Hydraulic Damper High-Frequency Valve for Tunable Rebound Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic dampers for vehicle suspension systems are expensive, complex, and lack tunability in reducing damping force during high frequency and low amplitude events, affecting comfort and road holding.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic damper assembly with a high frequency valve assembly that includes a supplemental housing, high frequency piston, and a high frequency valve, which reduces damping force by allowing fluid flow from a top segment to a bottom segment during high frequency vibrations, while inhibiting flow in the opposite direction, and features tunable openings to adjust the frequency of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional frequency dependent valve assemblies are used to reduce damping force during high frequency events, then comfort and road holding improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent valves (first valve, second valve, third valve) each handling different frequency ranges or flow conditions. This segmentation allows each valve to be simpler in design while collectively providing comprehensive frequency-dependent damping control, reducing overall system complexity compared to a single complex valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different valves are positioned at different locations within the damper (compression chamber, rebound chamber, annular passage) to provide localized damping control. Each valve is optimized for its specific location and function, allowing the system to reduce damping force selectively during high frequency events without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire valve assembly.
2Ease of operation
If conventional frequency dependent valve assemblies are used to reduce damping force during high frequency events, then comfort and road holding improve, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly uses simple disc-shaped valves with flow restriction openings that can be manufactured as inexpensive components. These valves are designed to be replaceable if needed, and their simple geometry allows for cost-effective mass production, reducing the overall manufacturing cost compared to complex adjustable or electronically controlled valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the hydraulic fluid pressure itself to actuate the valves without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms. The pressure differential across the valves during high frequency events automatically opens or closes them, eliminating the need for expensive electronic sensors, controllers, and power sources that would increase manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If conventional valve assemblies are used, then damping force reduction during high frequency events is achieved, but tunability capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly provides tunability by allowing adjustment of the flow restriction opening sizes in each valve, the spring constants of the valves, and the pre-loads applied to the valves. These parameters can be modified during manufacturing or through adjustable mechanisms to optimize the damping force reduction characteristics for different vehicle applications, frequencies, and loading conditions, significantly enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics where the valves respond differently to varying frequency and amplitude inputs. The spring-loaded valves naturally adjust their opening degrees based on the instantaneous pressure conditions, providing adaptive damping force reduction that can be tuned to respond optimally to different driving conditions and road surfaces.
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 a cost-effective, non-complex design that effectively reduces damping force during high frequency and low amplitude events, improving comfort without compromising vehicle performance, and allows for tunability to optimize frequency response.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biases the supplemental housing toward said rebound valve
Implementation Method 2
allows fluid to pass through the high frequency passage from the top segment to the bottom segment while substantially inhibiting fluid from passing from the bottom segment to the top segment
Implementation Method 3
Damping forces are generated within the tube by fluid friction forces that oppose movement of the rod and piston
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to the invention there is disclosed a hydraulic damper (20) including a high frequency valve assembly (75) for reducing the level of damping force provided by the hydraulic damper (20) during a rebound stroke during high frequency and/or low amplitude events.