially relative to the corresponding central hole 162 of the valve plate 148. The valve plate 148 is made of an elastically deformable material such as spring steel, plastic having appropriate elastic properties, etc.

[0054] In some embodiments, the valve plate 148 has different diameters. For example, as Figure 3A , Figure 3B ,Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in Figure 5 , the valve plate 148 is arranged such that the valve plate 78 with the largest diameter is placed closest to the piston body 60 and the valve plate 78 with the smallest diameter is placed farthest from the piston body 60. Thus, the diameter of each valve plate 78 decreases as the distance from the piston body 60 along the axis 35 increases. For example, the outer diameter of the first valve plate 78 closest to the piston body 60 is greater than the outer diameter of the adjacent valve plate 78, and so on. Thus, the valve plate 78 farthest from the piston body 60 has a diameter smaller than the diameters of the other valve plates 78. As another example, the valve plate 148 can be configured to be similar to a leaf spring.

[0055] fulcrum disk The fulcrum disk 150 includes a ring 164 having a central hole 166. The fulcrum disk 150 provides a fulcrum or bending point for the valve plate 148. For example, the fulcrum disk 150 abuts against the smallest valve plate 78 opposite the adjacent larger valve plate 78. Such a fulcrum disk 150 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the smallest valve plate 78 against which it abuts.

[0056] fulcrum support disk The fulcrum support disk 152 includes a ring 168 having a central hole 170. The fulcrum support disk 152 positions the valve plate 148 away from the valve stopper 154 by a predetermined amount to allow the valve plate 148 to bend during operation. The fulcrum support disk 152 can also be configured to limit the deflection of the valve plate 148.

[0057] valve stopper The valve stopper (or preloading gasket) 154 includes a ring 172 having a central hole 174. The valve stopper 154 is configured to protect the valve plate 78. The valve stopper 154 is configured to limit the deflection of the valve plate 148.

[0058] piston body Referring to Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6A , other details of the piston body 60 are shown and described. For example, the plurality of compression flow exhaust channels 96 include a first compression exhaust channel 176, a second compression exhaust channel 178, and a third compression exhaust channel 180. For example, the plurality of rebound flow exhaust channels 98 include a first rebound exhaust channel 182, a second rebound exhaust channel 184, and a third rebound exhaust channel 186.

[0059] The piston body 60 further includes additional features provided on the first side 82 and the second side 86 of the piston body 60. The additional features of the piston body 60 include a plurality of first circumferential walls 188 and a plurality of second circumferential walls 190. The piston body 60 can further include one or more additional optional features, such as one or more notches 192, one or more walls 194, one or more ribs 196 (see Figure 6B), one or more support members 198 and one or more support members 200. As Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6A shown, these features are the same on the first surface 80 and the second surface 84. Thus, for the sake of brevity and clarity, these features will be described only for the first side 82 of the piston body 60. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the features on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 may be different from the features on the second side 86 of the piston body 60. It will also be understood that in some embodiments of the piston body 60, not all features are necessary.

[0060] First and second circumferential walls and lands A plurality of first circumferential walls 188 located on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 extend away from the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 and away from the second surface 84. Each first circumferential wall 188 terminates at a distal end in a first circumferential land 202. In some embodiments, the first circumferential land 202 is parallel to the first surface 80. On the first side 82 of the piston body 60, each compression flow exhaust passage 96 is surrounded by a corresponding first circumferential wall 188 and first circumferential land 202. For example, on the first side 82 of the piston body 60, each of the first compression exhaust passage 176, the second compression exhaust passage 178, and the third compression exhaust passage 180 is surrounded by a corresponding first circumferential wall 188 and first circumferential land 202.

[0061] The first circumferential land 202 on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 is located at a first distance away from the first surface 80 and at a greater distance from the second surface 84. During operation of the shock absorber 20, an exhaust disk, such as exhaust disk 144, is configured to be selectively driven to engage the first circumferential land 202. The first circumferential land 202 provides a first sealing surface that is configured to selectively seal with an exhaust disk, such as exhaust disk 144.

[0062] A plurality of second circumferential walls 190 located on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 extend away from the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 and away from the second surface 84. Each second circumferential wall 190 terminates at a distal end in a second circumferential land 204. In some embodiments, the second circumferential land 204 is parallel to the first surface 80. On the first side 82 of the piston body 60, each rebound flow exhaust passage 98 and each bleed flow passage 100 are surrounded by a corresponding second circumferential wall 190 and second circumferential land 204. For example, on the first side 82 of the piston body 60, each of the second rebound flow exhaust passage 184, the third rebound exhaust passage 186, and the bleed flow passage 100 is surrounded by a corresponding second circumferential wall 190 and second circumferential land 204.

[0063] The second circumferential boss 204 on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 is located at a second distance away from the first surface 80 of the piston body 60. The second distance is less than the first distance. The second circumferential boss 204 is longitudinally located between the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 and the first circumferential boss 202.

