Compression Sensitive Suspension Dampening with Bypass Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems face the challenge of 'bottom out' conditions due to high compressive forces from terrain and rider weight, which existing shock absorbers fail to adequately address, particularly in terms of providing a user-adjustable secondary cushion arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a suspension system with a divided spring chamber and fluid flow path that includes a bypass mechanism, such as a valve or tapered outer diameter, which automatically provides resistance during compression to prevent bottoming out by altering the spring rate through the interaction of compressible and incompressible fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional shock absorber with a single spring chamber is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide adequate resistance during maximum compression leading to bottom out conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring chamber is divided into a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion containing a first spring and the second portion containing a second spring. This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for different compression stages, preventing bottom out while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass mechanism is implemented that dynamically transitions between an open state (allowing fluid communication between first and second portions) and a closed state (isolating the portions). This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its stiffness characteristics during compression, providing progressive resistance that prevents bottom out without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.
2Force
If the spring rate is increased to handle high compressive forces, then bottom out is prevented, but the suspension becomes too stiff for normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass mechanism dynamically adjusts the effective spring rate by transitioning between open and closed states. During normal operation, the bypass remains open allowing fluid communication and maintaining a lower, more compliant spring rate. During maximum compression, the bypass closes to isolate the spring chambers, effectively increasing the spring rate to handle high compressive forces without excessive stiffness during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the fluid pathways through the bypass mechanism, transitioning from a connected state (low stiffness) to an isolated state (high stiffness). This parameter change in fluid communication status allows the suspension to adapt its force characteristics based on compression magnitude, providing compliance when needed and resistance when necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass mechanism is added to provide variable resistance, then compression sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass mechanism is designed to automatically transition between open and closed states based on compression forces without requiring external control systems. The mechanism self-regulates the fluid communication between spring chambers in response to the compression state, providing adaptive compression sensitivity while minimizing complexity by eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, or control electronics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fluid level is adjusted to change spring rate, then user adjustability is improved, but the system requires additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted as a separate, user-accessible feature that allows modification of the fluid level in the spring chambers. By providing a dedicated adjustment port or removable cap, the system enables users to change the spring rate by adding or removing fluid without requiring complex integrated adjustment systems, simplifying the overall design while maintaining adjustability.
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 solution effectively mitigates the 'bottom out' effect by increasing the spring rate rapidly during maximum compression, reducing jarring impacts on the vehicle and rider, while allowing for user-adjustable settings through fluid level adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The spring chamber (170) is substantially sealed... The combination of a compressible fluid (e.g., gas, air) and an incompressible fluid (e.g., oil)... for automatically providing resistance in response to a compressed condition of the suspension
Implementation Method 2
the damper controls the speed of movement, such as telescopic compression, of the suspension by metering substantially incompressible fluid from one side of a piston to the other
Implementation Method 3
a bypass mechanism, such as a valve or tapered outer diameter, which automatically provides resistance during compression to prevent bottoming out by altering the spring rate
Data Source
AI summary
A spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.