Adjustable Damper with Electronic Valve for Dynamic Damping Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle suspension systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust damping rates in response to varying terrain and vehicle conditions, leading to inadequate control over vehicle motion and rider comfort, especially on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electronic valve with a variable pressure valve and a control system that utilizes sensors to adjust damping forces in real-time based on acceleration, tilt, velocity, and other environmental factors, allowing for customizable damping modes and quick response to terrain changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed damping rate systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying terrain and vehicle conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to terrainVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a variable damping rate system where the damping rate dynamically changes based on vehicle motion parameters. The control system continuously monitors acceleration, velocity, and position sensors, then adjusts the damping rate in real-time to match actual road conditions and vehicle state, transforming a static system into a dynamic adaptive one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs closed-loop feedback control where sensors detect vehicle motion parameters (acceleration, velocity, position) and feed this information to the control system. The control system processes this feedback and adjusts the damping rate accordingly, creating a continuous monitor-adjust cycle that enables adaptive response to varying terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If dynamic adjustment of damping forces is implemented, then vehicle stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses feedback from multiple sensors (acceleration, velocity, position) to continuously monitor vehicle state and adjust damping forces accordingly. This closed-loop control maintains vehicle stability by responding to actual motion conditions rather than relying on fixed preset values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution allows for more precise and rapid adjustment of damping forces while reducing mechanical complexity through electronic control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and control systems are added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion parameter detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to handle multiple sensor inputs (acceleration, velocity, position) through a single integrated processing unit. This multi-functional approach allows the system to process various motion parameters simultaneously, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity through distributed separate controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables improved vehicle stability and comfort by dynamically adjusting damping forces, reducing the impact of uneven terrain on the vehicle and rider, with faster response times and more efficient energy use compared to traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

The implementation of an electronic valve with a variable pressure valve and a control system that utilizes sensors to adjust damping forces in real-time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

Conventional vehicle suspension systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust damping rates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10821795B2Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
Publication Date: 2020.11.03 FOX FACTORY INC
  • US10821795B2 patent drawing
  • US10821795B2 patent drawing
  • US10821795B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.