[0064] During operation of the shock absorber 20, a portion of the bleed-off disk, such as the flow restrictor disk 102, is configured to be selectively actuated to engage the second circumferential boss 204. For example, at least a portion of the fingers 116 of the flow restrictor disk 102 is configured to be selectively actuated to engage the second circumferential boss 204. When the finger 116 engages the second circumferential boss 204, the finger 116 and the second circumferential boss 204 cooperate to form a seal at the interface between the finger 116 and the second circumferential boss 204. The smaller surface area of the second circumferential boss 204 is easier to seal than the entire flat surface of a typical piston body. Additionally, the second circumferential wall 190 and the second circumferential boss 204 minimize the risk of trapping small particles, such as contaminants, in the hydraulic fluid below the flow restrictor disk 102, between the flow restrictor disk 102 and the piston body 60, and creating a leakage path. Thus, the second circumferential boss 204 provides improved sealing capabilities of the flow restrictor disk 102 and more repeatable closing behavior results compared to a typical piston body.

[0065] Angled notch Continuing to refer Figure 6A , within the second circumferential wall 190 surrounding the bleed-off flow passage 100, and between the second circumferential wall 190 and the bleed-off flow passage 100, there is provided a notch 192 that is angled or inclined toward the bleed-off flow passage 100, forming a flow guiding feature that is configured to enhance the flow of hydraulic fluid into the bleed-off flow passage 100. In some embodiments, the angle of the notch 192 relative to the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 can vary from about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the notch 192 relative to the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 can be between about 20 degrees and about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the notch 192 relative to the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 can vary from about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the notch 192 relative to the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 can be about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the notch 192 relative to the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 can be about 22 degrees.

[0066] As Figure 6AAs shown, the width of the notch 192 is less than the radial length of the bleed flow passage 100. The notch 192 is generally aligned at the middle of the radial length of the bleed flow passage 100. In some embodiments, the notch 192 has a width equal to the radial length of the bleed flow passage 100. The width of the notch 192 near the second circumferential wall 190 is greater than the width of the notch 192 near the bleed flow passage 100. However, in some embodiments, the width of the notch 192 near the second circumferential wall 190 may be less than the width of the notch 192 near the bleed flow passage 100. In other embodiments, the width of the notch 192 near the second circumferential wall 190 may be equal to the width of the notch 192 near the bleed flow passage 100.

[0067] The notch 192 is configured to provide an increased available bleed adjustment area without affecting the exhaust area by optimizing the use of the area between the bleed flow passage 100 and an adjacent exhaust passage (such as the first rebound exhaust passage 182). The notch 192 provides an additional area for the hydraulic fluid flow.

[0068] Wall and boss One or more walls 194 of the piston body 60 are located on the first side 82 of the piston body 60, near one or more of the rebound flow exhaust passages 98. For example, one or more walls 194 extend away from the second surface 84 from the first surface 80 of the piston body 60. One or more walls 194 may be radially located between the central hole 88 and one or more of the rebound flow exhaust passages 98. Each wall 194 terminates at a boss 206 at the distal end, wherein each boss 206 is coplanar with the first circumferential boss 202. As Figure 6A shown, for example, each wall 194 on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 may be connected to the first circumferential wall 188 of an adjacent compression flow exhaust passage 96 (such as the second compression exhaust passage 178). In some embodiments, a lower elevation area or gap 208 is provided between the adjacent first circumferential boss 202 and the boss 206, which provides conditions for the flow passage of the hydraulic fluid.

[0069] During the operation of the shock absorber 20, the exhaust disk 144 is configured to be selectively driven to engage with the boss 206. Due to the existence of two flow passages, such as the bleed flow passage 100 and the first rebound exhaust passage 182, between the compression flow exhaust passages 96, such as the first compression exhaust passage 176 and the second compression exhaust passage 178, there is a relatively large circumferential distance between some of the compression flow exhaust passages 96. This relatively large circumferential distance may cause deformation of the exhaust disk, such as the exhaust disk 144, which is not conducive to the repeatability of the shock absorber 20. Therefore, the wall 194 and the boss 206 thereon provide a support for the exhaust disk, such as the exhaust disk 144, to reduce or eliminate the deformation of the exhaust disk.

[0070] The compressed flow exhaust passage 96, the rebound flow exhaust passage 98, the first circumferential wall 188, the first circumferential boss 202, the second circumferential wall 190, and the second circumferential boss 204 are located near the outer circumferential portion 94 of the piston body 60.

[0071] Support member One or more support members 198 of the piston body 60 are located on the first side 82 of the piston body 60. The support members 198 extend away from the second surface 84 from the first surface 80 of the piston body 60. Each support member 198 terminates at a boss 210 at the distal end, wherein each boss 210 is coplanar with the second circumferential boss 204. Accordingly, each boss 210 is located at the same distance as the second distance from the second circumferential boss 204. As Figure 6A shown, in some embodiments, the support members 198 extend circumferentially along the first surface 80 and partially around the central bore 88 of the piston body 60, and may be located at a radial distance from the axis 35 between the hub 90 and the compressed flow exhaust passage 96 and the rebound flow exhaust passage 98. For example, the support members 198 are arcs and include one or more discontinuities or gaps 212 between each support member 198. In some embodiments, the discontinuities or gaps 212 allow hydraulic fluid to flow between the support members 198 and the hub 90. In some embodiments, the piston body 60 may have a single support member 198. For example, the support member 198 may be a circular support member around the hub 90 without any gaps or discontinuities. In some embodiments, the support members 198 may extend radially between the hub 90 and the compressed flow exhaust passage 96 and the rebound flow exhaust passage 98, wherein one or more support members 198 are arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the central bore 88 of the piston body 60. The support members 198 are radially located between the hub 90 and the first circumferential boss 202 and the second circumferential boss 204.

