Self-adaptive shock absorber

Abstract

A product is disclosed that may include an active shock absorber guide rod having a guide groove formed in an outer surface thereof, where the guide groove has a central portion and a first inclined or spiraled portion at a first end of the central portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field is generally related to vehicle shock absorbers, compartments thereof, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Passive suspension dampers are typically primarily tuned for ride / handling bias due to lower cost and simple damper construction requirements.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an adaptive shock absorber that can adapt to variable road conditions for comfortable primary ride through bumps and potholes and secondary ride through corners and craters. Further, other desirable features and characteristics of the disclosed variations will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field. SUMMARY

[0004] A number of variations can include a product comprising an adaptive shock absorber guide rod having a guide groove formed in an outer surface thereof, and wherein the guide groove has a central portion and a first angled or helical portion at a first end of the central portion.

[0005] A number of variations can include a product wherein the guide groove includes a second angled or helical portion at a second end of the central portion.

[0006] A number of variations can include a product further comprising a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove.

[0007] A number of variations can include a product further comprising a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface or the thrust bearing second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a thrust bearing set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole formed in the thrust bearing.

[0008] Variations can include a product further comprising a second valve disc having a central through hole formed therein, the central through hole being defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole of the second valve disc.

[0009] Variations can include a product further comprising a piston rod having an inner surface, and the first valve disc and the second valve disc are secured to the piston rod, and wherein the piston rod includes a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod, wherein the first slot has a width and a height sufficient to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc, and wherein the second slot has a width and a height sufficient to receive a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion and allow the first valve disc to rotate in at least one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and wherein the portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in a guide groove formed in an outer surface of the guide rod.

[0010] Variations can include a product further comprising a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole of the first valve disc.

[0011] Variations can include a product further comprising a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing first protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface or the thrust bearing second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a thrust bearing set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough.

[0012] Variations can include a product further comprising a second valve disc having a central through hole formed therein, the central through hole being defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough.

[0013] A number of variations can include a product further comprising a piston rod having an inner surface to which the first valve disc, the thrust bearing, and the second valve disc are secured, and wherein the piston rod includes a first groove and a second groove formed therein at a first end of the piston rod, wherein the first groove has sufficient width and height to securely receive the thrust bearing first protrusion and prevent rotation of the thrust bearing and to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc, and wherein the second groove has sufficient width and height to receive the first valve disc first protrusion and allow rotation of the first valve disc in at least one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and wherein the first valve disc first protrusion is received in a guide groove formed in an outer surface of the guide rod.

[0014] A number of variations can include a product wherein a portion of the guide rod is slidably received in the piston rod.

[0015] A number of variations can include a product wherein the guide groove includes a second angled or helical portion at the second end of the central portion.

[0016] A number of variations can include a product comprising an adaptive shock absorber comprising a stem having a guide groove formed in an outer surface thereof, wherein the guide groove has a central portion and a first angled or helical portion at a first end of the central portion; a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove; a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing first protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface or the thrust bearing second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a thrust bearing set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide stem is received in the central through hole formed in the thrust bearing; a second valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide stem is received in the central through hole formed in the thrust bearing; a piston rod having an inner surface, and the first valve disc and the second valve disc are secured to the piston rod, and wherein the piston rod comprises a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod, wherein the first slot has sufficient width and height to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc, and wherein the second slot has sufficient width and height to receive a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion and allow the first valve disc to rotate in at least one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and wherein a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove formed in the outer surface of the guide stem; and wherein a portion of the guide stem is slidably received in the piston rod.

[0017] A number of variations can include a product wherein the guide groove comprises a second angled or helical portion at a second end of the central portion.

[0018] A number of variations can include a method comprising providing a piston rod having an outer surface and an inner surface, the piston rod having a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod; a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough; and placing the first valve disc on the outer surface of the piston rod such that a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the second slot formed in the piston rod.

[0019] A number of variations can include a method further comprising providing a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing first protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust valve first inner surface or the thrust second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a thrust bearing set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough; wherein the first slot has sufficient width and height to securely receive the thrust bearing first protrusion and prevent rotation of the thrust bearing; and placing the thrust bearing on the outer surface of the piston rod prior to placing the first valve disc on the outer surface of the piston rod such that the thrust bearing first protrusion is received in the first slot formed in the piston rod.

