Position-Sensitive Base Valve for Shock Bottom-Out Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle shock assemblies are prone to 'bottoming out' when they reach maximum compression or extension, leading to potential damage and an unpleasant riding experience due to the impact of additional energy on the components.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable position sensitive bottom out zone structure is introduced, which includes a position sensitive base valve and check plate mechanism that adjusts fluid flow based on the damping piston's location, preventing excessive compression by increasing damping characteristics when nearing the bottom out zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shock assembly operates within a limited range of motion, then the damping characteristics are optimized for normal operation, but the shock assembly is prone to bottoming out when additional energy is received at maximum compression or extension positions
Solution Approach 1:
The base valve is made adjustable and repositionable along the shock assembly's travel path. The valve position can be dynamically changed to different locations (first position for normal operation, second position for bottom out prevention) based on the operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt its damping characteristics without requiring a completely complex active control system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical position parameter of the base valve along the shock assembly's travel path. By moving the valve to different positions (first position during normal operation, second position when bottoming out is detected), the system alters the damping characteristics to prevent bottom out while maintaining normal performance during regular operation
2Reliability
If a bottom out cup is used to prevent bottoming out, then the shock assembly is protected from damage, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the bottom out cup component from the shock assembly design. Instead of adding a protective cup at the extreme position, the system uses an adjustable base valve mechanism that prevents bottoming out through controlled fluid flow restriction, thereby eliminating the need for the bottom out cup and reducing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The base valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the compression force and the fluid chambers. By positioning the valve at different locations along the travel path, it mediates the fluid flow to create progressive resistance that prevents bottoming out without requiring direct physical contact or a bottom out cup structure
3Reliability
If the base valve position is fixed, then the manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the shock assembly cannot adapt to different operating conditions and bottom out prevention is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base valve is designed with adjustability features that allow it to be positioned at different locations along the shock assembly's travel path. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions and bottom out prevention requirements while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing and installation procedures compared to fully active control systems
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 effectively reduces the likelihood of shock assembly damage and enhances riding comfort by preventing deleterious impacts, while maintaining functionality and reducing costs without requiring a bottom out cup, and is compatible with various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring configured to apply a first force to the position sensitive base valve causing the position sensitive base valve to move to a first position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring configured to apply a second force to the position sensitive base valve causing the position sensitive base valve to move to a second position
Implementation Method 3
the position sensitive base valve to restrict fluid flow through the shock assembly when the position sensitive base valve is in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A position sensitive apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a position sensitive base valve comprising a plurality of ports and check plate to reduce fluid flow through at least one of the plurality of ports of the position sensitive base valve based on a location of a damping piston. The apparatus also includes a first spring coupling the check plate with the position sensitive base valve, the first spring biases the check plate away from the position sensitive base valve.