[0072] In addition, one or more support members 200 are located on the first side 82 of the piston body 60. The support members 200 extend away from the second surface 84 from the first surface 80 of the piston body 60. Each support member 200 terminates at a boss 214 at the distal end, wherein each boss 214 is coplanar with the second circumferential boss 204 and the boss 210 of the support member 200. Accordingly, each boss 214 is located at the same distance as the second distance from the second circumferential boss 204. As Figure 6A shown, in some embodiments, the support members 200 extend circumferentially along the first surface 80 around the central bore 88 of the piston body 60 and may be located at a radial distance from the axis 35 between the hub 90 and the support members 200.

[0073] The boss 210 is configured to support a surface of a bleed-off disk (such as the flow-limiting disk 102). The boss 210 is further configured to prevent deformation of the flow-limiting disk 102. The support 198 on the first side 82 allows hydraulic fluid to flow between the first surface 80 of the piston body 60 and the flow-limiting disk 102 below the flow-limiting disk 102. Accordingly, the pressure Δ seen by the flow-limiting disk 102 will be zero because the pressures below and above the flow-limiting disk 102 will be equal. The second circumferential boss 204 and the boss 210 are configured to support a portion of the surface of a bleed-off disk (such as the flow-limiting disk 102) at a second distance from the first surface 80, wherein the bleed-off disk, the second circumferential wall 190, and the first support 198 are configured to cooperate to form a fluid passage into which hydraulic fluid can flow between the surface of the bleed-off disk and the first surface 80 of the piston body 60.

[0074] The support 198 serves to reduce the surface area contact between the flow-limiting disk 102 and the piston body 60. For a typical piston body having a substantially flat surface, there is a relatively large surface area contact between the piston body and any bleed-off disk in contact with the piston body. This relatively large surface area and the hydraulic fluid that may accumulate between the typical piston body and the bleed-off disk can cause the bleed-off disk to adhere to the piston body. This adhesion can result in undesired or uncontrolled opening and / or closing behavior of the bleed-off disk. Accordingly, the reduction in surface area contact provided by the support 198 can reduce or eliminate the adhesion between the flow-limiting disk 102 and the piston body 60, which can also reduce or eliminate the undesired or uncontrolled opening and / or closing behavior of the flow-limiting disk 102. In addition, the support 198 can reduce or eliminate contact noise between the flow-limiting disk 102 and the piston body 60, which can reduce or eliminate noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues. Further, together with the second circumferential wall 190 and the second circumferential boss 204, the support 198, the boss 210, the support 200, and the boss 214 help to minimize the risk of trapping small particles, such as contaminants, in the hydraulic fluid below the flow-limiting disk 102, between the flow-limiting disk 102 and the piston body 60, and forming a leakage path. Accordingly, compared to a typical piston body, the second circumferential boss 204, the boss 210, and the boss 214 can provide improved sealing ability of the flow-limiting disk 102 and more repeatable closing behavior results.

[0075] Rib Such as Figure 6BAs shown, in some embodiments, the piston body 60 further includes ribs 196 that extend from one or more of the first circumferential walls 188 away from the flow passage surrounded by the first circumferential walls 188. The ribs 196 are configured to reduce the contact area between the piston body 60 and the bleed-off disks, such as the flow-limiting disk 102, the orifice disk 104, and the check disk 108. The reduced contact area reduces friction by reducing or preventing wiping of the edges of one or more of the bleed-off disks against the piston body 60. Additionally, by reducing the contact area and friction between the bleed-off disks and the piston body 60, the repeatability of the opening, bleeding, and closing behavior of the bleed-off disks is improved.

[0076] Assembled compression bleed and rebound bleed valve assemblies After describing the components of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the rebound bleed valve assembly 64, reference will be made to Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 to describe the position and arrangement of the components of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 when assembled into the shock absorber 20. In some embodiments, as Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the assembled arrangement of the components of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 is the same as the assembled arrangement of the components of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64. That is, the arrangement of the components on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 is a mirror image of the arrangement of the components on the second side 86 of the piston body 60. Thus, it can be understood that the description below of the arrangement of the components of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 is the same for the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 on the second side 86 of the piston body 60. It can be understood that this arrangement of components is exemplary, and in some embodiments, the number, type, and arrangement of the components may vary without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0077] When assembled into the shock absorber 20, the flow-limiting disk 102 is close to the piston body 60, the hub 90 is received in the central hole 114 of the flow-limiting disk 102, and the fingers 116 selectively cover the bleed flow passage 100. For example, the fingers 116 are circumferentially aligned with the exhaust flow passage 100 and extend radially beyond the exhaust flow passage 100.

[0078] The orifice disk 104 contacts the flow restrictor disk 102, where the flow restrictor disk 102 is located between the piston body 60 and the orifice disk 104. In addition, when assembled into the shock absorber 20, the hub 90 is received in the central hole 122 of the orifice disk 104, and the fingers 124 of the orifice disk 104 overlap or cover the fingers 116 of the flow restrictor disk 102. In addition, when assembled into the shock absorber 20, the holes 126 of the orifice disk 104 are aligned with the holes 118 of the flow restrictor disk 102. The holes 126 of the orifice disk 104 and the holes 118 of the flow restrictor disk 102 cooperate to define a radially open area and an axially open area (parallel to the axis 35). The radially open area provides a continuously open fluid flow path to allow radially open bleed flow.

