Damper Intake Valve Assembly for Continuous Damping Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle dampers lack efficient mechanisms to continuously adjust damping levels based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics, limiting their ability to optimize suspension performance across varying driving scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A damper design featuring external active control valves and a passive intake valve that selectively allows flow between the rebound and compression working chambers, utilizing a unitary support ring and fulcrum spacers for increased assembly efficiency and a modular intake assembly with bendable valve discs to control fluid flow during rebound and compression strokes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional damper designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to continuously adjust damping levels based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is divided into multiple independent valve assemblies (first valve assembly with first valve disc, second valve assembly with second valve disc) positioned at different locations. Each valve assembly independently controls fluid flow in specific directions, enabling continuous damping adjustment through coordinated operation of multiple segmented components rather than a single complex valve mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve assemblies are added to enable continuous damping adjustment, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve discs are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and flow restriction characteristics in response to changing pressure differentials caused by varying road conditions and vehicle dynamics. This dynamic adjustment capability enables continuous damping control without requiring a large number of discrete valve components.
3Ease of operation
If valve assemblies are positioned to control fluid flow in both directions, then damping control improves, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical actuators to actively open and close valves, the design inverts the approach by using pressure-differential-driven movable valve discs that automatically open or close based on the direction and magnitude of fluid flow. This passive operation mechanism simplifies assembly compared to actively controlled valve systems while maintaining efficient bidirectional fluid flow control.
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
Enables continuous adjustment of damping levels according to road conditions and vehicle dynamics, enhancing suspension performance by optimizing fluid flow control between working chambers, thereby improving ride comfort and handling.
Implementation Method 1
The first valve disc covers the first passageway to restrict flow therethrough in a first direction and allow flow in an opposite second direction
Implementation Method 2
The second valve disc covers the second passageway to restrict flow therethrough in the second direction and allow flow in the first direction
Implementation Method 3
As the damper is compressed or extended, fluid flows between rebound and compression working chambers within the damper to counteract vibrations
Data Source
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AI summary
A damper (16) comprises an inner tube (28) having a longitudinal axis with a piston (30) slidably disposed in the inner tube. An outer tube surrounds the inner tube and defines a fluid chamber (38) therebetween. A first valve assembly includes a first valve ring (44a) and a first valve disc (48a) fixed to the first valve ring. The first valve disc covers a first passageway to restrict flow therethrough in a first direction and allow flow in an opposite second direction. A second valve assembly includes a second valve ring (44b) and a second valve disc (48b) fixed to the second valve ring. The second valve disc covers a second passageway through the second valve ring to restrict flow therethrough in the second direction and allow flow in the first direction. The first valve assembly is axially spaced apart from the second valve assembly.