Damper Valve Attachment With Intermediate Tube Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dampers in automotive suspension systems lack an efficient and durable mechanism for controlling fluid flow to adjust damping forces in real-time, leading to suboptimal ride comfort and handling.
Innovation Solution
A damper design featuring an intermediate tube with a press-fitted ring and a valve system that allows for real-time adjustment of damping forces by controlling fluid flow through an aligned opening, eliminating the need for wear-prone o-rings or gaskets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional damper designs are used without an intermediate tube and press-fitted ring, then the structure is simpler, but the durability and reliability of fluid flow control are reduced due to wear-prone o-rings or gaskets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the wear-prone o-rings or gaskets from the fluid flow control path by introducing an intermediate tube with a press-fitted ring that provides a durable, wear-resistant sealing surface. This removes the problematic component while maintaining the necessary fluid control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate tube acts as an intermediary component between the valve and the fluid flow path. It provides a stable, wear-resistant interface through the press-fitted ring, mediating the fluid flow control function while protecting against wear and degradation that would occur with traditional sealing elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing valve systems are used without real-time adjustment capability, then the device is simpler, but the ability to control damping forces in real-time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a valve system that can dynamically adjust the flow rate of fluid between chambers in real-time based on suspension conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the damper to adapt damping forces continuously, transitioning from a static system to a dynamic, controllable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system changes the flow rate parameter of the fluid dynamically, allowing real-time adjustment of damping characteristics. By controlling the flow rate variable, the system can adapt to varying suspension conditions and optimize performance across different operating scenarios.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise control of fluid flow rates is not implemented, then the valve system is simpler, but the precision of damping force adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise mechanical flow control with a valve system that provides precise control of fluid flow rates. This substitution enables accurate adjustment of damping forces by controlling the flow of fluid through the valve mechanism, achieving higher precision in damping adjustment.
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 design provides durable and adjustable damping forces, enhancing vehicle ride comfort and handling by allowing precise control of fluid flow rates, thus improving suspension performance.
Implementation Method 1
a ring press-fitted around an outer diameter of the intermediate tube
Implementation Method 2
a ring press-fitted around an outer diameter of the intermediate tube
Implementation Method 3
The valve is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber. The valve may include a valve tube extending radially relative to the axis and abutting the ring
Implementation Method 4
a piston disposed in the cylinder and movable along the axis... movement of the piston may change volumes of the first cylinder chamber and the second cylinder chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A damper (102) includes an outer tube (104) elongated along an axis (A), a cylinder (106) elongated along the axis (A) within the outer tube (104), a piston (108) disposed in the cylinder (106) and movable along the axis (A), an intermediate tube (110) attached concentrically around the cylinder (106), a ring (112) press-fitted around an outer diameter of the intermediate tube (110), and a valve (114) attached to the outer tube (104). The intermediate tube (110) and the cylinder (106) define an intermediate chamber (116) radially between the cylinder (106) and the intermediate tube (110). The valve (114) is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber (116). The intermediate tube (110) includes an intermediate-tube opening (118) extending radially through the intermediate tube (110). The ring (112) includes a ring opening (120) extending radially through the ring (112). The ring opening (120) is aligned with the intermediate-tube opening (118. The valve (114) is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber (116) through the ring opening (120) and the intermediate-tube opening (118).