Adjustable Internal Bypass Valve for Vehicle Suspension Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems lack an effective method for remotely adjusting damping characteristics, which limits user control over the damping process.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension damper with a remotely operable bypass valve that adjusts the flow of working fluid through an adjustable bypass port, utilizing a threaded plug, rod, and sleeve mechanism actuated by a user-operable dial, allowing for angular displacement and control of fluid flow within the cylindrical bypass channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remotely operable bypass valve is added to enable remote adjustment of damping characteristics, then user control over damping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve mechanism is nested within the existing damper structure. The valve assembly, including the plug, rod, and sleeve components, is integrated into the bypass port of the damper cylinder, allowing remote adjustment functionality to be added without requiring a completely separate external control system.
Solution Approach 2:
A threaded plug acts as an intermediary element that converts rotational motion from the external actuator into linear motion of the rod and sleeve, which then controls the bypass port opening. This intermediary mechanism enables remote control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable bypass port is implemented to control fluid flow, then damping characteristics are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass port is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The sleeve can move axially within the bypass port to vary the opening area, allowing the damping characteristics to be changed during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility without requiring multiple precision-manufactured fixed orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristics are adjusted by changing the flow area parameter of the bypass port through sleeve displacement. By varying the opening area of the bypass port, the fluid flow rate changes, which directly adjusts the damping force. This parameter change approach allows for a range of damping settings without requiring high precision manufacturing of multiple fixed orifices.
3Ease of operation
If a threaded plug and rod mechanism is used for remote operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-component actuator mechanism is replaced with a simple threaded plug that converts rotational input from an external actuator into linear motion. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex linkages, gears, or hydraulic/pneumatic actuation systems, achieving remote operation with minimal added complexity.
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
Enables remote and manual adjustment of damping fluid flow, enhancing user control over damping characteristics and improving the vehicle's suspension performance by allowing for tailored damping rates during compression and rebound strokes.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded plug coupled with an actuator, wherein the threaded plug is configured for being angularly displaced within a cylindrical bypass channel about a longitudinal axis of the threaded plug relative to a piston in response to an operation of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a damping component or components... some type of viscous fluid-based damping mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension damper includes: a cylinder and a piston assembly, wherein the piston assembly includes a piston; a working fluid within the cylinder; a bypass cylinder surrounding the cylinder and defining a cylindrical bypass channel; an adjustable bypass port fluidly coupling an interior of the cylinder and the cylindrical bypass channel; and a remotely operable bypass valve slidably disposed within the cylindrical bypass channel, the remotely operable bypass valve configured for, upon actuation of an actuator coupled with the remotely operable bypass valve, adjusting a flow of the working fluid through the adjustable bypass port.