[0079] The fulcrum disk 106 contacts the orifice disk 104, where the flow restrictor disk 102 and the orifice disk 104 are axially (along the axis 35) located between the piston body 60 and the fulcrum disk 106. In addition, when assembled into the shock absorber 20, the hub 90 is received in the central hole 130 of the fulcrum disk 106. The fulcrum disk 106 provides a fulcrum or bending point for the check disk 108.

[0080] The check disk 108 contacts the fulcrum disk 106, where the flow restrictor disk 102, the orifice disk 104, and the fulcrum disk 106 are axially (along the axis 35) located between the piston body 60 and the check disk 108. In addition, when assembled into the shock absorber 20, the hub 90 is received in the central hole 134 of the check disk 108. In addition, when assembled into the shock absorber 20, the fingers 136 of the check disk 108 are disposed above one or more of the fingers 124 of the orifice disk 104 and the fingers 116 of the flow restrictor disk 102.

[0081] The check disk 108 is configured to selectively be in a first position and a second position. When the check disk 108 is in the first position, the fingers 136 of the check disk 108 are located above the fingers 124 of the orifice disk 104 and may be spaced apart from the orifice disk 108 by a distance equal to the thickness of the fulcrum disk 106. In addition, when the check disk 108 is in the first position, the axially open area and the radially open area are open to fluid flow. When the check disk 108 is in the second position, the fingers 136 of the check disk 108 contact the fingers 124 of the orifice disk 104 and cover the holes 126 of the orifice disk 104 and the holes 118 of the flow restrictor disk 102. In addition, when the check disk 108 is in the second position, the axially open area is closed to fluid flow, and only the radially open area is open to fluid flow. Refer to Figure 4 , the check disk 108 includes a first surface that can selectively engage with the opposite surface of the orifice disk 104 to close the axially open area.

[0082] When assembled into the shock absorber 20, the ring 138 of the spring 110 contacts the hub surface 92 of the hub 90. In addition, the spring 110 is oriented such that the arm 142 of the spring 110 abuts against the check disk 108 and is used to apply a force to the check disk 108. This force pushes the stacked check disks 108, pivot disks 106, orifice disks 104, and flow-limiting disks 102 against the piston body.

[0083] Assembled compression and rebound valve assemblies After describing the components of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 and the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68, reference will be made to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 to describe the position and arrangement of the components of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 and the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 when assembled into the shock absorber 20. In some embodiments, as Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the assembled arrangement of the components of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 is the same as the assembled arrangement of the components of the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68. That is, the components arranged on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 are mirror images of those arranged on the second side 86 of the piston body 60. Therefore, it can be understood that the following description of the component arrangement of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 on the first side 82 of the piston body 60 is the same for the description of the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 on the second side 86 of the piston body 60. It can be understood that this component arrangement is exemplary, and in some embodiments, the number, type, and arrangement of the components may vary, but without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0084] When assembled into the shock absorber 20, the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 contacts at least a portion of the compression bleed valve assembly 62, and the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 contacts at least a portion of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64.

[0085] The exhaust disk 144 contacts the spring 110 of the adjacent compression bleed valve assembly 62 or the spring return bleed valve assembly 64. The exhaust disk 144 also contacts the first circumferential boss 202 of the piston body 60. For example, the exhaust disk 144 has a first surface that contacts the surface of the piston body 60. The preload ring 146 contacts the exhaust disk 144, where the exhaust disk 144 is located between the piston body 60 and the preload ring 146. For example, the second surface 702 of the preload ring 146 directly contacts the second surface of the exhaust disk 144. A plurality of valve plates 148 are provided, where the first valve plate 148 of the plurality of valve plates 148 contacts the preload ring 146, and where the exhaust disk 144 and the preload ring 146 are axially (along the axis 35) located between the piston body 60 and the plurality of valve plates 148. The fulcrum disk 150 contacts the last valve plate 78 of the plurality of valve plates 148. The exhaust disk 144, the preload ring 146, and the plurality of valve plates 148 are axially (along the axis 35) located between the piston body 60 and the fulcrum disk 150. The valve stopper 154 contacts the fulcrum disk 150, where the exhaust disk 144, the preload ring 146, the plurality of valve plates 148, and the fulcrum disk 150 are axially (along the axis 35) located between the piston body 60 and the valve stopper 154.

[0086] Function During the compression stroke, there are three fluid flows between the second working chamber 46 and the first working chamber 44. The first fluid flow passes through a continuously open fluid flow path, through a radially open area formed by a hole 118 extending to the edge of the flow limiting disk 102 and a hole 126 extending to the edge of the hole disk 104 of the spring return bleed valve assembly 64 and a radially open area formed by a hole 118 extending to the edge of the flow limiting disk 102 and a hole 126 extending to the edge of the hole disk 104 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62, which allows the fluid to flow at or near zero speed of the piston assembly 32 during the compression stroke. In addition, during the compression stroke, the second fluid flow passes through an axially open area (parallel to the axis 35) formed by the hole 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 and the hole 126 in the hole disk 104 of the spring return bleed valve assembly 64 and an axially open area (parallel to the axis 35) formed by the hole 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 and the hole 126 in the hole disk 104 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62. The third fluid flow passes through the compression flow exhaust passage 96.