[0020] A number of variations can include a method further comprising providing a second valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough; wherein the first slot has sufficient width and height to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc; and placing the second valve disc on the outer surface of the piston rod prior to placing the thrust bearing on the outer surface of the piston rod such that the thrust bearing first protrusion is received in the first slot formed in the piston rod.

[0021] A number of variations can include a method further comprising providing a guide rod having a guide groove formed in an outer surface thereof, wherein the guide groove has a central portion and a first sloped or helical portion at a first end of the central portion; and inserting at least a portion of the guide rod into the piston rod such that the guide rod is slidably movable along an inner surface of the piston rod.

[0022] Variations can include a method wherein inserting at least a portion of the guide rod into the piston rod is performed such that a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove.

[0023] Variations can include a method wherein the guide groove includes a second angled or helical portion at the second end of the central portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Variations will be described below with reference to the following drawings, in which like numbers represent like elements, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an adaptive shock absorber according to variations;

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a guide rod for an adaptive shock absorber according to variations; Figure 1 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an adaptive shock absorber shown in FIG. 1;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of an adaptive shock absorber according to variations;

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a guide rod for an adaptive shock absorber according to variations;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first valve disc for an adaptive shock absorber according to variations;

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a thrust bearing for an adaptive shock absorber according to variations;

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second valve disc for an adaptive shock absorber according to variations;

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a lock nut for an adaptive shock absorber according to variations;

[0033] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of a piston rod and valve subassembly for an adaptive shock absorber according to variations;

[0034] Figure 10 is a perspective cross-section of a piston rod for an adaptive shock absorber according to variations; and

[0035] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method according to variations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description.

[0037] Figures 1-2 A number of variations are shown in FIG. 1, which can include a product 100, which can be an adaptive shock absorber. The adaptive shock absorber can include a first or upper mount 102 and a second or lower mount 104, a piston rod 106 having a piston rod inner surface 107, which can have a diameter. The piston rod 106 can be received in a piston rod housing 108. A guide rod 112 can be received in the piston rod 106 for slidable movement along the piston rod inner surface 107. A piston 114 can be connected to an end of the piston rod 106. The piston 114 can travel in a guide rod housing 110. Oil can be provided in the guide rod housing.

[0038] In Figures 3-4 A number of variations are shown in FIG. 1, which can include a product 100, which can be an adaptive shock absorber. The adaptive shock absorber can include a first or upper mount 102 and a second or lower mount 104, a piston rod 106 having a piston rod inner surface 107, which can have a diameter. The piston rod 106 can be received in a piston rod housing 108. A guide rod 112 can be received in the piston rod 106 for slidable movement along the piston rod inner surface 107. A piston 114 can be connected to an end of the piston rod 106. The piston 114 can travel in a guide rod housing 110. Oil can be provided in the guide rod housing. Figure 4 The first angled or helical portion 120 can have a second imaginary line L2, which can intersect the first imaginary line LI extending through the center portion 118 of the guide groove 116 at an acute angle. The second angled or helical portion 122 can be similarly formed to the first angled or helical portion 120 and can extend away from the center portion 118 in either the first direction or the second direction.

[0039] Again referring to Figure 3The damping is inherently progressive, with lower forces to provide better ride during initial suspension travel (shown by arrow X) and increasing forces to provide good stability for corners and potholes later in travel (shown by arrow Y). When the vehicle is traveling and the wheel with the adaptive damper connected to it experiences low amplitude and high frequency motions, a sensitive damper and lower impact damping is provided when the first valve disc 124, thrust bearing 126, and first valve disc 124 travel through the area marked by arrow X, and is achieved by unrestricted fluid flow through the first valve disc 124, thrust bearing 126, and first valve disc 124. When the vehicle wheel encounters a pothole, large bump, or sharp turn, the wheel experiences high amplitude and low frequency motions, requiring a stiffer damper and higher impact damping, which is achieved by restricted fluid flow through the first valve disc 124 when the first valve disc 124 rotates and thus the first valve disc set of apertures 130 moves out of alignment with the thrust bearing set of apertures 132 and the second valve disc set of apertures 134.

