Integrated Damper Switching for Leak-Resistant Motion Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional damper apparatuses for vehicles are complex, prone to leakage, and have temperature-dependent damping behavior, with high assembly and cost issues due to the integration of switching mechanisms, which increases the overall pack size and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A damper apparatus with a simplified design integrating a switching mechanism using only two parts (first and second switching contacts) that can be easily assembled without increasing the pack size, utilizing a blade or rib structure for damping, which is independent of temperature and fluid displacement, and actuated by a movable damper component to establish or disconnect an electrically conductive connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional damper apparatuses integrate a switching mechanism using multiple parts, then the switching function is achieved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switching mechanism with the damper housing by integrating the first and second switching contacts directly into the housing structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate switching components and reduces assembly steps, as the switching function is achieved through the existing structural elements of the damper apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing of the damper apparatus serves multiple functions: it contains the damping mechanism and simultaneously houses the switching contacts. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to provide both mechanical support and electrical switching capability, thereby reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying assembly.
2Force
If conventional damper apparatuses use liquid working media for damping, then damping force is achieved, but temperature-dependent viscosity changes affect damping behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid working media-based damping mechanism with a mechanical damping system using a blade structure that moves through a viscous medium contained in a reservoir. This substitution eliminates the temperature-dependent viscosity issues of liquid hydraulics while maintaining effective damping force through the mechanical interaction of the blade with the viscous medium.
3Force
If conventional rotary dampers use brake fluid between rotor and outer wall, then braking damping is achieved, but the system becomes prone to leakage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the viscous damping medium from the rotating braking mechanism and places it in a separate sealed reservoir. The blade structure interacts with this stationary viscous medium to provide damping without requiring sealed rotating interfaces, thereby eliminating the leakage problem associated with brake fluid in conventional rotary dampers.
4Volume of stationary object
If switching mechanism is integrated in damper apparatus housing, then pack size is reduced, but the switching mechanism becomes more difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching contacts into separate first and second contacts that are independently positioned within the housing. This segmentation allows each contact to be manufactured and positioned separately, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining a compact integrated design that reduces overall pack size.
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 provides a cost-effective, robust, and easy-to-manufacture damper apparatus with a simple switching mechanism that maintains damping performance across varying temperatures and reduces noise and wear, while allowing for a larger interior space without increasing the overall size.
Implementation Method 1
a blade or rib structure (10) having a plurality of protruding regions, in particular in the form of blades, ribs, or knobs, which are elastically deflectable
Implementation Method 2
having a first switching contact (5) and a second switching contact (6), wherein at least one actuating region (7) is configured on the first damper component (2) such that, in the event of movement of the first damper component relative to the second damper component, an electrically conductive connection between the first switching contact and the second switching contact is established or disconnected
Data Source
AI summary
A damper apparatus for reducing or braking a movement of a second part that is movable relative to a first part includes a first damper component connected to the first part, a second damper component connected to the first second part, and a damping mechanism. The first damper component is movable relative to the second damper component and the relative movement is or can be decelerated due to the damping mechanism. A switching mechanism with a first switching contact and a second switching contact is arranged or integrated on the second damper component. At least one actuating region is configured on the first damper component such that, when the first damper component moves relative to the second damper component, an electrically conductive connection is established or disconnected between the first switching contact and the second switching contact using the at least one actuating region of the first damper component.