[0087] During operation, the compression stroke of the piston assembly 32 causes the fluid pressure in the second working chamber 46, the plurality of compression flow exhaust passages 96, and the plurality of bleed flow passages 100 to increase. Initially, the fluid flows through the hole 126 in the hole disk 104 of the spring return bleed valve assembly 64 and the hole 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 into the bleed flow passage 100, through the bleed flow passage 100, through the hole 118 and the hole 126 in the hole disk 104 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 in the flow limiting disk 102, and into the first working chamber 44. In this case, the fluid flows through the first and second fluid flows.

[0088] When the speed of the piston assembly 32 increases, the fluid pressure within the second working chamber 46 will increase, and the fluid pressure applied to the check disk 108 of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 will cause the check disk 108 to deflect upward toward the orifice disk 104 to close the axially open area (or second fluid flow) formed by the orifice 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 and the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104, thereby closing the second fluid flow and allowing fluid flow only through the radially open area (or first fluid flow) formed by the orifice 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 and the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104.

[0089] When the speed of the piston assembly 32 further increases, the fluid pressure within the plurality of compression flow exhaust channels 96 will increase, and the fluid pressure applied to the exhaust disk 144 of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 will overcome the biasing loads of the preloading ring 146 and the valve plate 148 of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66, and the exhaust disk 144 of the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 will move axially to open the plurality of compression flow exhaust channels 96 to provide a third fluid flow.

[0090] During the rebound stroke, there are also three fluid flows between the first working chamber 44 and the second working chamber 46. The first fluid flow passes through a continuously open fluid flow path, through the radially open area formed by the orifice 118 extending to the edge of the flow limiting disk 102 and the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104 extending to the edge of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the radially open area formed by the orifice 118 extending to the edge of the flow limiting disk 102 of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 and the orifice 126 extending to the edge of the orifice disk 104, which allows the piston assembly 32 to flow at zero speed or near zero speed during the rebound stroke. Additionally, during the rebound stroke, the second fluid flow passes through the axially open area (parallel to the axis 35) formed by the orifice 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104 and the axially open area (parallel to the axis 35) formed by the orifice 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 and the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104. The third fluid flow passes through the rebound flow exhaust channels 98.

[0091] During operation, the rebound stroke of the piston assembly 32 causes the fluid pressure in the first working chamber 44, the plurality of rebound flow exhaust channels 98, and the plurality of exhaust flow channels 100 to increase. Initially, fluid flows through the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the orifice 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 into the bleed flow channel 100, through the bleed flow channel 100, through the orifice 118 in the flow limiting disk 102 of the rebound bleed valve assembly 64 and the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104 into the second working chamber 46. In this case, the fluid passes through the first and second fluid flows.

[0092] When the speed of the piston assembly 32 increases, the fluid pressure within the first working chamber 44 will increase, and the fluid pressure applied to the check disk 108 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 will cause the check disk 108 to deflect downwardly toward the orifice disk 104 to close the axially open area (or second fluid flow) formed by the orifice 118 in the flow restricting disk 102 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104, thereby closing the second fluid flow and allowing fluid flow only through the radially open area (or first fluid flow) formed by the orifice 118 in the flow restricting disk 102 of the compression bleed valve assembly 62 and the orifice 126 in the orifice disk 104. Refer to Figure 4 , the check disk 108 includes a first surface that is selectively engageable with an opposing surface of the orifice disk 104 to close the axially open area.

[0093] When the speed of the piston assembly 32 further increases, the fluid pressure within the plurality of rebound flow exhaust passages 98 will increase, and the fluid pressure applied to the exhaust disk 144 of the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 will overcome the biasing loads of the preloading ring 146 and the valve plate 148 of the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68, and the exhaust disk 144 of the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 will move axially to open the plurality of rebound flow exhaust passages 98 to provide a third fluid flow.

[0094] The adjustment of the shock absorber 20 can be controlled by controlling the size and number of the compression flow exhaust passage 96, the rebound flow exhaust passage 98, and the bleed flow passage 100, the angle and / or size of the notch 192 in the piston body 60, the design, type, number, and / or arrangement of the components of the compression bleed valve assembly 62, the rebound bleed valve assembly 64, the compression exhaust valve assembly 66, and the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68, and other design features of the shock absorber 26. Additionally, the regulation of the bleed fluid flow rate through the bleed flow passage 100 can also be controlled by controlling the size and number of the bleed flow passage 100, the size and number of the orifices 118 and 126 in the flow restricting disk 102 and the orifice disk 104, and / or by controlling the thickness of the flow restricting disk 102, the orifice disk 104, the pivot disk 106, and / or the check disk 108.

[0095] Alternative embodiments of the preloading ring Preloading ring 1146 Now refer to Figures 8A to 8J , another embodiment of the preloading ring 1146 is described. The preloading ring 1146 can directly replace the preloading ring 146. Although the preloading ring 1146 is used in conjunction with the piston body 60 described and shown herein, it can also be used with other types of piston bodies without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the piston body 60 need not be used in conjunction with the preloading ring 1146, and the preloading ring 1146 need not be used in conjunction with the piston body 60.

[0096] The preload ring 1146 is circular and has a hole 1160 extending through the preload ring 1146. As Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown, in some embodiments, the hole 1160 is circular. The preload ring 1146 can be metal, plastic, or any suitable material. The preload ring 1146 is configured to be radially outside of the opening 158 of the exhaust disk 144. The preload ring 1146 is configured to provide an internal preload force to the valve plate 148.

