Bicycle Suspension Damping Valve Layout for Compact Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle suspension damping devices that adjust damping action using solenoid valves are not suitable for bicycle suspensions due to size constraints, leading to oversized suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
A damping device for bicycle suspensions that employs static and dynamic valves to modify damping action without solenoid valves, featuring a closed hydraulic circuit with adjustable fluid flow resistances, allowing for compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid valves are used to adjust damping action, then damping adjustment capability is achieved, but suspension size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solenoid valves (electromagnetic system) with a purely mechanical valve system consisting of a valve body, valve element, and spring mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for electromagnetic components while achieving the same damping adjustment function through mechanical means, thereby reducing the overall size of the suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where oil flows through passages and valves to provide damping. The mechanical valve controls oil flow between chambers, using hydraulic principles to achieve damping adjustment without requiring bulky solenoid actuators. The fluid-based mechanism enables compact design while maintaining adjustable damping performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid valves are used for damping control, then adjustable damping action is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electromagnetic solenoid component from the valve system and replaces it with a simplified mechanical actuation mechanism. This extraction removes the complex electromagnetic control system while retaining the essential damping adjustment function through a simpler mechanical valve element and spring assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical valve system is designed to be self-actuating through spring forces and pressure differential. The valve element automatically responds to changes in oil pressure and spring force, providing damping adjustment without requiring external electromagnetic control signals or complex control electronics, thereby simplifying the overall system.
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
Enables adjustable damping without increasing the size of the suspension system, providing effective energy dissipation and reduced overall size, adaptable to various bicycle suspension types.
Implementation Method 1
a damping device (1) comprising a first tubular body (2) and a second tubular body (3) adapted to move with respect to one another in a reciprocating manner along a longitudinal axis, the damping device (1) comprising a closed hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic fluid and means for varying a flow resistance to the hydraulic fluid in the closed hydraulic circuit, wherein the means for varying the flow resistance comprises at least one static valve (12, 14) and at least one dynamic valve (15)
Data Source
AI summary
A damping device (1) for a suspension (100) of a bicycle includes:a first tubular body (2) defining a first chamber (4);a second tubular body (3) defining a second chamber (5) fluidically communicating with the first chamber (4);a third tubular body (8) disposed inside the second chamber (5), the interior thereof defining a third chamber (9) fluidically communicating with the second chamber (5);a hollow stem (10) integral with the first tubular body (2), defining a through cavity (11) which establishes a fluid communication between the third chamber (9) and the first chamber (4);a first static valve (12) disposed between the second chamber (5) and the third chamber (9);a second static valve (14), connected to the stem (10), operatively disposed between the third chamber (9) and the cavity (11) of the stem (10);a dynamic valve (15) connected to the first tubular body (2) inside the first chamber (4), operatively disposed between the cavity (11) of the stem (10) and the first chamber (4).