[0040] Figure 5 A number of variations are shown in FIG. 3, which can include a first valve disc 124 having a first valve disc set of apertures 130 formed therethrough. The first valve disc 124 can have a first valve disc center through hole 350 defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface 136 having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface 137 having an arcuate shape. A first valve disc first protrusion 138 can extend radially inward from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface 136 or the first valve disc second inner surface 137. A spring loaded ball bearing 139 can be provided at an end of the first valve disc first protrusion 138 to facilitate assembly of the first valve disc 124 on the guide rod 112 and such that the spring loaded ball bearing 139 is pressed into a guide groove formed in the guide rod 112. Alternatively, another portion of the first valve disc first protrusion 138 can be spring loaded instead of the spring loaded ball bearing 139. A first valve disc second protrusion 140 can extend radially inward from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface 136 or the first valve disc second inner surface 137.

[0041] Figure 6Variations are shown in FIG. 1 1 1 that can include a thrust bearing 126 having a plurality of thrust bearing sets 132 of orifices formed therethrough. The thrust bearing 126 can have a thrust bearing central through hole 352 formed therethrough that is defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface 142 having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface 143 having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing first protrusion 158 can extend radially inward from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface 142 or the thrust bearing second inner surface 143. A thrust bearing second protrusion 160 can extend radially inward from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface 142 or the thrust bearing second inner surface 143.

[0042] Figure 7 Variations are shown in FIG. 1 1 1 that can include a second valve disc 128 having a plurality of second valve disc sets 134 of orifices formed therethrough. The second valve disc 128 can have a second valve central through hole 354 defined in part by a second valve first inner surface 144 having an arcuate shape and a second valve second inner surface 145 having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion 162 can extend from at least one of the second valve first inner surface 144 or the second valve second inner surface 145. A second valve disc second protrusion 164 can extend from at least one of the second valve first inner surface 144 or the second valve second inner surface 145.

[0043] Figure 8 Variations are shown in FIG. 1 1 1 that can include a lock nut 152 that can have a lock nut central through hole 356 defining a lock nut inner surface 154 having a diameter. The lock nut 152 can have an outer surface 156 having a diameter. The lock nut 152 can include threads (not shown) for mating with threads (not shown) on the piston rod 106.

[0044] Figures 9-10A number of variations are shown in FIG. 6, where the piston rod 106 can have at least one slot, such as a first slot 166 and a second slot 168 formed therein at the first end 170 of the piston rod 106. The first slot 166 and the second slot 168 can be in communication with each other. The first slot 166 can have a length and a width to securely receive both the thrust bearing first protrusion 158 and the second valve disc first protrusion 162 to prevent rotation of the thrust bearing 126 and to prevent rotation of the second valve disc 128, and to align the plurality of ported thrust bearing sets 132 and the plurality of ported second valve disc sets 134. The second slot 168 can have a height and a width to receive the first valve disc first protrusion 138, but also be wide enough to allow rotation of the first valve disc 124. In a number of variations, the second slot 168 can be wider than the first slot 166. In a number of variations, the second slot 168 can be wider than the first slot 166, such that the first valve disc first protrusion 138 can move away from the thrust bearing first protrusion 158 and the second valve disc first protrusion 162 in at least one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. When the first valve disc first protrusion 138 is aligned with the thrust bearing first protrusion 158 and with the second valve disc first protrusion 162, the plurality of ported first valve disc sets 130 are aligned with the plurality of ported thrust bearing sets 132 and with the plurality of ported second valve sets 134.

[0045] A second guide groove (not shown) can be similarly configured on the opposite side of the guide rod 112, and can include a third slot and a fourth slot. The third slot can be similarly configured as the first slot 166 in the piston rod 106, and can have a sufficient height and width to securely hold the thrust bearing second protrusion 160 and the second valve disc second protrusion 164, such that the thrust bearing 126 and the second valve disc 128 do not rotate. In a similar manner as the first valve disc first protrusion 138, the first valve disc second protrusion 140 can be received in a fourth slot (not shown) formed in the piston rod 106. The fourth slot can have a height and a width to receive the first valve disc second protrusion 140, but be wide enough to allow rotation of the first valve disc 124. In a number of variations, the fourth slot can be wider than the third slot. In a number of variations, the fourth slot can be wider than the third slot, such that the first valve disc second protrusion 140 can move away from the thrust bearing second protrusion 160 and the second valve disc second protrusion 164 in at least one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction.