[0097] As Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown, the preload ring 1146 includes a first surface 1700, a second surface 1702 opposite the first surface 1700, and a thickness 1704 between the first surface 1700 and the second surface 1702. The preload ring 1146 terminates at its periphery in an outer surface 1706 that extends from the first surface 1700 to the second surface 1702 of the preload ring 1146. In some embodiments, the outer surface 1706 of the preload ring 1146 is uninterrupted and continuously circular, and thus is a circular outer surface. Additionally, in Figure 8A and Figure 8B the example, the round hole 1160 is formed by an inner surface 1708 that extends from the first surface 1700 to the second surface 1702 of the preload ring 1146, wherein the inner surface 1708 is a circular inner surface.

[0098] The outer surface 1706 has a first center 1710, and the inner surface 1708 has a diameter 1715 and a second center 1716. As Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown, the second center 1716 of the inner surface 1708 is offset from the first center 1710 of the outer surface 1706 by a distance 1717. In Figure 8A and Figure 8B the example shown, the hole 1160 is a round hole that is located at a position offset from the center of the preload ring 1146. The hole 1160 is eccentric with respect to the outer surface 1706.

[0099] In Figure 8B the preload ring 1146 is viewed perpendicular to the first surface 1700 (e.g., viewed from the top). Figures 8C to 8J shows cross-sectional views of the preload ring 1146 taken at different angular positions along the circumference of the preload ring 1146. These cross-sections are taken at positions similar to those of an analog clock face. The cross-sectional width of the preload ring 1146 varies along the circumference of the preload ring 1146. As Figure 8C shown, at zero (0) degrees (12 o'clock position), the preload ring 1146 has a first cross-sectional width 1718. As Figure 8D shown, at 45 degrees, the preload ring 1146 has a second cross-sectional width 1720.Figure 8E As shown, at 90 degrees (3 o'clock position), the preload ring 1146 has a third cross-sectional width 1722. As Figure 8F shown, at 135 degrees, the preload ring 1146 has a fourth cross-sectional width 1724. As Figure 8G shown, at 180 degrees (6 o'clock position), the preload ring 1146 has a fifth cross-sectional width 1726. As Figure 8H shown, at 225 degrees, the preload ring 1146 has a sixth cross-sectional width 1728. As Figure 8I shown, at 270 degrees (9 o'clock position), the preload ring 1146 has a seventh cross-sectional width 1730. As Figure 8J shown, at 315 degrees, the preload ring 1146 has an eighth cross-sectional width 1732.

[0100] In Figures 8C to 8J the example of the preload ring 1146 shown: (1) the first cross-sectional width 1718 and the fifth cross-sectional width 1726 are equal; (2) the second cross-sectional width 1720 and the fourth cross-sectional width 1724 are equal; and (3) the sixth cross-sectional width 1728 and the eighth cross-sectional width 1732 are equal. As Figures 8C to 8J shown, in some embodiments, the thickness 1704 of the preload ring 1146 is substantially constant around the circumference of the preload ring 1146.

[0101] Referring again to Figure 8B , the preload ring 1146 is an asymmetric preload ring, where at least one dividing line passes through the first center 1710 and divides the preload ring 1146 into asymmetric halves. For example, the preload ring 1146 is asymmetric about the dividing line 1734 passing through the first center 1710. The preload ring 1146 is asymmetric about the dividing line 1736 passing through the first center 1710. The preload ring 1146 is also asymmetric about the dividing line 1738 passing through the first center 1710.

[0102] Preload ring 2146 Now referring to Figures 9A to 9J , another embodiment of the preload ring 2146 is described. The preload ring 2146 can directly replace the preload ring 2146. Although the preload ring 2146 is used in conjunction with the piston body 60 described and shown herein, it can be used with other types of piston bodies without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the piston body 60 does not need to be used in conjunction with the preload ring 2146, and the preload ring 2146 does not need to be used in conjunction with the piston body 60.

[0103] The preload ring 2146 is circular and has an oval hole 2160 extending through the preload ring 2146. The preload ring 2146 can be made of metal, plastic, or any suitable material. The preload ring 2146 is configured to be radially outside of the opening 158 of the exhaust disk 144. The preload ring 146 is configured to provide an internal preload force to the valve plate 148.

[0104] As Figure 9A and Figure 9B shown, the preload ring 2146 includes a first surface 2700, a second surface 2702 opposite the first surface 2700, and a thickness 2704 between the first surface 2700 and the second surface 2702. The preload ring 2146 terminates at its periphery in an outer surface 2706 that extends from the first surface 2700 of the preload ring 2146 to the second surface 2702. In some embodiments, the outer surface 2706 of the preload ring 2146 is an uninterrupted and continuous circle, and thus is a circular outer surface. Additionally, in Figure 9A and Figure 9B the example of, the oval hole 2160 is formed by an inner surface 2708 that extends from the first surface 2700 of the preload ring 2146 to the second surface 2702, wherein the inner surface 2708 is an oval inner surface.

