Electronic Base Valve Damping Control for Adaptive Shock Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock assemblies provide a constant damping rate throughout their stroke, failing to adapt to varying performance requirements in technologically advanced recreational and sporting vehicles, which limits their ability to optimize ride comfort and performance across different terrains and riding conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronically adjustable shock assembly featuring an electronic modal base valve with a controller and control valve, allowing for adjustable flow rates and compression settings via a user interface, either wirelessly or through a wired connection, incorporating components like rotary spool or check shim valves to dynamically control damping characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shock assemblies use constant damping rate throughout the stroke, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different terrains and riding conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly transitions from a static constant damping rate to a dynamic adjustable damping rate. The electronic modal base valve allows real-time modification of damping characteristics during operation, enabling the system to adapt to varying terrain and riding conditions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping rate parameter is made variable through the electronic modal base valve system. By electronically adjusting the flow rate through the control valve, the damping characteristics can be modified without changing the physical structure of the shock assembly, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electronically adjustable shock assembly is implemented, then the adaptability to varying performance requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic modal base valve serves multiple functions: it acts as a control valve for adjusting damping, a flow rate controller for regulating fluid flow, and an interface for receiving electronic adjustment signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving adaptability while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If real-time adjustment of damping characteristics is enabled, then ride comfort and performance are enhanced, but the extent of automation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through electronic adjustment capabilities where the shock assembly can be tuned by the user via electronic interfaces without requiring mechanical disassembly or complex manual adjustments. The electronic modal base valve automatically responds to electronic signals, simplifying operation while maintaining manageable automation levels.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
An electronic modal base valve (500) for a shock assembly comprising: a motive component (506); a controller (330) communicatively coupled with said motive component; a control valve (520) coupled with said motive component, wherein said controller (330) is configured to control an operation of said motive component (506), wherein a movement of said motive component is configured to cause said control valve to adjust a flow rate for a flow path (404) through said electronic modal base valve.