Dual Ride Damper Piston Assembly Slanted Edge Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle dampers face challenges in reducing mass and oil flow restrictions, as well as noise generation during compression and rebound strokes, particularly in achieving dual stiffness settings for comfort and sport modes.
Innovation Solution
A piston assembly with a main piston featuring compression and rebound passages, an actuator with a core and plunger, and a restrictor with a slanted edge to control fluid flow and minimize noise, allowing smooth fluid communication between compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a restrictor is used to control fluid flow between compartments, then flow restriction is reduced, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor sleeve includes a slanted edge that flares outwardly at an oblique angle relative to the center axis, creating a curved transition surface. This curved geometry allows working fluid to flow smoothly between compartments while minimizing turbulence and noise generation, directly resolving the contradiction between flow control and noise reduction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the piston assembly uses traditional valve arrangements, then stiffness control is achieved, but mass is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compression valve and rebound valve into a single main piston structure, with both valves integrated into the same piston body. This merging of functions reduces the overall mass of the piston assembly while maintaining the ability to control stiffness in both compression and rebound strokes, directly addressing the contradiction between adaptability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The main piston serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the compression valve holder and rebound valve holder, and the single piston structure controls fluid flow in both compression and rebound strokes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing mass while maintaining stiffness control capabilities.
3Productivity
If traditional aperture designs are used in the regulator, then fluid flow is restricted, but manufacturing is simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The slanted edge with oblique angle flaring creates a curved, tapered aperture design in the regulator. This curved geometry improves fluid flow by reducing restrictions and turbulence, while still being manufacturable using standard machining processes. The design balances manufacturing simplicity with improved fluid dynamics.
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 solution reduces mass, minimizes oil flow restrictions, and significantly reduces noise across both compression and rebound strokes, enabling efficient operation in dual stiffness settings.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator having a core disposed in the first portion and movable between an opened position and a closed position. The plunger has an inclined surface aligned with said slanted edge of said sleeve in said opened position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A piston assembly for a damper includes a main piston disposed on a center axis. A piston rod is attached to the main piston. A regulator extends between the piston rod and the main piston defining a compartment. The regulator has at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture. A restrictor divides the compartment into a first and second portion. An actuator having a core is disposed in the first portion movable between an opened and a closed position. The restrictor includes a sleeve disposed in the compartment and attached to the regulator. The sleeve defines a hole in fluid communication with the first and second portions and flares outwardly in the first portion toward the regulator to define a slanted edge extending at an oblique angle relative to the center axis to allow the working fluid to flow smoothly thereby limiting noises generated.