Suspension Damper By-Pass Valves for Variable Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems lack an effective method to variably adjust dampening characteristics, particularly between compression and rebound strokes, to suit different driving conditions such as off-road terrain and highway use.
Innovation Solution
The suspension damper system incorporates shims to obstruct flow paths, a by-pass shut-off valve, and a remotely-operable valve to dynamically control fluid flow, allowing for adjustable damping resistance and mode switching between compliant and rigid damping settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension damper uses fixed damping characteristics, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to different driving conditions such as off-road terrain and highway use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic damping adjustment by introducing valves that can change the damping characteristics in real-time based on driving conditions. The system transitions from fixed damping to variable damping through mechanisms that adjust fluid flow resistance dynamically, allowing the suspension to adapt between soft compliance for off-road and rigid damping for highway conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the damping parameter by controlling valve positions that regulate hydraulic fluid flow. By adjusting valve openings, the system modifies the damping coefficient and fluid viscosity effects, enabling transition between different damping states (compression/rebound ratios) to suit varying road conditions and driving requirements
2Reliability
If the damper provides rigid damping, then vehicle control is improved during harsh braking or cornering, but shock absorption capability deteriorates on off-road terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between rigid and compliant damping modes using controllable valves. During harsh braking or cornering, the system closes bypass valves to increase damping rigidity and improve vehicle control. During off-road traversal, the system opens valves to reduce damping forces and enhance shock absorption, thus adapting to prevent harmful effects under different operating conditions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the damper provides compliant damping, then shock absorption is improved for off-road terrain, but vehicle control deteriorates during harsh braking or cornering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic valve control to switch between compliant and rigid damping states. The system maintains compliant damping with open bypass valves for off-road shock absorption, then transitions to rigid damping by closing valves during braking or cornering events, ensuring vehicle control stability is maintained when needed without permanently sacrificing shock absorption capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system includes multiple adjustable valves and shims, then damping characteristics can be varied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components. The valves serve dual purposes of controlling both compression and rebound damping, while shims provide adjustable flow restriction across multiple circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each damping parameter, managing complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the damping control into independent adjustable elements (valves and shims) that can be configured separately. This segmentation allows flexible combination of components to achieve desired damping characteristics without requiring complete redesign of the entire system, managing complexity through modular 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 configuration enables the suspension to adapt damping characteristics in real-time, improving shock absorption and vehicle control by increasing damping during harsh braking or cornering, while maintaining compliance for off-road terrain, thus enhancing overall driving stability and handling.
Implementation Method 1
a by-pass shut-off valve and a remotely-operable valve to dynamically control fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
incorporates shims to obstruct flow paths
Implementation Method 3
a dampening component or components... some type of viscous fluid-based dampening mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle damper is described. The vehicle damper includes: a cylinder; a piston within the cylinder; a working fluid within the cylinder; a reservoir in fluid communication with the cylinder via the working fluid, the reservoir operable to receive the working fluid from the cylinder in a compression stroke; a valve in a flow path between the cylinder and the reservoir; and a remotely-operable valve having a position allowing the working fluid to significantly by-pass the valve.