[0046] Referring again to Figures 3-4When the first valve disc first protrusion 138 moves from the center portion 118 into the first angled or helical portion 120 of the guide groove 116, the first valve disc 124 begins to rotate, for example, in a clockwise direction, such that the first valve disc set of the plurality of orifices 130 becomes misaligned with the thrust bearing set of the plurality of orifices 132 and the second valve disc set of the plurality of orifices 134, such that movement of the piston rod 106 begins to slow down, such that the piston rod 106 does not experience a hard stop at the end of the upstroke caused by, for example, but not limited to, a large bump in the road the vehicle is traveling on. The further the first valve disc 124 rotates, the greater the resistance encountered by the piston rod due to the greater restriction on oil flow through the first valve disc set of the plurality of orifices 130. Similarly, when the first valve disc first protrusion 138 moves from the center portion 118 into the second angled or helical portion 122 of the guide groove 116, the first valve disc 124 begins to rotate, for example, in a counter-clockwise direction, such that the first valve disc set of the plurality of orifices 130 becomes misaligned with the thrust bearing set of the plurality of orifices 132 and the second valve disc set of the plurality of orifices 134, movement of the piston rod 106 begins to slow down, such that the piston rod 106 does not encounter a hard stop at the end of the upstroke caused by, for example, but not limited to, a pothole in the road the vehicle is traveling on. As the first valve disc 124 rotates, the piston rod 106 encounters a greater restriction on oil flow through the first valve disc set of the plurality of orifices 130.

[0047] Figure 11 A plurality of variations are shown in the figures, which can include a method comprising providing a piston rod having an outer surface and an inner surface, the piston rod having a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod; a first valve disc having a center through hole formed, the center through hole being defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of the plurality of orifices 1100 formed therethrough; and placing the first valve disc on the outer surface of the piston rod such that a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the second slot formed in the piston rod 1102.

[0048] Clause 1. A product comprising: an adaptive shock absorber guide rod, the adaptive shock absorber guide rod having a guide groove formed in an outer surface thereof, and wherein the guide groove has a center portion and a first angled or helical portion at a first end of the center portion.

[0049] Clause 2. The product of clause 1, wherein the guide groove includes a second angled or helical portion at a second end of the center portion.

[0050] Clause 3. The product of Clause 1, further comprising a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove.

[0051] Clause 4. The product of Clause 1, further comprising a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface or the thrust bearing second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a thrust bearing set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole formed in the thrust bearing.

[0052] Clause 5. The product of Clause 3, further comprising a second valve disc having a central through hole formed therein defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole of the second valve disc.

[0053] Clause 6. The product of Clause 5, further comprising a piston rod having an inner surface, and the first valve disc and the second valve disc are fixed to the piston rod, and wherein the piston rod includes a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod, wherein the first slot has a sufficient width and height to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc, and wherein the second slot has a sufficient width and height to receive a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion and allow the first valve disc to rotate in at least one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and wherein a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove formed in an outer surface of the guide rod.

[0054] Clause 7. The product of clause 1, further comprising a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole of the first valve disc.

[0055] Clause 8. The product of clause 7, further comprising a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing first protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface or the thrust bearing second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a thrust bearing set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough.

[0056] Clause 9. The product of clause 8, further comprising a second valve disc having a central through hole formed therein defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough.

[0057] Clause 10. The product of clause 9, further comprising a piston rod having an inner surface, the first valve disc, the thrust bearing, and the second valve disc being secured to the piston rod, and wherein the piston rod includes a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod, wherein the first slot has sufficient width and height to securely receive the thrust bearing first protrusion and prevent rotation of the thrust bearing and to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc, and wherein the second slot has sufficient width and height to receive the first valve disc first protrusion and allow rotation of the first valve disc in at least one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and wherein the first valve disc first protrusion is received in a guide groove formed in an outer surface of the guide rod.

[0058] Clause 11. The product of clause 10, wherein a portion of the guide rod is slidably received in the piston rod.

[0059] Clause 12. The product of clause 10, wherein the guide groove includes a second sloped or helical portion at a second end of the central portion.

[0060] Clause 13. A product comprising: an adaptive shock absorber comprising a stem having a guide groove formed in an outer surface thereof, wherein the guide groove has a central portion and a first angled or helical portion at a first end of the central portion; a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove; a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing first protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface or the thrust bearing second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a thrust bearing set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide stem is received in the central through hole formed in the thrust bearing; a second valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, wherein a portion of the guide stem is received in the central through hole formed in the thrust bearing; a piston rod having an inner surface, and the first valve disc and the second valve disc are fixed to the piston rod, and wherein the piston rod comprises a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod, wherein the first slot has a width and a height sufficient to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc, and wherein the second slot has a width and a height sufficient to receive a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion and allow the first valve disc to rotate in at least one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and wherein a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove formed in the outer surface of the guide stem; and wherein a portion of the guide stem is slidably received in the piston rod.

