Adjustable Suspension Damper With Fast Sensor-Driven Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension dampers provide constant or mechanically varied damping rates, lacking advanced techniques to dynamically adjust damping characteristics in response to changing vehicle motion, leading to delayed application of damping forces.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension damper with a valve assembly that includes a primary valve member and adjustable pressure reducing means, allowing for real-time adjustment of damping fluid flow resistance through a combination of fluid flow paths and pressure control, enabling quick changes in damping characteristics in response to sensed vehicle motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional mechanical inertia valves are used, then the damper structure is simple, but the response time is delayed and damping forces are applied late
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical inertia valve with an electronically controlled valve assembly. Sensors detect vehicle motion and send signals to an electronic control unit, which then actuates the valve to adjust damping forces. This substitution of mechanical sensing with electronic sensing and control enables faster response times while managing complexity through electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor vehicle motion parameters, the control unit processes this information, and the valve assembly adjusts damping forces accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time adaptation to changing terrain conditions, significantly improving response speed compared to passive mechanical valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If constant damping rates are provided, then the damper structure is simple, but the damping characteristics cannot adapt to changing vehicle motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static constant damping rates to dynamic adjustable damping characteristics. The valve assembly can actively modify its flow resistance based on real-time vehicle motion conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the damper to adapt to varying terrain and driving conditions, improving versatility while accepting increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional valve assembly that can operate in multiple modes: providing constant damping for simple applications, or switching to adaptive damping when sensors and control systems are activated. This universal design allows the same basic structure to serve both simple and complex damping requirements, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
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 rapid adjustment of damping forces to match terrain changes, reducing the delay in applying damping forces experienced with conventional mechanical inertia valves, providing improved ride comfort and control by selectively applying damping forces before the vehicle rider feels terrain variations.
Implementation Method 1
pressure reducing means for reducing pressure of damping fluid in the second fluid flow path to a pressure lower than the first fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
a primary valve member for resisting damping fluid flow along a first fluid flow path from a first side of the valve to a second side of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling vehicle motion is described. The system includes: a first set of sensors coupled with a vehicle, the first set of sensors configured for sensing the vehicle motion; and a vehicle suspension damper coupled with the first set of sensors, the vehicle suspension damper configured for adjusting a damping force therein, the vehicle suspension damper comprising: a primary valve; a pilot valve assembly coupled with the primary valve, the pilot valve assembly configured for metering a flow of fluid to the primary valve, in response to at least the sensing; and an orifice block coupled with the primary valve and comprising a control orifice there through, the control orifice configured for operating cooperatively with the pilot valve assembly in the metering the flow of fluid to the primary valve.