Vibration Damper Valve Slide With Constriction For Passive Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration dampers with adjustable damping force require electrically operated or pressure-dependent flow control valves, which are not suitable for applications needing passive, mechanically or hydraulically controlled operation based on volume flow.
Innovation Solution
A valve design for the piston rod-side end of a vibration damper with a valve slide that generates a pressure difference between opening and closing pressures through a constriction, allowing for passive operation independent of pressure, with pressure impingement areas of equal size to control fluid flow and maintain maximum volume flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrically operated or pressure-dependent flow control valves are used, then the damping force can be adjusted, but the valve cannot be operated passively and independently of pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve slide automatically controls fluid flow based on volume flow rate without external electrical signals or complex pressure dependencies. The valve serves itself by using the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid to open or close, eliminating the need for external control systems while maintaining adaptability to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrically operated valves or complex pressure-dependent valves with a purely mechanically operated valve slide. The mechanical operation is driven by the volume flow rate of the fluid itself, substituting electrical control systems with a simple mechanical response to fluid flow
2Productivity
If the pressure impingement areas are made unequal, then the valve can be controlled by pressure difference, but the valve cannot maintain stable operation with maximum volume flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the valve slide, specifically designing equal pressure impingement areas on both sides of the constriction. This parameter change allows the valve to maintain stable operation while accommodating maximum volume flow rates, as the equal areas balance the pressure forces during high-flow conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If a constriction is added to generate pressure difference, then the valve can be controlled purely by volume flow, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow control function and the pressure difference generation function into a single integrated valve slide structure. The constriction is built directly into the valve slide geometry, combining what could have been separate components into one unified element, thereby achieving volume flow control without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve slide performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow restrictor, a pressure difference generator, and a control element all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving volume flow-based control
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 valve design ensures stable operation by maintaining equal pressure impingement areas, enhancing the control of fluid flow and preventing excessive pressure from reaching the damping valve, thus effectively managing damping forces in vibration dampers.
Implementation Method 1
the valve slide has a constriction via which a pressure difference between opening pressure and closing pressure can be generated
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration damper with at least with at least two tube elements that are arranged one inside the other and a piston rod that is movable in a piston rod guide. A valve having a valve slide for at least partially closing at least one flow path of a fluid flowing through the valve is arranged in a region of one end of the piston rod guide. The valve has an input side and an output side. Pressure impingement areas of the valve slide are substantially the same size for an opening pressure and for a closing pressure, and the valve has a constriction via which a pressure difference between opening pressure and closing pressure can be generated.