Damper With Independent Rebound Compression Control Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle dampers have limited control over rebound and compression stages due to shared control mechanisms, leading to delayed fluid flow adjustments and increased actuating forces, which restrict the ability to independently control damping forces and adapt to varying driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
The damper features two independent control loops within the damper cylinder for rebound and compression stages, allowing direct fluid flow control without delays, using separate adjustment means that can be set independently, and driven by low-actuating force magnetic coils or piezo elements, enabling clear and independent control of damping forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If shared control mechanisms are used for rebound and compression stages, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision and response time deteriorate due to delayed fluid flow adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent control loops: one for rebound stage and one for compression stage. Each control loop has its own adjustment means (first adjustment means for rebound, second adjustment means for compression) that independently regulate fluid flow in their respective directions, eliminating the delays and control imprecision caused by shared mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If shared control mechanisms are used for rebound and compression stages, then device complexity is reduced, but actuating forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent control loops: one for rebound stage and one for compression stage. Each control loop has its own adjustment means (first adjustment means for rebound, second adjustment means for compression) that independently regulate fluid flow in their respective directions, eliminating the delays and control imprecision caused by shared mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If independent control loops are implemented for rebound and compression stages, then control precision and response time improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent control loops: one for rebound stage and one for compression stage. Each control loop has its own adjustment means (first adjustment means for rebound, second adjustment means for compression) that independently regulate fluid flow in their respective directions, eliminating the delays and control imprecision caused by shared mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Both independent control loops are integrated within a single damper cylinder, with the first and second adjustment means arranged in the same housing structure. This merging approach allows independent control functionality to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as both loops share common structural elements and the damper cylinder housing.
4Loss of time
If independent control loops are implemented for rebound and compression stages, then response time improves with direct fluid flow control, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent control loops: one for rebound stage and one for compression stage. Each control loop has its own adjustment means (first adjustment means for rebound, second adjustment means for compression) that independently regulate fluid flow in their respective directions, eliminating the delays and control imprecision caused by shared mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with electromagnetic actuators (magnetic coils) that directly control the adjustment means. This substitution reduces mechanical linkages and intermediate mechanisms, achieving faster response time while limiting the increase in overall device complexity through the use of compact electromagnetic components.
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 allows for continuous and fast selection of damper characteristics, reducing the need for precise components, enabling a varying selection from 'very hard' to 'very soft' settings independently for both stages, and integrating sensors and electronics for real-time adjustment, thus improving damping performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic coils and/or piezoelectric elements are used as drive units
Implementation Method 2
magnetic coils and/or piezoelectric elements are used as drive units
Implementation Method 3
the flow of a damper fluid being controllable in order to set damper parameters
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a damper (1) with a damper cylinder (2), in which a piston ram (11) is guided via a piston rod (12), the flow rate of a damper fluid being adjustable for setting damper characteristic values. According to the invention, control means (50) are arranged inside the damper cylinder (2), which control means have two independent control loops for a rebound stage period and a compression stage period, the control means (50) controlling the flow rate of the damper fluid in a first flow direction (40) with first adjustment means (30) during the compression stage period, and controlling the flow rate of the damper fluid in a second flow direction (42) with second adjustment means (30') during the rebound stage period.