Damper With External Control Valves and Intake Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current damper designs are bulky and costly due to the inclusion of a valve block and check valves, which restricts the packaging dimensions and increases the overall size and expense of the damper.
Innovation Solution
The damper design features an inner and outer tube configuration with an internally positioned intake valve assembly and externally mounted control valves, allowing for smaller control valves and improved packaging dimensions by controlling fluid flow during compression and extension strokes through the use of first and second intake valves and control valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve block and check valves are included in the damper, then the damping control function is improved, but the damper size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the check valves and valve block from the traditional damper design and replaces them with an intake valve assembly that uses the accumulator chamber as part of the fluid control system. This extraction eliminates the need for separate check valves while maintaining the damping control function through the intake valve's operation during compression and extension strokes.
Solution Approach 2:
The intake valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow during compression strokes, manages fluid flow during extension strokes, and utilizes the accumulator chamber for both accumulation and fluid transport. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate components, reducing overall damper size.
2Reliability
If a valve block and check valves are included in the damper, then the damping control function is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the valve block and check valves from the design, the patent reduces the number of components that require manufacturing and assembly. The intake valve assembly replaces multiple separate components with a more integrated structure, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of check valves and valve block into a single intake valve assembly that works in conjunction with the accumulator chamber. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary damping control functionality.
3Volume of stationary object
If control valves are made smaller to improve packaging, then the packaging efficiency is improved, but the control valve performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator chamber serves as an intermediary that enables smaller control valves to function effectively. By using the accumulator chamber for fluid accumulation and transport, the system compensates for the reduced size of the control valves, allowing them to maintain adequate performance while reducing overall packaging dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space of the accumulator chamber to accommodate fluid storage and transport functions that would traditionally require separate components. This dimensional utilization allows the control valves to be smaller while the system as a whole maintains its functionality through efficient use of available space.
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 enhances the packaging efficiency and reduces the size and cost of the damper while maintaining effective damping performance by optimizing the placement and functionality of valves within the damper system.
Implementation Method 1
The piston may limit the flow of damping fluid between first and second working chambers that are defined within the damper body in order to produce a damping force that counteracts the vibrations
Implementation Method 2
The first control valve controls the dampening level during extension strokes and the second control valve controls the damping level during compression strokes
Data Source
AI summary
A damper with inner and outer tubes and a piston slidably disposed within the inner tube to define first and second working chambers. A fluid transport chamber is positioned between the inner and outer tubes and a collector chamber is positioned outside the outer tube. First and second external control valves are positioned in fluid communication with the collector chamber. An intake valve assembly, abutting one end of the inner tube, includes first and second intake valve bodies with intake passages and intake valves. A first intermediate chamber is positioned between the first and second intake valve bodies and an accumulation chamber is positioned between the second intake valve body and a closed end of the outer tube. The fluid transport chamber, first intermediate chamber, and accumulation chamber are arranged in fluid communication with the collector chamber. The intake valves control fluid flow between the accumulation chamber and second working chamber.