Damper Intermediate Tube Seal for Opposed Control Valve Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current damper designs face challenges in packaging and complexity due to the limited longitudinal positioning of multiple control valves, which restricts their placement and increases space occupancy within vehicle suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
The damper design incorporates a slanted elliptical seal that allows for the positioning of control valves at diametrically opposed locations on the outer tube, utilizing an intermediate tube and channel to facilitate fluid communication while preventing cross-flow between control valves, enabling more efficient packaging and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple control valves are mounted to opposite sides of the damper in a longitudinally staggered arrangement, then the control valves can be positioned at different longitudinal positions, but the damper occupies more packaging space and leads to further complexity within the suspension system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal positioning (one dimension) to radial positioning at diametrically opposed locations (another dimension). The intermediate tube with radial openings allows control valves to be mounted on opposite sides of the damper at the same longitudinal position, utilizing the radial dimension to resolve the packaging space issue while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate tube is nested between the inner tube and outer tube, creating an intermediate chamber that houses the control valves. This nested structure allows multiple control valves to be integrated within the damper's existing radial space without increasing the overall longitudinal or radial dimensions, thereby reducing packaging space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control valves are mounted externally to the damper, then the control valves can be accessed and controlled, but the damper structure becomes more complex and requires additional mounting arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The control valves are merged with the intermediate tube structure, which is itself nested within the damper assembly. The radial openings of the intermediate tube directly communicate with the control valve inlets, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or complex external piping. This integration reduces structural complexity while maintaining accessibility.
3Volume of moving object
If control valves are positioned at the same height or longitudinal position, then the damper packaging space is optimized, but the internal components limit the ability to mount control valves at such positions
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate tube provides radial openings that allow control valves to be positioned at diametrically opposed locations at the same longitudinal position. This utilizes the radial dimension to overcome the limitation imposed by internal components, enabling compact packaging while maintaining mounting flexibility.
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 more compact and efficient packaging of the damper within vehicle suspension systems, accommodating a wider range of vehicle types by enabling control valves to be placed at diametrically opposed locations, thereby optimizing space usage and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The slanted elliptical seal is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis such that the slanted elliptical seal abuts the intermediate tube between the first intermediate tube opening and the first intermediate tube end and abuts the intermediate tube between the second intermediate tube opening and the second intermediate tube end
Data Source
AI summary
A damper including inner and outer tubes is provided. A piston is slidably disposed within the inner tube. An intermediate tube is positioned radially between the inner and outer tubes. The intermediate tube extends between first and second intermediate tube ends. An intermediate channel is disposed radially between the intermediate and inner tubes. A slanted elliptical seal is positioned inside the intermediate channel and divides the intermediate channel into first and second intermediate channel portions. A first control valve is in fluid communication with the second intermediate channel portion via a first intermediate tube opening. A second control valve is in fluid communication with the first intermediate channel portion via a second intermediate tube opening. The slanted elliptical seal abuts the intermediate tube between the first intermediate tube opening and the first intermediate tube end and between the second intermediate tube opening and the second intermediate tube end.