Bellow Accumulator Damper Weight Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Remote accumulators in shock absorbers increase the weight of the system, which is a concern in vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly incorporating a bellow accumulator assembly with a bellow-shaped sidewall and a concave-shaped closed end, housed in a complimentary shaped housing, that accommodates working fluid during compression and rebound strokes without moving parts, reducing weight and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote accumulator is used to accommodate working fluid flow, then the damper can handle fluid volume changes, but the weight of the shock absorber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accumulator function with the existing damper body by integrating a bellows-shaped accumulator directly into the pressure tube assembly. This merging eliminates the need for a separate remote accumulator, thereby accommodating working fluid volume changes while avoiding the weight penalty of additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure tube assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the hydraulic circuit component and the accumulator. The bellows-shaped accumulator integrated into the pressure tube provides fluid volume accommodation while the pressure tube itself serves as the structural housing, creating a multi-functional component that reduces overall system weight.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to handle working fluid, then fluid management improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accumulator function with the pressure tube assembly, eliminating the need for separate remote accumulators and associated mounting hardware. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining effective working fluid volume management throughout the damper operation cycle.
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 bellow accumulator assembly effectively manages fluid volume changes during piston strokes, reducing weight and maintaining reliability by eliminating the need for additional moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
The bellows-shaped accumulator is configured to accommodate excess working fluid flowing out of the second working chamber during the compression stroke of the piston and provide working fluid to the second working chamber during the rebound stroke of the piston
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A damper assembly (20) includes a damper (22) with a pressure tube (32) and a piston (36) slidably disposed within the pressure tube (32). A first working chamber (64) is defined on one side of the piston (36) and a second working chamber (66) is defined on an opposite side of the piston (36) such that a volume of the second working chamber decreases during a compression stroke of the piston (36) and the volume of the second working chamber (66) increases during a rebound stroke of the piston. A bellow accumulator assembly (26) is included and in fluid communication with the second working chamber (66). The bellow accumulator assembly (26) includes a housing (210), a bellow accumulator disposed (230) within the housing (210), a pressurized gas chamber defined between the housing and the bellow accumulator and an accumulator chamber defined between the bellow accumulator and the second working chamber.