Active Shock Absorber Throttling for Low-Speed Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping systems are unable to effectively vary damping force at low damper speeds, leading to issues of overdamping or underdamping, which affects driving comfort and dynamics.
Innovation Solution
An actively controllable shock absorber with a two-way straight-through and controllable throttling device is integrated into the piston, allowing for adjustable damping force through a hydraulic pump and controllable throttle check valves, enabling improved damping behavior at low speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a passive 2-valve damper with spring elements is used, then the damping behavior can be adjusted through spring rate variation, but the damping force variation at low damper speeds is not possible or only possible to an extremely limited extent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the damping system actively controllable rather than passive. The control means within the piston can dynamically adjust the damping force in real-time based on operating conditions, enabling effective damping force variation even at low damper speeds where passive spring-based systems fail. This transforms the static spring-rate adjustment into a dynamic, continuously adjustable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical spring-based adjustment mechanism with a hybrid system incorporating active control means. The control means can actively regulate fluid flow and damping force through mechanical, electrical, or electronic actuation, substituting the limited passive spring mechanism with a more versatile active control system that functions effectively at all speeds including low speeds.
2Force
If the damping force is increased to improve driving dynamics, then the driving comfort deteriorates due to overdamping
Solution Approach 1:
The actively controllable damping system allows real-time dynamic adjustment of damping force based on vehicle operating conditions, road surface characteristics, and driver preferences. This enables the system to optimize the balance between driving dynamics and comfort by adapting damping force continuously, rather than being fixed or limited to discrete adjustment levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous variation of damping force parameters through the control means, allowing adjustment of damping characteristics across a wide range. By changing the damping force parameter dynamically rather than through fixed mechanical settings, the system can precisely balance driving dynamics and comfort requirements for different operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional control components are added to enable damping force variation at low speeds, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control means directly into the piston structure, combining the functions of piston movement and damping control into a single integrated component. This integration reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate control mechanisms and consolidating control functions within the existing piston architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means within the piston serves multiple functions: it controls damping force variation, regulates fluid flow between working spaces, and adapts to different operating conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired low-speed damping control capability.
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
This solution allows for precise adjustment of damping force at low damper speeds, enhancing driving comfort and dynamics by preventing overdamping or underdamping, and can be installed in a space-saving manner.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump (8) is provided which conveys a hydraulic medium via a corresponding main line (9) into the first (4) or the second working space (5)
Implementation Method 2
an additional two-way straight-through and controllable throttling device (18), which connects the first (4) and the second working space (5), is arranged in the piston (6)
Implementation Method 3
The first working space (4) is now communicatively connected to a hydraulic reservoir (11) via a first controllable throttle check valve (10), just like the second working space (5) is communicatively connected to the hydraulic reservoir (11) via a second controllable throttle check valve (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A damping system with an actively controllable shock absorber having a first working space and a second working space, which are separated from one another by a piston. A hydraulic pump conveys a hydraulic medium into the first working space or into the second working space. In order to dampen fast compression or rebound movements, the first working space is communicatively connected to a hydraulic reservoir via a first controllable throttle check valve, the second working space is communicatively connected to the hydraulic reservoir via a second controllable throttle check valve, and a two-way straight-through and controllable throttling device, which connects the first working space to the second working space in the open state, is arranged in the piston.