Bi-stable Solenoid Shock Absorber Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers lack efficient and energy-effective mechanisms for dynamically adjusting damping forces, requiring complex controls and being prone to accidental setting changes.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable solenoid system is integrated with the shock absorber, allowing for quick switching between high and low damping settings using short electrical pulses, eliminating the need for constant current supply and sophisticated controls, and ensuring strong latching in stable positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional solenoid system is used for adjusting damping force, then the damping setting can be changed, but a constant supply of current is required to maintain the setting, consuming excessive energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed electrical current to switch the bi-stable solenoid between stable positions rather than continuous current supply. Each pulse temporarily overcomes the magnetic latching force, allowing the armature to transition between positions, after which the solenoid maintains its state without additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-stable solenoid design allows the system to maintain its damping setting automatically through magnetic latching in two stable positions. Once switched to a desired position by a brief current pulse, the solenoid self-maintains that position through magnetic attraction forces without requiring continuous external energy input or active control.
2Ease of operation
If a complex control system is used for adjusting damping force, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex control systems, sensors, and continuous power management electronics by utilizing the inherent bi-stable magnetic latching mechanism. The control requirement is reduced to simple momentary switch inputs that trigger state changes, with the system maintaining states autonomously through magnetic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism uses simple, inexpensive momentary electrical pulses instead of complex continuous control systems. Each pulse is a brief, low-energy event that triggers a state change, replacing the need for sophisticated controllers, feedback systems, and continuous power management circuitry.
3Reliability
If a spring-based biasing system is used for valve adjustment, then the damping force can be adjusted, but the system is prone to accidental setting changes and lacks strong latching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based biasing system with an electromagnetic bi-stable solenoid system. The magnetic fields create two stable equilibrium positions for the armature, providing strong latching forces that prevent accidental position changes. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving setting stability.
4Speed
If a mono-stable solenoid is used for damping adjustment, then the valve position can be changed, but the system requires constant current to maintain position and responds slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-stable solenoid responds to periodic pulsed current inputs, transitioning rapidly between stable positions only when needed. Each pulse creates a quick magnetic field change that forces the armature to switch states within milliseconds, after which no current is required to maintain the position, achieving both fast response and low energy consumption.
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 solution provides fast, energy-efficient, and reliable adjustment of damping forces, compatible with existing suspension systems, and resistant to accidental changes, enabling cost-effective manufacturing without complex controllers.
Implementation Method 1
A bi-stable solenoid is disposed in the housing and interconnected with the valve. The bi-stable solenoid features an armature that is moveable between a first stable position maintained without the use of external energy for applying a first biasing force against the valve and a second stable position different than said first stable position and maintained without the use of external energy for applying a second biasing force being less than the first biasing force against the resilient disc of the valve
Data Source
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AI summary
A shock absorber assembly including a fluid for absorbing forces between the body and the wheel of a motor vehicle. The shock absorber includes a valve having a resilient disc engaging a piston for impeding the passage of fluid through the aperture of the piston. A bistable solenoid is disposed in the housing and is interconnected with the resilient disc of the valve. The bi-stable solenoid's armature is moveable between a first stable position for applying a first biasing force against the resilient disc of the valve and a second stable position for applying a second biasing force being less than the first biasing force against the resilient disc of the valve. The adjustment of the biasing force on the valve also adjusts the damping force of the shock absorber.