Damper Assembly Intake Valve Structure for Adaptive Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle dampers lack efficient mechanisms for continuously adjusting damping levels based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics, leading to suboptimal vibration mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly with a unitary connector and an electronically controlled valve system that allows for continuous adjustment of damping levels by controlling fluid flow between rebound and compression working chambers, utilizing a unitary connector that simplifies the assembly and provides variable mounting options for improved alignment and stability.
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 patent implements dynamic damping adjustment by incorporating electronically controlled valves that can vary flow resistance in real-time based on sensor feedback about road conditions and vehicle dynamics. The active valves transition the system from static to dynamic operation, enabling continuous adaptation of damping levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives feedback from sensors monitoring vehicle motion and road conditions, processes this information, and adjusts valve positions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the damper to continuously optimize damping levels based on actual operating conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for connecting tubes and valve seats, then assembly flexibility is reduced, but manufacturing precision can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector and valve seat into a single unitary component that integrates multiple functions. This unified structure eliminates alignment issues between separate parts while maintaining manufacturing precision through monolithic fabrication, and simplifies assembly by reducing the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the first tube to the second tube, provides mounting for the valve seat, and enables precise alignment of flow passages. This multi-functional design reduces assembly complexity while maintaining precision.
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 system effectively adjusts damping forces in real-time to enhance ride comfort and stability by optimizing fluid flow between chambers, addressing the limitations of existing dampers in adapting to varying road conditions and vehicle dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
As the damper is compressed or extended, fluid flows between rebound and compression working chambers within the damper to counteract vibrations. By adjusting the flow of damping fluid between the chambers, greater or lower damping forces may be generated.
Implementation Method 2
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 assembly (20) includes an inner tube (24) and an outer tube (30) enclosing respective first and second chambers (26, 32) and defining respective first and second side openings (28, 34). The assembly includes a housing (36) supported by the outer tube and having an open bottom (38) with a lip (40) extending radially inward. The assembly includes a unitary connector (44, 144) engaged with the first side opening and axially extending away from the inner tube through the second side opening and the open bottom. The unitary connector is radially spaced from the outer tube at the second side opening and from the housing above the inner surface. The unitary connector abuts an inner surface of the lip of the housing and defines passages (46, 48, 148) open to the first chamber and to the second chamber. The unitary connector includes a valve seat (50) surrounding one of passages.