Annular Base Valve Assembly for Real-Time Shock Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorber systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust shock absorption characteristics in real-time based on changing terrain and load conditions, leading to compromised ride comfort, vehicle performance, and increased risk of steering issues, suspension failure, and tire blowouts due to uneven ride heights and load distribution.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an annular base valve system with a coaxial annular base valve assembly and a clocked base valve assembly, which provides a motion-modifiable connection between vehicle components, allowing for adjustable fluid flow and reduced manufacturing and assembly complexities, enabling flexible control solenoid placement and leak-path detection features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional shock absorber systems are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the ability to dynamically adjust shock absorption characteristics is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber system is divided into multiple independent valve assemblies (first base valve assembly, second base valve assembly, third base valve assembly) that can independently control different aspects of shock absorption. Each valve assembly can be adjusted separately, allowing dynamic adaptation to different terrain and load conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities by providing multiple adjustable valve assemblies that can modify fluid flow characteristics in real-time. The valve assemblies include adjustable orifices and flow paths that can be changed to adapt shock absorption characteristics to varying operating conditions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve assemblies are integrated, then shock absorption control is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple base valve assemblies are integrated into a single shock absorber body, combining multiple shock absorption control functions into one unified component. This merging approach allows the system to provide enhanced adaptability and control capabilities while maintaining a compact structure that simplifies installation and reduces the number of separate components to be assembled
Solution Approach 2:
Each base valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within the shock absorber system, including compression damping, rebound damping, and bypass functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining comprehensive shock absorption control
3Reliability
If fixed shock absorption characteristics are used, then the system is reliable and simple, but ride comfort and vehicle performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber system enables changes in key parameters such as orifice size, flow path area, and valve spring preload through multiple adjustable valve assemblies. These parameter changes allow the system to maintain reliability while adapting to different ride conditions, improving both ride comfort and vehicle performance by optimizing shock absorption characteristics for specific operating 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
This solution allows for real-time adjustment of shock absorption characteristics, improving ride comfort and vehicle performance, reducing the risk of steering issues and suspension failure, while simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes, and ensuring proper installation and operation of the damper system.
Implementation Method 1
an annular base valve assembly in fluid communication with the rod side of the active valve piston
Implementation Method 2
an active valve piston having a sealed chamber and an annularly-shaped piston surface exposed to a pressure differential across the piston surface
Implementation Method 3
a solenoid actuator in fluid communication with the sealed chamber of the active valve piston
Data Source
AI summary
A shock with an annular base valve flow system is disclosed herein. The system includes a housing, said housing having an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD). The system also includes an annular base valve assembly, said annular base valve assembly having an OD smaller than said ID of said housing, such that said annular base valve assembly is insertable into said housing. The annular base valve assembly having an intake pathway axially about a portion of said OD of said base valve assembly and an exhaust pathway axially about another portion of said OD of said base valve assembly.