Controllable Vibration Damper Single Slide Bridge Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controllable vibration dampers for motor vehicles are structurally complex due to the use of two main slides, making them expensive and limiting flexibility in setting damping characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A controllable vibration damper design featuring a single hydraulic main slide and a bridge circuit of four crosswise connected non-return valves, with a regulated pilot valve and adjustable orifices to control pressure characteristics, allowing for flexible setting of damping characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two main slides are used in the valve device, then the damping characteristics can be controlled, but the structural complexity increases and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping characteristics controlVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two separate main slides into a single main slide. The valve device now uses one main slide that works in conjunction with a bridge circuit of four check valves to achieve the same damping control functionality, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a bridge circuit with four check valves as an intermediary mechanism. This bridge circuit, combined with the single main slide and regulated pilot valve, mediates the hydraulic flow to provide flexible damping control without requiring two main slides, thus resolving the contradiction between control capability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two main slides are used in the valve device, then the damping control is achievable, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping control capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the functions of two main slides into one main slide plus a bridge circuit of check valves, the patent reduces the number of complex components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production costs while preserving damping control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive main slides with a combination of simpler components including check valves and orifices. These simpler components are cheaper to manufacture and can be easily replaced if needed, reducing overall production and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If a single main slide is used, then the structure is simplified and production costs are reduced, but the flexibility in setting damping characteristics must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddamping characteristics flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the damping characteristics dynamically adjustable through a regulated pilot valve that can be controlled electronically. This allows the single main slide system to adapt damping forces in real-time based on vehicle conditions, maintaining flexibility despite the simplified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses adjustable orifices and a regulated pilot valve to change hydraulic flow parameters. By varying the opening degree of the pilot valve and the size of orifices, the system can adjust damping characteristics to match different driving conditions, maintaining versatility with a simpler structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the structure, reduces production costs, and enhances flexibility in setting damping characteristics, enabling more precise control of damping forces during vehicle movement.

Implementation Method 1

a bridge circuit with four non-return valves which are connected crosswise in the flow direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-return valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

a regulated pilot valve, by means of which the pilot chamber is connected to the low-pressure chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

the pilot chamber being connected via an orifice to the high-pressure chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrifice flow restriction: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP3631234B1Controllable vibration damper
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 KENDRION (VILLINGEN) GMBH
  • EP3631234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3631234B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3631234B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a controllable shock absorber (10), in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a valve device (100) comprising the following: - a bridge circuit with four non-return valves (110, 12, 114, 116) which are connected crosswise in the forward direction, the connection of a first bridge branch with two non-return valves (110, 114) that are arranged opposite each other form a pressure chamber (120) and the connection of the second bridge branch with two non-return valves (112, 114) arranged opposite each other form a low pressure chamber (122), a hydraulic main slide (140) arranged between the low pressure chamber (122) and the pressure chamber (120), a pilot chamber (130) which is connected to the pressurised fluid line (52) which is part of the upper working space (40) (traction area) by means of a fifth non-return valve (132), and a pilot valve (160, 460, 560) which connects the low pressure chamber (122) to the pilot chamber (130), the pilot chamber (120) being connected to the high-pressure chamber (120) by means of a diaphragm (170).