Adjustable Shock Absorber With Frequency-Adaptive Valve Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping force adjustable shock absorbers for vehicles face challenges in reducing axial length while maintaining effective vibration damping performance, as adding additional damping force valves increases the axial length, compromising compactness and ride comfort.
Innovation Solution
A damping force adjustable shock absorber design incorporating a cylinder with a piston and piston rod, a damping force adjustment valve controlled by a solenoid, and a frequency adaptive mechanism with a second valve mechanism that reduces damping force for high-frequency vibrations, allowing for compact formation and improved vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If another damping force valve is added to improve vibration damping performance, then the vibration damping performance is improved, but the axial length of the shock absorber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frequency adaptive mechanism and the damping force adjustment valve into a single integrated valve assembly. The frequency adaptive mechanism includes a first valve mechanism that works in conjunction with a second valve mechanism within the same structural envelope, allowing both functions to be performed without requiring separate valve housings and connection passages that would increase axial length.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly serves multiple functions: the first valve mechanism provides frequency-adaptive damping force adjustment, while the second valve mechanism provides additional damping force control. Both mechanisms share common structural elements such as the valve body, sealing arrangements, and hydraulic passages, allowing one component to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If another damping force valve is added to improve vibration damping performance, then the vibration damping performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of two damping force valves into a single integrated valve assembly. The first and second valve mechanisms are positioned adjacent to each other and share common structural support, sealing systems, and hydraulic connection points, reducing the overall complexity compared to having two completely separate valve assemblies with independent mounting and connection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the first valve mechanism handles frequency-adaptive control while the second valve mechanism handles additional damping force regulation. This segmentation allows each sub-mechanism to be optimized independently while benefiting from the simplified overall structure of being housed within a single integrated assembly rather than two separate units.
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 enables a shorter axial length for the shock absorber while enhancing vibration damping performance and ride comfort by integrating the frequency adaptive mechanism with the damping force adjustment valve, reducing the need for additional valves and maintaining design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a damping force adjustment valve provided in the flow path and configured to be subjected to an adjustment of an opening/closing operation by a solenoid
Implementation Method 2
a frequency adaptive mechanism provided in the flow path in series with the damping force adjustment valve. The frequency adaptive mechanism is configured to reduce a damping force for a high-frequency vibration
Implementation Method 3
a piston slidably inserted in this cylinder and dividing an inside of the cylinder into a rod-side chamber and a bottom-side chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A damping force adjustable shock absorber includes a flow path (an oil passage of a piston) in which a flow of hydraulic fluid is generated due to a movement of a piston rod, and a damping force adjustment valve provided in the flow path and configured to be subjected to an adjustment of an opening/closing operation by a solenoid. A frequency adaptive mechanism is provided in the flow path in series with the damping force adjustment valve. The frequency adaptive mechanism is configured to reduce a damping force for a high-frequency vibration. The frequency adaptive mechanism includes a second valve mechanism (a compression-side damping force generation valve and an extension-side damping force generation valve) configured to apply a resistance force to a flow of the hydraulic fluid from an upstream-side chamber (an upper-portion chamber or a lower-portion chamber) to a downstream-side chamber (the lower-portion chamber or the upper-portion chamber).