Shock Absorber Check Valve Spool Layout for Stable High Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valves in shock absorbers face issues with stability due to sensitivity to frequency and flow variations, leading to potential loss of function and unwanted pressure spikes, especially when handling high fluid flows, as they require large lifting heights and are prone to sticking, causing pressure differential forces to be insufficient for returning the valve to its closed position.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly with a spool engaging the valve housing at multiple regions, where the first region controls the spool's position and the second region adjusts the fluid passage opening, allowing for independent fluid flow states at different locations, reducing sensitivity to frequency and flow variations and enhancing stability by isolating the position control from fluid flow disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a relatively high lifting height is used to allow for high fluid flows, then the fluid flow capacity is improved, but the valve becomes detained at the open position and loses its check valve function
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple engagement regions (first region at first location, second region at second location) that independently control different aspects of valve operation. This segmentation allows one region to manage fluid flow while another region ensures proper valve closure, resolving the contradiction between flow capacity and functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve housing are given different functional qualities - the first region of engagement is optimized for allowing high fluid flow, while the second region of engagement is optimized for ensuring valve closure. This local differentiation enables each region to perform its specific function effectively without compromising the other.
2Device complexity
If the valve structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the valve becomes sensitive to frequency and flow variations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple engagement regions that can be integrated into the existing valve structure without adding significant complexity. This segmentation provides stability by distributing functional responsibilities across different regions, reducing sensitivity to frequency and flow variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If a spring action is used to hold the valve closed, then the valve can be returned to closed position, but the moving part sticks to the stationary part causing pressure spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The valve housing is divided into multiple engagement regions that work together to control valve movement. This segmentation allows for a design where the moving part engages with multiple stationary regions, preventing sticking while maintaining the spring action for returning the valve to closed position, thereby eliminating pressure spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple engagement regions act as intermediaries between the spring force and the valve movement, distributing the forces involved in valve operation. This intermediary structure prevents direct sticking between the moving part and stationary part while still enabling effective return to closed position through spring action.
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 design provides a more stable and reliable check valve behavior, capable of handling high fluid flows efficiently, reducing hysteresis effects and pressure spikes, and maintaining functionality across varying conditions by optimizing fluid flow control and pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure P1 prevailing in the first volume and a second pressure P2 prevailing in the second volume
Implementation Method 2
The spool comprises a first portion adapted to engage with a first portion of the valve housing, forming a first region of engagement and a second portion adapted to engage with a second portion of the valve housing, forming a second region of engagement
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present specification relates to a check valve assembly (1) for a shock absorber, and a shock absorber and a front fork comprising such a check valve assembly (1). Said check valve assembly comprises a housing (10), said housing comprising a first volume (11), and a second volume (12), a first housing portion (VE1) and a second housing portion (VE2), a fluid passage (20) between said first volume and second volume and a spool (40) movably arranged in said housing between at least a first position in which a flow of fluid through said fluid passage is allowed and at least a second position in which a flow of fluid through said fluid passage is prevented and adapted to form a first and a second region of engagement with said valve housing, wherein said first region of engagement (RE1) is arranged at a first location and said second region is arranged (RE2) at a second location.