Vehicle Damper Adjustable Shims and Bleed Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems face challenges in effectively varying the damping characteristics of shock absorbers, as current methods rely on fixed mechanical springs and viscous fluid mechanisms that are not easily adjustable to meet user-specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-filled cylinder damper assembly with a piston featuring multiple fluid ports, shims, and threaded bleed valves allows for adjustable damping by varying fluid flow rates between compression and rebound strokes, enabling user-tailored damping characteristics without requiring modifications to the piston's apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mechanical springs and viscous fluid mechanisms are used, then the suspension system provides basic dampening function, but the damping characteristics cannot be easily adjusted to meet user-specific needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the damping system by using shims of different thicknesses and configurations to block fluid ports. By varying the shim parameters (thickness, material, placement), the damping characteristics are adjusted without changing the fundamental structure of the shock absorber, enabling customizable damping rates while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adjustment functionality from the main shock absorber body by using separate, removable shims that can be independently selected and installed. This allows users to adjust damping characteristics by simply changing the shim component rather than modifying the entire shock absorber assembly, reducing the complexity of the adjustment mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid ports are blocked by shims, then damping characteristics can be varied, but the piston structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the damping control function by creating multiple independent fluid ports in the piston, each capable of being blocked by individual shims. This segmentation allows for granular adjustment of damping characteristics by selectively blocking different ports with different shim configurations, providing variability in damping rates while keeping each port-shim pair relatively simple in structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid collection area is formed between ports and shim, then communication between fluid in ports is permitted, but the precision of fluid flow control may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection area acts as an intermediary chamber between the blocked fluid ports and the rest of the hydraulic system. This intermediary space allows fluid to communicate between different ports while the shim maintains precise control over the flow rate by regulating how fluid enters and exits the collection area, balancing both fluid communication and flow control precision
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 solution provides a flexible and adjustable damping system that allows for incremental changes in damping rates, enhancing the ability to customize the shock absorber's performance to specific user requirements, improving the vehicle's suspension dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid filled cylinder, a piston for movement within the cylinder, at least two fluid ports formed in the piston and at least one shim at least partially blocking the ports
Implementation Method 2
the piston includes at least one aperture constructed and arranged to receive a threaded bleed valve
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle damper comprises a fluid filled cylinder, a piston for movement within the cylinder, at least two fluid ports formed in the piston and at least one shim at least partially blocking the ports. In one embodiment, a fluid collection area is formed between the ports and the shim, the collection area permitting communication between fluid in the ports. In another embodiment, the piston includes at least one aperture constructed and arranged to receive a threaded bleed valve.