Asymmetrical Preload Ring for Smoother Shock Absorber Blowoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers lack improved tunability and repeatability, particularly in the smoothness of the blowoff point transition, which affects vehicle comfort and handling.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a preload ring with an elliptical or eccentric hole concentric or eccentric with the circular outer surface, providing varying cross-sectional widths along its circumference, enhances the smoothness of the blowoff point opening behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional circular preload ring with a concentric circular hole is used, then the manufacturing is simple and the structure is easy to produce, but the blowoff transition smoothness is insufficient causing shake and choppiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using an elliptical hole instead of a circular hole in the preload ring. The elliptical geometry creates varying cross-sectional widths around the circumference, which produces a progressive preload force distribution that smooths the blowoff transition and eliminates shake and choppiness while maintaining manufacturability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the preload ring hole is made eccentric to improve blowoff smoothness, then the transition quality improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an elliptical hole geometry that provides different cross-sectional widths at different locations around the preload ring circumference. This local variation in geometry produces the desired progressive preload force distribution to smooth the blowoff transition, while the eccentric positioning allows tuning of the blowoff point characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standard circular preload ring is used, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing is easy, but the tunability of damping forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the preload ring hole from circular to elliptical and positioning it either concentrically or eccentrically. These parameter changes enable precise control and tuning of the blowoff point characteristics and damping force characteristics, providing enhanced adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple single-component structure.
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 design improves the smoothness of the blowoff transition, leading to enhanced vehicle comfort by reducing shake and choppiness, and allows for better control over damping forces.
Implementation Method 1
The preload ring has a circular outer surface and includes an elliptical hole extending through the preload ring. The elliptical hole is concentric with the circular outer surface, wherein the circular outer surface of the preload ring has a first center and the elliptical hole has a second center at the intersection of the major axis and minor axis of the elliptical hole, and wherein the second center is concentric with the first center.
Implementation Method 2
The piston includes compression valving that limits the flow of hydraulic fluid from the second working chamber to the first working chamber during a compression stroke. The piston also includes rebound valving that limits the flow of hydraulic fluid from the first working chamber to the second working chamber during a rebound or extension stroke.
Implementation Method 3
By controlling the fluid flow between the two working chambers, a pressure drop is built up between the two working chambers and this contributes to the damping forces of the shock absorber.
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber for a vehicle including a pressure tube, a piston body slidably positioned within the pressure tube, a blowoff disc having a first surface in contact with a surface of the piston body and an opposite second surface, a disc stack, and a preload ring axially positioned between the disc stack and the blowoff disc. The preload ring is in direct contact with the second surface of the blowoff disc and includes a circular outer surface and a substantially constant thickness. The preload ring further includes a cross-sectional width that varies along its circumference. The preload ring increases smoothness of the blowoff opening behavior of the shock absorber, which can result in an improved comfort level of the vehicle.