Shock Absorber Dual-Flow Valve Structure for Medium-High Speed Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers struggle to effectively adjust damping force over a large moving speed range of a piston, particularly in medium and high speed ranges, limiting ride comfort and steering stability.
Innovation Solution
The shock absorber incorporates a second damping force generating portion with adjustable valves and springs, allowing for independent control of damping forces across various speed ranges by utilizing a first and second flow path, and an adjustment unit to adjust the position of an opening and closing member, enabling the shock absorber to generate damping forces based on pressure thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single damping force generating portion is used, then the structure is simple, but the damping force cannot be adjusted over a large moving speed range
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber divides the damping force generation function into multiple independent portions: a first damping force generating portion (40) fixed to the first end portion of the cylinder, and a second damping force generating portion (100, 200) movable in the axial direction. Each portion can be independently controlled through separate flow paths and valve mechanisms, enabling damping force adjustment across different speed ranges without requiring a completely complex unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second damping force generating portion is designed to be movable in the axial direction within the cylinder, allowing dynamic adjustment of damping characteristics. The opening and closing member (135) can be positioned at different locations along the first flow path (121) to control oil flow, while the second valve (132) provides additional flow control. This dynamic configurability enables the system to adapt damping forces to various piston speeds.
2Ease of operation
If multiple flow paths and valves are added, then damping force control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second damping force generating portion serves multiple functions: it provides damping force generation, enables medium speed range adjustment through the opening and closing member (135) on the first flow path (121), and enables high speed range adjustment through the second valve (132) on the second flow path (122). The spring (137, 161) and support member (138, 162) assembly provides both structural support and valve actuation force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each speed range.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member (135) is disposed within the cylinder at an end portion of the first flow path (121), and the second valve (132) is disposed at an end portion of the second flow path (122). The spring (137, 161) is positioned between the second valve and support member, creating a nested arrangement where components are space-efficiently organized within the cylindrical structure, minimizing overall device complexity while maintaining multiple control functions.
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 allows for improved ride comfort and steering stability by independently adjusting damping forces in the medium and high speed ranges, while maintaining effective damping in the low speed range, thereby enhancing overall performance across a large moving speed range.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (137, 161) which applies a force in a closing direction to the second valve (132)
Implementation Method 2
a first damping force generating portion (40) which is fixed to a first end portion (11t) of a cylinder (11) in an axial direction thereof, and a second damping force generating portion (100, 200) which is disposed to be movable in the axial direction in the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber includes a first damping force generating portion, and a second damping force generating portion. The second damping force generating portion includes a first flow path, an opening and closing member, an adjustment unit which adjusts a position of the opening and closing member in the axial direction, a second flow path which is located at a different position from the first flow path and passes through the piston in the axial direction, and a second valve which is disposed at an end portion of the second flow path at a side of a second end portion which is an end portion at an opposite side to the first end portion in the axial direction, and which opens and closes the second flow path.