Damper Valve Throttle Point With Non-Rotating Return Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring steel return springs in throttle points are prone to cracking due to poor metal forming, especially at the bend radius, and lack effective non-rotational securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of radially oriented recesses on the valve element's lateral surface to securely hold the return spring's impacting ends, allowing for circumferential obstruction and tension distribution, with additional recesses ensuring stability as the valve element's diameter changes, and an annular groove for axial securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional spring steel is used for the return spring with bend radius forming, then the return spring can be manufactured, but cracking occurs due to poor metal forming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional spring steel to elastomeric material, which fundamentally alters the forming behavior and eliminates cracking issues. The elastomeric material can be molded into the required shape with bend radii without the metal forming problems that cause cracking in spring steel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastomeric material that combines the return spring function with the securing mechanism function, creating a composite solution that integrates multiple functions into a single component, thereby eliminating the need for separate metal forming operations that cause cracking.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the return spring is secured in a non-rotational manner using angled ends in blind holes, then rotational movement is prevented, but the construction becomes complex and cracking risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the securing function and the return spring function into a single elastomeric component. The circumferentially extending engagement structure is integrated directly into the elastomeric material, eliminating the need for separate blind holes and angled end features, thereby simplifying the overall construction while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from a metal-based securing mechanism with blind holes to an elastomeric-based integrated structure. The elastomeric material's inherent flexibility and moldability allow for a simpler, more direct engagement design that achieves the same stabilizing effect without the complexity of blind hole fabrication.
3Device complexity
If the return spring is allowed to rotate circumferentially, then the construction is simple, but the throttle point characteristics change during operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of preventing rotation through complex mechanical constraints like blind holes, the patent inverts the approach by using the elastomeric material's own structural features (circumferential engagement structure) to naturally prevent rotation. The elastomeric material is molded with engagement features that passively constrain rotational movement without requiring active mechanical restraint mechanisms.
4Reliability
If multiple recesses are provided in the valve element, then the return spring is securely positioned, but the valve element complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple recesses and engagement features into a single integrated elastomeric component. The circumferentially extending engagement structure with its multiple contact points is formed as one piece from the elastomeric material, achieving reliable positioning without the complexity of multiple separate recesses in the valve element.
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 configuration effectively secures the return spring in a non-rotational manner, preventing cracking and ensuring reliable operation by aligning the actuating force with the recess form, while allowing for tension distribution and axial stability.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring, which moves the valve element from any throttle position back to the open position
Implementation Method 2
a vertical lateral surface has at least one radially oriented recess for receiving one of the impacting ends
Data Source
AI summary
A throttle point for a vibration damper, having a valve support with an annular groove, in which an annular valve element with a variable diameter is arranged, which, together with a flow guide surface, forms a throttle point. With increasing flow velocity within the throttle point, the valve element switches from an open position to a throttle position, and an annular and slotted return spring, which rests against a vertical lateral surface of the valve element and has two impacting ends, moves the valve element back in the direction of the open position, wherein the vertical lateral surface has at least one radially oriented recess for receiving one of the impacting ends.