Active Valve Suspension Damper 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, and lack an adjustable 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 reversible check valve, to dynamically adjust dampening rates based on terrain and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system uses fixed dampening rates, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to fluid temperature changes and terrain variations, causing bottom out conditions and poor handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dampening control by replacing fixed dampening rates with adjustable active valves that can change dampening characteristics in real-time. The system dynamically adapts to fluid temperature changes and terrain conditions by allowing operators to adjust valve positions, thereby changing fluid flow resistance and dampening rates as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dampening parameter from fixed to variable by incorporating active valves whose opening positions can be adjusted. This allows the dampening rate to be modified by changing the valve opening position, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions such as temperature variations and terrain types without requiring a completely different system architecture.
2Reliability
If the suspension system increases dampening to prevent bottom out, then bottom out conditions are reduced, but the ride becomes harsh and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic valve adjustment to provide different dampening levels based on operating conditions. Rather than using fixed high dampening that causes harsh rides, the active valves can be positioned to provide appropriate dampening levels - higher when bottom out prevention is critical, and lower when ride comfort is the priority. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between reliability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening parameter is made variable through adjustable valve positions. By changing the valve opening position, the system can modify the dampening rate to achieve the desired balance between bottom out prevention and ride comfort. This parameter flexibility allows operators to optimize performance for different conditions rather than being constrained to a single fixed dampening level.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system uses passive dampening only, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot dynamically adjust to changing terrain and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from purely passive dampening to a system with active adjustment capabilities. The active valves can be dynamically positioned to change dampening characteristics in response to terrain and temperature conditions. This dynamic capability is achieved through a control system that may include actuators, sensors, and control logic, adding complexity but enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-adjusting features where the dampening characteristics automatically respond to operating conditions. The active valves can be designed to self-regulate based on feedback from sensors monitoring fluid temperature, piston velocity, or position, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining adaptability to changing conditions.
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' by increasing dampening as needed, adapting to fluid temperature changes and terrain conditions, providing a smoother ride and improved handling.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable active valve that controls fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
fluid damper system...increasing dampening as needed...providing a smoother ride
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.