Shock Absorber Compression Piston With Single-Circuit Damping
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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 circuit and a floating shim stack, controlled by a single knob, allows for variable damping from low speed compression to lockout compression, utilizing an oil recirculation system to enhance performance and reduce weight.
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 merges multiple fluid circuits into a single circuit by using a piston with a variable cross-sectional area that changes position within the cylinder. This single circuit replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate circuits, thereby reducing the number of components, decreasing weight, and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to provide different damping characteristics for low-speed and high-speed compression
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:
The patent combines multiple circuit functions into a single circuit design, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This simplification directly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving the sophisticated damping performance that would otherwise require multiple separate circuits
3Reliability
If the shock absorber diameter is increased to enhance damping capability, then the performance is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic piston cross-sectional area that varies as the piston moves through different positions in the cylinder. This dynamic adjustment allows the shock absorber to provide high damping capability when needed (effectively utilizing the available diameter) without requiring a permanently larger diameter design, thereby avoiding the weight penalty associated with oversized components
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 adjustable damping rates with a single fluid circuit, reducing component count and manufacturing costs, while increasing performance and maintaining a lighter weight, and the oil recirculation system minimizes friction and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a floating shim stack, controlled by a single knob, allows for variable damping from low speed compression to lockout compression
Implementation Method 2
the oil recirculation system minimizes friction and noise
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.