[0105] The outer surface 2706 has a first center 2710. The inner surface 2708 has a major axis 2712, a length 2713 along the major axis 2712, a minor axis 2714, a width 2715 along the minor axis 2714, and a second center 2716 located at the intersection of the major axis 2712 and the minor axis 2714. As Figure 9A and Figure 9B shown, the second center 2716 of the inner surface 2708 is offset from the first center 2710 of the outer surface 2706 by a distance 2717. In Figure 9B the, the major axis 2712 of the inner surface 2708 is offset from the first center 2710 of the outer surface 2706, while the minor axis 2714 of the inner surface 2708 passes through the first center 2710 of the outer surface 2706. In some embodiments, the major axis 2712 of the inner surface 2708 passes through the first center 2710 of the outer surface 2706, while the minor axis 2714 of the inner surface 2708 is offset from the first center 2710 of the outer surface 2706. In other embodiments, both the major axis 2712 and the minor axis 2714 of the inner surface 2708 are offset from the first center 2710 of the outer surface 2706. In Figure 9A and Figure 9B the example shown, the hole 2160 is an oval hole whose position is offset from the center of the preload ring 146. The hole 2160 is eccentric with respect to the outer surface 2706.

[0106] In Figure 9BIn [the figure], the pre-tightening ring 2146 is observed perpendicular to the first surface (e.g., observed from the top). Figures 9C to 9J Cross-sections of the pre-tightening ring 2146 taken at different angular positions along the circumference of the pre-tightening ring 2146 are shown. These cross-sections are taken at positions similar to those of the positions on an analog clock face. The cross-sectional width of the pre-tightening ring 2146 varies along the circumference of the pre-tightening ring 2146. As Figure 9C shown, at zero (0) degrees (12 o'clock position), the pre-tightening ring 146 has a first cross-sectional width 2718. As Figure 9D shown, at 45 degrees, the pre-tightening ring 2146 has a second cross-sectional width 2720. As Figure 9E shown, at 90 degrees (3 o'clock position), the pre-tightening ring 2146 has a third cross-sectional width 2722. As Figure 9F shown, at 135 degrees, the pre-tightening ring 2146 has a fourth cross-sectional width 2724. As Figure 9G shown, at 180 degrees (6 o'clock position), the pre-tightening ring 2146 has a fifth cross-sectional width 2726. As Figure 9H shown, at 225 degrees, the pre-tightening ring 2146 has a sixth cross-sectional width 2728. As Figure 9I shown, at 270 degrees (9 o'clock position), the pre-tightening ring 2146 has a seventh cross-sectional width 2730. As Figure 9J shown, at 315 degrees, the pre-tightening ring 2146 has an eighth cross-sectional width 2732.

[0107] In Figures 9B to 9J the example of the pre-tightening ring 2146 shown: (1) the first cross-sectional width 2718 and the fifth cross-sectional width 2726 are equal; (2) the second cross-sectional width 2720 and the fourth cross-sectional width 2724 are equal; (3) the sixth cross-sectional width 2728 and the eighth cross-sectional width 2732 are equal. In addition, the third cross-sectional width 2722 and the seventh cross-sectional width 2730 are not equal to any other cross-sectional width of the pre-tightening ring 2146. As Figures 9C to 9J shown, the thickness 2704 of the pre-tightening ring 2146 is substantially constant around the circumference of the pre-tightening ring 2146.

[0108] Referring again to Figure 9B , the pre-tightening ring 2146 is an asymmetric pre-tightening ring, where at least one dividing line passes through the first center 2710 and divides the pre-tightening ring 2146 into asymmetric halves. For example, the pre-tightening ring 2146 is asymmetric about the dividing line 2734 passing through the first center 2710. The pre-tightening ring 2146 is asymmetric about the dividing line 2736 passing through the first center 2710. The pre-tightening ring 2146 is also asymmetric about the dividing line 2738 passing through the first center 2710.

[0109] Alternative-shaped holes 160, 1160, 2160 Although the holes 160, 1160, 2160 of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146 are shown and described as being circular or oval, it is understood that the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146 can have inner surfaces 708, 1708, 2708 of any shape, which form holes 160, 1160, 2160 of any corresponding shape, such that the cross-sectional width of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146 varies along the circumference of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146. For example, in some embodiments, the holes 160, 1160, 2160 can be any regular, irregular, or asymmetric shape that is concentric or eccentric with the outer surfaces 706, 1706, 2706 of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146, such that the cross-sectional width of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146 varies along the circumference of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146. By way of example only, as Figure 10 shown, in some embodiments, the holes 160, 1160, 2160 can have an irregular, wavy, asymmetric shape that is eccentric with the outer surfaces 706, 1706, 2706 of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146. Figure 10 The cross-sectional width of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146 shown varies along the circumference of the preloading rings 146, 1146, 2146.

[0110] Orientation and / or coupling of the exhaust disc and the preloading ring Now turning to Figure 11, in various embodiments, the exhaust disc 144 and the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 include one or more features for orienting the exhaust disc 144 and the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 relative to each other. For example, embodiments of the exhaust disc 144 include an orientation feature 1002 shown as a semi-circular notch extending radially inward from the outer surface of the exhaust disc 144 toward the hole 156 in the exhaust disc 144. Additionally, for example, one embodiment of the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 includes an orientation feature 1004 also shown as a semi-circular notch extending radially inward from the outer surfaces 706, 1706, 2706 of the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 toward the holes 160, 1160, 2160 in the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146. Further, for example, in certain embodiments, the exhaust disc 144 includes an orientation feature 1006 shown as a semi-circular notch extending radially outward from the hole 156 in the exhaust disc 144 toward the outer surface of the exhaust disc 144. Although the orientation features 1002, 1004, and 1006 are shown as semi-circular notches, it is understood that the orientation features 1002, 1004, and 1006 can have different shapes, including but not limited to holes, tabs, grooves, and pins, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the exhaust disc 144 and the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 can include fewer or more orientation features 1002, 1004, 1006 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0111] Due to variations in the cross-sectional width of the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146, changes in the orientation of the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 within the shock absorber 20 can affect the repeatability of the performance of the shock absorber 20. To reduce or eliminate such orientation variations, fixtures can be used during manufacturing to orient the exhaust disc 144 and the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 relative to each other. The fixtures can include one or more rods, pins, or other alignment features that cooperate with one or more of the orientation features 1002, 1004, 1006 to orient the exhaust disc 144 relative to the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146. Then, the exhaust disc 146 and the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 can be coupled together, for example, by only one or more spot welds 1008. Then, when assembled into the shock absorber 20, one or more of the orientation features 1002, 1004, and / or 1006 can be used to orient the coupled exhaust disc 144 and preload rings 146, 1146, 2146, for example, relative to the piston body 60.

