Damper Valve and Intermediate Tube for Real-Time Damping Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive dampers lack an efficient mechanism to dynamically adjust damping forces in real-time, leading to suboptimal suspension performance and increased wear on components like o-rings and gaskets.

Innovation Solution

A damper design featuring an intermediate tube, ring, and valve system that allows for real-time adjustment of damping forces by controlling fluid flow through an intermediate chamber, eliminating the need for o-rings or gaskets and providing a durable, rigid connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional damper designs are used without dynamic adjustment mechanisms, then the structure remains simple and reliable, but the damping force cannot be adjusted in real-time, leading to suboptimal suspension performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping force adjustment capabilityVSAvoidvalve and intermediate chamber system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damper incorporates a valve system that can dynamically adjust damping forces in real-time based on suspension conditions. The valve is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber, allowing dynamic control of fluid flow between chambers to adapt damping characteristics to varying road conditions and vehicle loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate chamber is introduced as a mediator between the primary damping chambers. This intermediate chamber receives fluid from both the compression and rebound chambers through respective valves, allowing independent control of fluid flow paths and enabling sophisticated damping adjustment without directly modifying the main damping chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional sealing methods using o-rings and gaskets are used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the components experience increased wear and reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing durabilityVSAvoidsealing mechanism assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The design eliminates o-rings and gaskets from the sealing system. Instead of using flexible sealing elements that require precise installation and are prone to wear, the patent employs rigid sealing surfaces and interference-fit connections that inherently provide sealing without additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate tube uses an interference fit connection where the outer diameter of the intermediate tube is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the receptacle, creating a rigid, wear-free sealing interface that eliminates the need for flexible sealing elements like o-rings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If fixed damping forces are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the suspension performance becomes suboptimal under varying conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension performanceVSAvoidfluid flow control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The damping characteristics are adjusted by changing fluid flow parameters through the valve system. The valve controls the rate and direction of fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and the compression/rebound chambers, thereby dynamically changing the damping force parameters without mechanical adjustment of the damper structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables active or semi-active suspension systems with improved damping force control, reducing wear and enhancing suspension performance by allowing real-time adjustments through the valve system, thus providing a more durable and effective damping mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

The valve is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber and may be actuatable to adjust a flow rate between the outer chamber and the intermediate chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 2

The ring may be press-fitted around an outer diameter of the intermediate tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference fit:

Implementation Method 3

The piston may divide the cylinder into a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber, and movement of the piston may change volumes of the first cylinder chamber and the second cylinder chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid displacement:

Data Source

PatentUS20240068539A1Damper with attached valve

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 ADVANCED SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A damper includes an outer tube elongated along an axis, a cylinder elongated along the axis within the outer tube, a piston disposed in the cylinder and movable along the axis, an intermediate tube attached concentrically around the cylinder, a ring press-fitted around an outer diameter of the intermediate tube, and a valve attached to the outer tube. The intermediate tube and the cylinder define an intermediate chamber radially between the cylinder and the intermediate tube. The valve is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber. The intermediate tube includes an intermediate-tube opening extending radially through the intermediate tube. The ring includes a ring opening extending radially through the ring. The ring opening is aligned with the intermediate-tube opening. The valve is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber through the ring opening and the intermediate-tube opening.