Adjustable Shock Assembly With Active Damping Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock assemblies lack the ability to dynamically adjust shock absorption based on terrain and vehicle utilization scenarios, leading to suboptimal ride comfort and performance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shock assembly with active and semi-active damping components, controlled by a suspension controller and sensors, allows for real-time adjustments in shock absorption characteristics based on terrain and vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed damping characteristics are used in shock assemblies, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ride comfort and performance are suboptimal for varying terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly incorporates adjustable damping components that allow the damping characteristics to be dynamically changed based on terrain and vehicle conditions. The active valve assembly and rebound valve assembly can be adjusted in real-time to optimize shock absorption for different operating scenarios, transforming the fixed system into a dynamic one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustability in damping parameters through multiple valve assemblies that can modify fluid flow characteristics. By changing the damping parameters (compression and rebound damping) based on external conditions, the system achieves versatility without requiring complete redesign for each terrain type.
2Reliability
If adjustable damping components are added to shock assemblies, then shock absorption optimization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly is divided into multiple functional segments including active valve assembly, rebound valve assembly, compression valve assembly, and bypass valve assembly. Each segment handles specific damping functions independently, allowing for targeted optimization while maintaining overall system reliability through modular functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock assembly integrates multiple valve assemblies that can operate in combination to provide various damping modes. The system can function in different configurations (full damping, bypass mode, rebound-only mode) to handle diverse terrain conditions, making the complex system universally applicable to multiple scenarios.
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
Enhances ride comfort and performance by optimizing shock absorption settings for different terrains and usage scenarios, providing improved handling and reduced impact transmission to the vehicle's suspended components.
Implementation Method 1
Shock assemblies (e.g., dampers, shock absorbers, etc.) are used in numerous different vehicles and configurations to absorb some or all of a movement that is received at an unsprung portion of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable shock assembly is disclosed herein. The adjustable shock assembly includes a damper body having a main chamber with a working fluid therein. An adjustable active valve assembly comprising: a first parallel flow pathway comprising an active valve; and a second parallel flow pathway comprising a firm mode blowoff stack and a firm mode adjuster to adjust a blowoff pressure of the firm mode blowoff stack. A main piston coupled with a piston shaft, and a fluid pathway fluidly coupling the main chamber with the adjustable active valve assembly which is fluidly coupled with a reservoir