[0112] Alternative piston body As described above, although the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 are used in conjunction with the piston bodies 60 described and shown herein, the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 can be used with other types of piston bodies without departing from the scope of the present invention. By way of example only and without limitation, as Figure 12 shown, the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 can be used with a circumferential boss piston body 60. In some embodiments, the compression exhaust valve assembly 66 includes a spacer ring 3002, a hole disk or exhaust disk 3144, preload rings 146, 1146, 2146, a plurality of valve plates 148, a fulcrum disk 150, and a valve stopper 154, wherein the exhaust disk 3144 can be directly substituted for the exhaust disk 144. Although not shown in Figure 11 , in some embodiments, the rebound exhaust valve assembly 68 includes a spacer ring 3002, an exhaust disk 3144, preload rings 146, 1146, 2146, a plurality of valve plates 148, a fulcrum disk 150, and a valve stopper 154, wherein the exhaust disk 3144 can be directly substituted for the exhaust disk 144.

[0113] The preload rings provide exhaust smoothness Now referring to Figure 13 , Figure 13 is a graph of force versus velocity (force response curve) as the shock absorber moves towards the compression position. The vertical axis or y-axis in the graph represents the force provided by the shock absorber 20, and the horizontal axis or x-axis in the graph represents the velocity of the piston rod 34. The shock absorber 20 can be adjusted to change the force response curve in regions A, B, C, D, and E. Specifically, the preload rings 146, 1146, 2146 described herein can increase the smoothness of the exhaust point during the opening of the exhaust disk 144 in region B of Figure 12 . The elliptical holes 160, 2160 of the preload rings 146, 2146 make the exhaust transition smoother. In addition, the eccentric circular hole 1160 of the preload ring 1146 makes the exhaust transition in region B smoother. Reducing the inner diameter of the hole of a typical circular preload ring tends to increase the sharpness of the exhaust in region B; however, reducing the opening area of the holes 160, 1160, 2160 (e.g., by reducing the lengths 713, 2713 and widths 715, 2715 of the elliptical holes 160, 2160 and the diameter 1715 of the circular hole 1160) can increase the smoothness of the exhaust transition in region B. Providing greater control over the smoothness of the exhaust opening behavior can improve comfort by reducing or eliminating jitter or bumpiness.

[0114] The above description of the embodiments is for illustrative and descriptive purposes. Its purpose is not to exhaust or limit the present invention. Each element or feature of a particular embodiment is not generally limited to that particular embodiment, but is interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also vary in many respects. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the present invention, and all such modifications should be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shock absorber, comprising: Pressure pipe; a piston body slidably positioned within the pressure tube; an exhaust plate having a first surface in contact with a surface of the piston body and an opposing second surface; Disc stacking; as well as A preload ring is axially positioned between the disk stack and the exhaust disk, the preload ring being in direct contact with the second surface of the exhaust disk, wherein the preload ring includes an outer surface and a substantially constant thickness, the preload ring including a cross-sectional width that varies along its circumference.

2. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the preload ring is an uninterrupted and continuous circular shape.

3. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein: The preload ring includes an inner surface defining a central hole, wherein the inner surface is in an elliptical shape, and a center of the ellipse is offset from a center of the outer surface.

4. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein: The preload ring includes a hole extending through a thickness of the preload ring, the hole being concentric with the outer surface of the preload ring, the hole having an elliptical shape.

5. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein: One or more of the exhaust disk and the preload ring have one or more orientation features for orienting the exhaust disk and the preload ring relative to each other.

6. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein: The preload ring includes a hole extending through a thickness of the preload ring, the hole being eccentric to the outer surface of the preload ring, the hole having a circular shape.

7. The shock absorber according to claim 6, wherein: The preload ring has one or more orientation features configured to orient the preload ring relative to the piston body.

8. The shock absorber according to claim 6, wherein: One or more of the exhaust disk and the preload ring have one or more orientation features configured to orient the one or more of the exhaust disk and the preload ring relative to the piston body.

9. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional width at one angular position along the outer surface is not equal to any other cross-sectional width at any other angular position along the outer surface.

10. The shock absorber according to claim 1, wherein: The preload ring has a first cross-sectional width at a first angular position along the outer surface; as well as The preload ring has a second cross-sectional width at a second angular position along the outer surface, the second angular position being 180 degrees from the first angular position and the second cross-sectional width being equal to the first cross-sectional width.

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