Adjustable Damper Flow Channel Valve System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic dampers lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting the force-velocity characteristic, which limits their adaptability and robustness.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an adjustable through-flow channel with a valve system that allows for the adjustment of the flow cross-section within the damper, enabling the damper to be blocked in specific directions and providing overload protection, thereby enhancing the damper's adjustability and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic dampers use traditional fixed flow channels, then the structure is simple, but the force-velocity characteristic cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of force-velocity characteristicVSAvoidcomplexity of damper structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow channel cross-section adjustable rather than fixed. The adjusting element can change the effective flow cross-section of the flow channel dynamically, allowing the damper to adapt its force-velocity characteristic to different operating conditions. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can respond to varying requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the effective flow cross-section parameter of the flow channel. By changing this geometric parameter through the adjusting element, the damping characteristic is altered without changing the fundamental damper structure. This allows continuous adjustment of the force-velocity relationship.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flow channel is made adjustable, then the damping force can be adapted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of damping forceVSAvoidcomplexity of valve system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service through the self-acting valve system that automatically responds to pressure differential changes. The valve opens or closes based on the inherent pressure conditions without requiring external control mechanisms. This reduces the complexity that would otherwise be needed for active control systems while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hydraulic principles in the self-acting valve design where pressure differentials across the valve control its opening state. The valve responds to hydraulic conditions within the damper itself, using the fluid pressure system to control the flow regulation without requiring separate mechanical or electrical actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If valves are added for directional control, then the damper can be locked, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional locking capabilityVSAvoidease of damper assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the piston rod assembly. The adjusting element is integrated into the piston rod, and the flow channel adjustment, valve control, and locking functions are combined in a single integrated component rather than requiring separate assemblies. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piston rod assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the flow channel, contains the adjusting element for flow cross-section control, incorporates the self-acting valve mechanism, and enables directional locking. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count and simplifies the manufacturing process compared to having separate components for each function.

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

The solution allows for simple adjustment of the damping force characteristic, providing a robust and adaptable damper that can be easily integrated into existing systems, with enhanced safety features to prevent damage from excessive forces.

Implementation Method 1

The working chamber (5) is filled with a damping fluid (10). The first partial working chamber (17) and the second partial working chamber (19) are fluid-tightly separated from one another by a piston (13).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The adjusting element (49) changes the effective flow cross-section of the flow channel (71)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow cross-section adjustment: Valve

Implementation Method 3

Hydraulic dampers are known, for example, from DE 10 2005 023 756 A1, DE 33 21 680 A1 and DE 10 2006 047 093 A1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2388493B1Damper
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 SUSPA
  • EP2388493B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2388493B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2388493B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The damper (1) is provided with a housing (4), a working space (5) and a compensation chamber (6), where working space contains damping fluid (10). A piston unit (11) has a piston rod (12), where a guide and seal assembly (3) is also provided.