Active Suspension Damping Valve for Bottom-Out Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face issues with 'bottom out' conditions due to increased dampening fluid temperature, leading to harsh rides and poor handling characteristics, as they lack an adjustable and active valve system to mitigate these issues during use.
Innovation Solution
A fluid damper system with a secondary compression chamber and adjustable active valve that controls fluid flow, incorporating a bottom out cup and piston, along with a blow-off valve and active valve to manage dampening rates dynamically, allowing adjustment based on terrain conditions and fluid temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suspension dampers are used without active valve control, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the system cannot adapt to changing terrain conditions and fluid temperature, resulting in bottom out conditions and poor handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through active valves that automatically adjust dampening rates based on real-time conditions. The first active valve responds to compression rate and position, while the second active valve responds to extension rate and position, enabling the suspension system to dynamically adapt to varying terrain and fluid temperature conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor compression and extension rates along with piston position. This feedback information is used by the active valves to continuously adjust dampening characteristics, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing operating conditions and prevents bottom out scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If fixed dampening rates are used throughout the stroke, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system produces harsh rides during bottom out conditions and poor handling characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic dampening adjustment through active valves that modify flow resistance based on stroke position and velocity. During compression, the first active valve adjusts dampening based on compression rate and position; during extension, the second active valve adjusts based on extension rate and position, providing optimized ride comfort across all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different dampening characteristics to different portions of the piston stroke. The active valves create position-dependent dampening where the dampening rate varies according to the piston's location in the cylinder, allowing soft compression at the beginning of the stroke and progressive stiffening near bottom out to prevent harshness.
3Reliability
If the damper operates without position-sensitive control, then the system is simpler to manufacture, but it cannot prevent bottom out conditions caused by increased fluid temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from position sensors and velocity sensors to detect approaching bottom out conditions. The active valves respond to this feedback by increasing dampening resistance when the piston approaches the end of its stroke, preventing bottom out even when fluid temperature increases and viscosity decreases.
Solution Approach 2:
The active valves perform preliminary action by increasing dampening resistance before the piston actually reaches bottom out position. This anticipatory adjustment prevents the harmful bottom out condition from occurring in the first place, rather than reacting after damage has already occurred.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents 'bottom out' conditions by adjusting dampening rates in real-time, providing a smoother ride and improved vehicle handling across varying terrains and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a first active valve in selective fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber and operable to vary an opening thereof to modulate a flow rate of fluid between the first chamber and the second chamber in response to a compression rate and a compression position of the piston
Implementation Method 2
a piston disposed within the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber
Implementation Method 3
a spring element disposed within the cylinder and configured to assist the piston during a vehicle suspension motion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for position sensitive dampening with an active valve. In one aspect a fluid damper is provided comprising a damper chamber divided by a piston into a primary compression and a primary rebound chamber; a secondary compression chamber in fluid communication with the damper chamber; and an active valve controlling fluid flow out of the secondary compression chamber.