Adjustable Damping Valve Magnetic Return Path for Progressive Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration dampers with adjustable damping valve devices produce constant path/force characteristic lines with parallel constants, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in actuation.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a second conductive portion with increasing magnetic conductivity towards the pole disk, combined with a seamless insulating portion and a conical axial projection on the pole disk, allows for a targeted influence on the magnetic flux and force/path characteristic, enabling a positive inclination of the path/force characteristic line without direct contact with the pole disk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a constant magnetic flux path is used through the insulating portion, then the magnetic flux flows consistently through the valve armature and pole disk, but the path/force characteristic line has a constant inclination which limits adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of path/force characteristicVSAvoidcomplexity of return member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The return member is segmented into three distinct portions: a first conductive portion, an insulating portion, and a second conductive portion. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific function in controlling magnetic flux, enabling variable path/force characteristics without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the return member have different magnetic conductivity properties. The first and second conductive portions have high magnetic conductivity, while the insulating portion has low magnetic conductivity. This local differentiation of properties enables precise control over magnetic flux distribution and path/force characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the valve armature always moves in the radial covering region with the insulating portion, then the entire magnetic flux flows through the valve armature, but the path/force characteristic line remains constant which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of actuatorVSAvoidvariability of path/force characteristic

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic flux path is made dynamic through the variable overlap between the valve armature and the second conductive portion. As the valve armature moves, the overlap area changes, dynamically adjusting the magnetic flux distribution and creating a path/force characteristic with positive inclination rather than constant inclination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic conductivity parameter of the return member is changed by introducing the second conductive portion with higher magnetic conductivity near the pole disk. This parameter change enables the magnetic flux to be influenced in a controlled manner, achieving variable path/force characteristics and improved actuator efficiency.

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

This configuration enhances the adaptability and efficiency of the actuator by varying the magnetic flux and force distribution, allowing for a progressive path/force characteristic that compensates for magnetic flux changes, resulting in improved damping performance.

Implementation Method 1

The insulating portion acts as a resistor and ensures a radial transfer of the magnetic flux from the conductive portion of the return member to the valve armature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The actuator comprises a magnetic coil which applies a magnetic actuating force to a valve armature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The insulating portion acts as a resistor and ensures a radial transfer of the magnetic flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic insulation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

the second conductive portion of the return member provides a parallel flow path for the magnetic flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic conduction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20240360886A1Vibration damper with an adjustable damping valve device

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

AI summary

Vibration damper having an adjustable damping valve device comprising an actuator having a magnetic coil that applies a magnetic actuation force to an axially movable valve armature within a sleeve-like fixed return member that includes a conductive portion and an insulating portion. The return member cooperates with a pole disk that conducts a magnetic flux of the magnetic coil and on which an axial transfer of the magnetic flux for the actuating movement of the valve armature takes place. The insulating portion of the return member is adjoined in the direction of the pole disk by a second conductive portion and the valve armature axially overlaps the second conductive portion depending on the stroke.