Damper Vehicle Interface Adapter for Universal Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension dampers, whether passive or active, often require different configurations and attachment receptacles, limiting their interchangeability and optimizing hydraulic performance, which can result in suboptimal dampening characteristics and weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interface adapter that allows both passive and active dampers to use a common attachment receptacle by maintaining the same tube diameter and optimizing the placement of the solenoid valve within a threshold distance from the base valve, ensuring optimal hydraulic performance and weight savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different configurations are used for passive and active dampers, then each damper type can be optimized for its specific function, but interchangeability between damper types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interface adapter is designed with a universal structure that accommodates both passive dampers and active dampers. The adapter includes a mounting portion that interfaces with the vehicle suspension system and a connection portion that connects to the damper rod, creating a standardized interface that enables both damper types to use the same attachment receptacle while maintaining their respective optimized configurations
2Device complexity
If solenoid valve is placed farther from base valve, then there is more space for other components, but hydraulic performance deteriorates due to increased lag and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure provides localized support and mounting options that allow the solenoid valve to be positioned close to the base valve within the damper assembly. The adapter's structural design creates appropriate local conditions for optimal valve placement while maintaining overall system integrity and providing necessary space for other components
3Reliability
If different attachment receptacles are used for passive and active dampers, then each damper can be optimized for its configuration, but weight distribution and system optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interface adapter serves as a universal mounting component that enables both passive and active dampers to interface with the vehicle suspension system through a common attachment receptacle. This standardized interface allows for optimized weight distribution and system configuration while maintaining the specific optimization benefits of each damper type through the adapter's flexible mounting design
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 the use of a common vehicle attachment receptacle for both passive and active dampers, improving dampening performance by reducing hydraulic noise and lag, while providing weight savings and allowing for efficient hydraulic replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle interface adapter may seal the first end of the outer tube
Implementation Method 2
the valve may be a solenoid-actuated valve that alters the flow of the hydraulic fluid inside the damper
Implementation Method 3
dampers (also referred to as shock absorbers and/or struts) to improve the ride for occupants of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Some examples include a damper having an outer tube with a piston reciprocally mounted on an interior of the outer tube. A dampening force generating mechanism may be mounted on the outer tube within a threshold distance from a first end of the outer tube to control a dampening property of the piston. In addition, a vehicle interface adapter may seal the first end of the outer tube. The vehicle interface adapter may include an insertion portion extending outward from the first end of the outer tube. The insertion portion is able to be inserted into a cup-shaped portion of a vehicle attachment receptacle. The insertion portion may have a cylindrical wall forming a cylinder that is aligned coaxially with the outer tube.