Damper With Integrated Control Valves Eliminating Valve Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current damper designs are bulky and costly due to the inclusion of a valve block for hydraulic connections, which complicates the absorption of vibrations and increases the overall cost.
Innovation Solution
A damper design featuring an inner and outer tube with a cover member that includes control valves and check valves, eliminating the need for a valve block by establishing hydraulic interconnections through a collector chamber, allowing for simplified and cost-effective fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve block is used to establish hydraulic connections between working chambers, valves, and accumulator, then the damper achieves effective vibration absorption, but the damper becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the valve block component from the damper system. Instead of using a centralized valve block for hydraulic connections, the invention integrates valve functions directly into the piston structure and uses the piston rod as a hydraulic passage, thereby removing the bulky valve block while maintaining hydraulic connectivity between working chambers, valves, and accumulator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the piston and piston rod structure. The piston rod serves dual purposes as both a mechanical connector and a hydraulic passage, while the piston integrates valve functions. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate valve blocks and reduces overall structural complexity
2Force
If the flow of damping fluid is restricted within working chambers, then greater damping forces are generated, but the damper structure becomes more complex with additional valves and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The piston and piston rod automatically perform hydraulic connection and fluid flow restriction functions as part of their mechanical operation. The valve functions are integrated into the piston structure, allowing the moving components to self-regulate fluid flow and generate damping forces without requiring separate complex valve assemblies
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 reduces the bulkiness and cost of the damper while maintaining effective hydraulic interconnections, enhancing the absorption of vibrations and damping performance.
Implementation Method 1
A piston is located within the damper which is connected to the body of the vehicle through a rod. Furthermore, a damper body is connected to the suspension system. As the damper is compressed or extended, the piston may limit a flow of damping fluid within working chambers defined within the damper body due to which the damper produces a damping force which counteracts the vibrations.
Implementation Method 2
The damper includes a first control valve mounted on the cover member. An inlet of the first control valve is in fluid communication with the outer chamber and an outlet of the first control valve is in fluid communication with the collector chamber. The damper also includes a second control valve mounted on the cover member and spaced apart from the first control valve. An inlet of the second control valve is in fluid communication with the second working chamber and an outlet of the second control valve is in fluid communication with the collector chamber.
Implementation Method 3
The damper further includes a first check valve disposed within the cover member. The first check valve is operable to allow flow of fluid from the collector chamber to the outer chamber. The damper also includes a second check valve disposed within the cover member. The second check valve is operable to allow flow of fluid from the collector chamber to the second working chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A damper includes an inner tube. The damper includes a piston slidably disposed within the inner tube. The piston defines a first working chamber and a second working chamber within the inner tube. The damper also includes an outer tube disposed around the inner tube. The outer tube defines an outer chamber between the inner tube and the outer tube. The damper further includes a cover member mounted on an outer surface of the outer tube. The cover member defines a collector chamber between the outer tube and the cover member. The damper includes a first control valve mounted on the cover member. The damper also includes a second control valve mounted on the cover member and spaced apart from the first control valve.