Compression Piston Shim Stack for Single-Circuit Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems require multiple fluid circuits to manage varying compression speeds, leading to increased weight and manufacturing costs while compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
A dual piston system with a single adjustable fluid circuit and a floating shim stack, controlled by a single knob, which allows for varying damping rates from low speed compression to lockout compression, along with an oil recirculation system to reduce friction and maintain fluid consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fluid circuits are used to manage varying compression speeds, then the damping performance is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid circuits into a single integrated circuit with a floating shim stack that provides variable flow resistance. Instead of using separate circuits for low-speed and high-speed compression, the invention uses one circuit where the shim stack dynamically adjusts resistance based on compression speed, thereby reducing component count while maintaining damping performance across varying speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fluid circuit is designed to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate circuits. The floating shim stack enables the same circuit to handle both low-speed compression damping and high-speed compression damping, as well as providing lockout functionality, making the circuit universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized circuits.
2Reliability
If multiple fluid circuits are used to manage varying compression speeds, then the damping performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple fluid circuits into a single circuit with a floating shim stack, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-tested. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to provide differentiated damping for various compression speeds through the adjustable shim stack configuration.
3Reliability
If the diameter of the shock absorber is increased to enhance damping capability, then the performance is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow resistance parameter dynamically using the floating shim stack, rather than changing the physical dimensions of the shock absorber. By adjusting the shim stack position and configuration, the system achieves variable damping capability across different compression speeds without increasing the shock absorber's diameter, thereby maintaining lightweight design while enhancing performance.
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 design reduces the number of components needed, lowers manufacturing costs, enhances performance by allowing larger fluid passageways, and minimizes noise through the use of a wave spring to maintain the shim stack's position, while maintaining or reducing the weight of the shock absorber.
Implementation Method 1
a floating shim stack, selective blocking of the fluid passageway through which fluid flows from a first side of the compression piston to a second side of the compression piston
Implementation Method 2
the use of a wave spring to maintain the shim stack's position
Implementation Method 3
an oil recirculation system to reduce friction and maintain fluid consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A compression damper of a shock absorber includes: a single adjustable fluid circuit configured for controlling a damping rate associated with multiple compression speeds of the shock absorber, wherein the single adjustable fluid circuit includes a fluid passageway through a base valve; and a positionally adjustable floating shim stack positioned at one end of the fluid passageway, the positionally adjustable floating shim stack configured for selectively blocking a flow of fluid through the fluid passageway.