Damper Communication Passage Positioning for Seal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dampers experience a deterioration in sealing performance due to the rebound cushion coming into contact with the edge of the communication passage, which can cause damage and reduce the effectiveness of the seal.

Innovation Solution

A damper design where the communication passage is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the seat, allowing the rebound cushion to stretch without contacting the edge of the passage, thus preventing damage and maintaining sealing integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication passage is formed as a hole penetrating the seat axially, then the pressure transmission function is achieved, but the rebound cushion may contact the edge of the hole and be cut, deteriorating sealing performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoiddamage to rebound cushion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication passage is positioned radially outward relative to the rebound cushion contact area, changing the spatial arrangement from a conventional axial penetration to an offset configuration. This dimensional repositioning allows pressure transmission while avoiding the harmful edge contact that would occur with central axial holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat is designed with differentiated functional zones: an inner region for rebound cushion contact and an outer region for the communication passage opening. This local differentiation allows each area to perform its specific function without interference, protecting the rebound cushion while maintaining pressure transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If the rebound cushion is installed to reduce impact at maximum extension, then the impact reduction function is achieved, but the rebound cushion may contact the communication passage edge and be cut

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact reductionVSAvoidsealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful factor (communication passage opening) is extracted from the rebound cushion contact zone and repositioned to the outer peripheral side. This separation removes the source of damage while preserving both the impact reduction function of the rebound cushion and the pressure transmission function of the communication passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat structure serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the rebound cushion and the communication passage. By positioning the passage opening on the outer peripheral side of the seat, the seat acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the rebound cushion and the passage edge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the communication passage opening is positioned centrally, then the pressure transmission is efficient, but the rebound cushion edge contact causes cutting and sealing deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure transmission efficiencyVSAvoidedge contact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication passage is repositioned from a central axial location to an outer peripheral radial location. This dimensional change maintains the pressure transmission efficiency by preserving the passage's cross-sectional area and flow path, while simultaneously eliminating the harmful edge contact with the rebound cushion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances the sealing performance by preventing damage to the rebound cushion and ensuring consistent operation even at maximum extension, thereby maintaining the damper's effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

this rebound cushion bumps against a seat and is elastically deformed, reducing the impact at the most extension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The communication passage transmits a pressure in the action chamber to the oil seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure transmission: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

The oil seal is slidably in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9995361B2Damper

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 KYB CORP

AI summary

A damper includes a cylinder, an annular rod guide, an annular seat, a rod, an annular oil seal, a rebound cushion, and a communication passage. The cylinder houses an action chamber. The rod guide is secured to one side opening of the cylinder. The seat is secured to the rod guide. The rod is inserted through inner peripheral sides of the rod guide and the seat. The oil seal is held to an inner periphery of the rod guide and slidably in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the rod. The rebound cushion bumps against the seat. The communication passage transmits a pressure in the action chamber to the oil seal. An opening on the communication passage on the action chamber side is disposed on an outer peripheral side relative to a part of the seat against which the rebound cushion bumps.