Bicycle Suspension Damper Piston With Isolated Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle suspension dampers lack independent control over low-speed and high-speed compression and rebound rates, leading to ineffective absorption of vibrations and shocks due to shared flow paths between rebound and compression orifices, resulting in minimal damping during simultaneous orifice openings.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adjustable piston system with isolated low-speed and high-speed compression and rebound flow paths, utilizing a seal to separate the rebound and compression orifices, and a compression needle tip with internal passages to control fluid flow, enabling independent adjustment of damping rates through check valves and orifice sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a shared flow path is used between rebound and compression orifices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the damping control precision deteriorates because independent adjustment of compression and rebound rates cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The piston body is divided into multiple independent orifices: a rebound orifice for controlling rebound flow and a compression orifice for controlling compression flow. Each orifice has its own flow path, allowing independent adjustment of rebound and compression damping rates through separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby achieving precise damping control without excessive complexity
2Measurement precision
If separate flow paths are used for rebound and compression orifices, then the damping control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional isolation members and separate flow path structures
Solution Approach 1:
The compression needle is disposed inside the rebound needle, creating a nested structure where the compression needle tip extends through the rebound needle. This nested arrangement allows separate flow paths for compression and rebound while minimizing the overall space required and reducing structural complexity compared to completely separate components
3Productivity
If both orifices are opened simultaneously, then the productivity of fluid flow is improved, but the damping effect deteriorates due to minimal damping when both orifices are open
Solution Approach 1:
A needle tip structure acts as an intermediary flow control element between the rebound and compression chambers. The needle tip includes an internal passage that can be selectively opened or closed, serving as a mediator that prevents direct fluid leakage between chambers while allowing controlled flow through the orifices, thereby maintaining damping effectiveness even when both orifices are open
4Productivity
If fluid leakage between flow paths occurs, then the productivity of the suspension system is improved, but the damping control precision deteriorates due to ineffective vibration and shock absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful fluid leakage path between rebound and compression flow paths is extracted and eliminated by providing completely separate flow paths. The rebound flow path and compression flow path are isolated from each other, preventing cross-contamination of fluid flow and ensuring that damping control precision is maintained without compromising suspension response productivity
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 precise control of damping rates, effectively absorbing vibrations and shocks by preventing fluid leakage between flow paths, thereby enhancing the shock absorber's ability to manage varying riding conditions and rider preferences.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable piston system is to control a flow of fluid between the first and second chambers. The adjustable piston system includes an adjustable rebound orifice forming part of a rebound flow path to control the flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber across the piston body, and an adjustable compression orifice forming part of a low flow compression flow path to control the flow of fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber across the piston body
Implementation Method 2
The check valve is to enable a flow of fluid through the flow path from the first chamber to the second chamber and prevent the flow of fluid through the flow path from the second chamber to the first chamber
Implementation Method 3
The compression needle tip has an internal passage that forms a portion of the flow path between the first chamber and the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Example dampers for bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example damper includes a damper body defining a chamber, a shaft extending into the chamber of the damper body, and an adjustable piston system having a piston body coupled to the shaft. The adjustable piston system controls a flow of fluid between the first and second chambers. The adjustable piston system includes an adjustable rebound orifice forming part of a rebound flow path to control the flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber across the piston body, an adjustable compression orifice forming part of a low flow compression flow path to control the flow of fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber across the piston body, an isolation member to separate the rebound flow path and the low flow compression flow path.