Damper Orifice Disc Assembly for Tunable Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damper assemblies in automotive suspension systems lack the ability to provide variable and tunable resistance to movement, which affects the responsiveness and control of wheel movement relative to the vehicle body.
Innovation Solution
The damper assembly incorporates orifice discs and check discs that regulate fluid flow through passages by controlling the area and rate of change, allowing for variable and tunable resistance based on movement speed and direction, with a spring mechanism urging the discs to flex and adjust opening sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed opening size passages are used to control fluid flow, then the structure is simple, but the resistance to movement cannot be varied or tuned
Solution Approach 1:
The passage opening size is made dynamic through the use of flexible discs (orifice disc, check disc, blow off disc) that can change their position and shape in response to fluid pressure and flow conditions. This allows the resistance to movement to be continuously adjusted based on operating conditions rather than being fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The opening size parameter of the passages is changed by the flexing and movement of the discs in response to varying fluid pressure and flow rates. This enables the system to adapt resistance characteristics across different operating ranges without requiring multiple fixed passages
2Adaptability or versatility
If discs are added to control fluid flow dynamically, then variable resistance is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discs (orifice disc, check disc, blow off disc) are integrated into a single assembly that performs multiple functions: the orifice disc provides baseline flow control, the check disc prevents reverse flow, and the blow off disc releases excess pressure. This multi-functional design achieves tunable resistance without proportionally increasing complexity
3Quantity of substance
If the opening size is increased to decrease resistance, then fluid flow is improved, but the control precision over fluid flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible discs provide continuous, dynamic adjustment of the opening size rather than discrete fixed positions. This allows for precise control of fluid flow across a wide range, maintaining control precision even as the opening size varies to accommodate different flow requirements
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 provides progressive resistance to damper movement, enhancing the responsiveness and control of wheel movement, improving the ride feel and traction by adjusting fluid flow based on velocity and pressure differentials.
Implementation Method 1
an orifice disc movable from an unflexed position to a first flexed position and movable from the first flexed position to a second flexed position
Implementation Method 2
The damper assembly may include a spring urging the orifice disc toward the body
Implementation Method 3
regulate fluid flow through a passage, e.g., by controlling an amount of area, and a rate of change of such area, though which fluid may flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A damper assembly includes a pressure tube defining a chamber. The damper assembly includes a body supported by the pressure tube. The body has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced from the first surface along an axis. The body defines a passage extending from the first surface to the second surface. The damper assembly includes an orifice disc movable from an unflexed position to a first flexed position and movable from the first flexed position to a second flexed position. The orifice disc in the unflexed position is spaced from the first surface radially outward and radially inward of the passage. The orifice disc in the first flexed position is spaced from the first surface radially outward of the passage and abuts the first surface radially inward of the passage. The orifice disc in the second flexed position abuts the first surface radially outward and radially inward of the passage.