External Bypass Shock Absorber for On-Demand Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorbers require separate components for external adjustability, necessitating multiple shocks per wheel or internal adjustments that are impractical for on-demand tuning.
Innovation Solution
An externally adjustable internal bypass shock absorber that integrates both suspension and damping functions in one unit, allowing for individualized control of compression and rebound cycles with external adjustment through bypass cavities, tubes, and check valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate shock absorbers are used for suspension and damping functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases and multiple components are required per wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suspension spring and damping shock absorber into a single integrated unit called a coilover assembly. The spring is positioned concentrically around the shock absorber body, allowing both suspension and damping functions to be performed by one component rather than requiring separate assemblies. This merging eliminates the need for multiple independent components while maintaining functional optimization through shared mounting points and coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated coilover assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the spring provides suspension compliance and support, while the shock absorber provides damping control. The single assembly handles both vertical suspension support and oscillation damping, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If internal bypass adjustments are used, then damping control is integrated, but the adjustment mechanism becomes impractical for on-demand tuning
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the internal bypass system and positioned externally on the shock absorber body. The adjustment dial or control interface is mounted on the outer surface, allowing users to access and modify damping settings without disassembling the unit or reaching into internal bypass passages. This external positioning maintains integrated damping control while dramatically improving ease of operation for on-demand tuning.
Solution Approach 2:
An external adjustment interface serves as an intermediary between the user and the internal bypass valve mechanism. This intermediary component transmits user input (rotation of a dial, pressing a button) to the internal valve, enabling easy external control of the bypass flow and damping characteristics without requiring direct manipulation of internal components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shocks per wheel are used for external adjustability, then damping control is improved, but the device complexity and quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple adjustment functions (compression damping, rebound damping, and bypass control) into a single shock absorber unit rather than requiring multiple separate shocks. The integrated coilover assembly incorporates all adjustment capabilities within one component, eliminating the need to install multiple shocks per wheel to achieve external adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber incorporates dynamically adjustable bypass valves that can modify damping characteristics in real-time based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability, combined with external control interfaces, allows a single shock to provide multiple damping modes and adaptability equivalent to what would traditionally require multiple fixed-characteristic shocks.
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
Provides seamless external control of damping forces across various terrains, enabling separate high and low-speed valving, and manual or electronic adjustment of compression and rebound resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring is mounted on the outside surface of the bypass cylinder body to provide the suspension function of the shock absorber
Implementation Method 2
An externally adjustable internal bypass shock absorber that combines both the suspension function and the shock absorbing function in one unit. It has an elongated shock body filled with hydraulic fluid and a piston mounted on a piston rod that reciprocally travels within the shock body
Implementation Method 3
the bypass cylinder includes an upper bulkhead with adjuster rod pockets and check valves as well as a lower bulkhead having a plurality of check valves
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to an externally adjustable internal bypass shock absorber that combines both the suspension function and the shock absorbing function in one unit. More particularly, the shock body houses a bypass cylinder that includes an upper bulkhead with adjuster rod pockets and check valves as well as a lower bulkhead having one or more check valves. The bypass cylinder includes one or more bypass tubes within bypass tube accepting cavities, in fluid communication with bypass adjuster valve blocks controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid within the bypass tubes. Adjuster rods are telescopically received inside the bypass adjuster block valves for controlling whether the individual oil flow ports are closed, partially open, or fully open. These adjuster rods provide an actuation means in the damper for manual or non-automatic adjustment allowing high speed and low speed as well as sway control on the external shock surface.