[0061] Clause 14. The product of clause 13, wherein the guide groove comprises a second angled or helical portion at a second end of the central portion.

[0062] Clause 15. A method comprising: providing a piston rod having an outer surface and an inner surface, the piston rod having a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod; a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough; and placing the first valve disc on the outer surface of the piston rod such that a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the second slot formed in the piston rod.

[0063] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, further comprising providing a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing first protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust valve first inner surface or the thrust second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a thrust bearing set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough; wherein the first slot has sufficient width and height to securely receive the thrust bearing first protrusion and prevent rotation of the thrust bearing; and placing the thrust bearing on the outer surface of the piston rod prior to placing the first valve disc on the outer surface of the piston rod such that the thrust bearing first protrusion is received in the first slot formed in the piston rod.

[0064] Clause 17. The method of clause 16, further comprising providing a second valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of orifices formed therethrough; wherein the first slot has sufficient width and height to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc; and placing the second valve disc on the outer surface of the piston rod prior to placing the thrust bearing on the outer surface of the piston rod such that the thrust bearing first protrusion is received in the first slot formed in the piston rod.

[0065] Clause 18. The method of clause 17, further comprising providing a guide rod having a guide groove formed in an outer surface thereof, wherein the guide groove has a central portion and a first sloped or helical portion at a first end of the central portion; and inserting at least a portion of the guide rod into the piston rod such that the guide rod is slidably movable along an inner surface of the piston rod.

[0066] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, wherein the inserting at least a portion of the guide rod into the piston rod is performed such that a portion of the first valve disk first protrusion is received in the guide groove.

[0067] Clause 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the guide groove includes a second sloped or helical portion at the second end of the central portion.

[0068] While at least one illustrative variation has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof, which can be practiced or carried out in various fashions.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture comprising: an adaptive shock absorber guide rod having a guide groove formed in an outer surface thereof, and wherein the guide groove has a central portion and a first angled or helical portion at a first end of the central portion.

2. The product of claim 1, wherein, the guide groove includes a second angled or helical portion at a second end of the central portion.

3. The product of claim 1, further comprising a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, wherein, the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove.

4. The product of claim 1, further comprising a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface or the thrust bearing second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, a thrust bearing set, wherein, a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole formed in the thrust bearing.

5. The product of claim 3, further comprising a second valve disc having a central through hole formed therein, the central through hole defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a second valve disc set of a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, wherein, a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole of the second valve disc.

6. The product of claim 5, further comprising a piston rod having an inner surface, and the first valve disc and the second valve disc are fixed to the piston rod, and wherein, the piston rod includes a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod, wherein the first slot has sufficient width and height to securely receive the second valve disc first protrusion and prevent rotation of the second valve disc, and wherein the second slot has sufficient width and height to receive a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion and allow rotation of the first valve disc in at least one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and wherein a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the guide groove formed in an outer surface of the guide rod.

7. The product of claim 1, further comprising a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a first valve disc set of a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, wherein, a portion of the guide rod is received in the central through hole of the first valve disc.

8. The article of manufacture of claim 7, further comprising a thrust bearing having a central through hole defined in part by a thrust bearing first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a thrust bearing second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a thrust bearing first protrusion extending from at least one of the thrust bearing first inner surface or the thrust bearing second inner surface, the thrust bearing having a plurality of orifices formed therethrough of a thrust bearing group.

9. The article of manufacture of claim 8, further comprising a second valve disc having a central through hole formed therein defined in part by a second valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a second valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a second valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the second valve disc first inner surface or the second valve disc second inner surface, the second valve disc having a plurality of orifices formed therethrough of a second valve disc group.

10. A method comprising: providing a piston rod having an outer surface and an inner surface, the piston rod having a first slot and a second slot formed therein at a first end of the piston rod, a first valve disc having a central through hole defined in part by a first valve disc first inner surface having an arcuate shape and a first valve disc second inner surface having an arcuate shape, and a first valve disc first protrusion extending from at least one of the first valve disc first inner surface or the first valve disc second inner surface, the first valve disc having a plurality of orifices formed therethrough of a first valve disc group; and placing the first valve disc on the outer surface of the piston rod such that a portion of the first valve disc first protrusion is received in the second slot formed in the piston rod.

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