Dual Piston Damping Layout for Independent Compression and Rebound

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shock absorbers with multiple settings compromise either compression or rebound performance, failing to independently adjust high and low speed compression and rebound rates, leading to an inconsistent ride experience.

Innovation Solution

A dual piston system with strategically placed fluid pathways and adjustable orifices allows for independent adjustment of low and high speed compression and rebound rates, using annular shims to block or allow fluid flow, enabling customized damping settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single piston system with multiple settings is used, then the shock absorber can provide different compression and rebound rates, but the settings are not independently adjustable and one setting is compromised when another is optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of compression and rebound ratesVSAvoidperformance consistency across different settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single piston system is divided into two independent pistons (first piston and second piston), each controlling separate fluid pathways. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of compression and rebound rates without compromising one setting for another, as each piston can be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A common fluid pathway connects the first and second pistons, serving as an intermediary that allows coordinated operation while maintaining independence. The shared fluid pathway enables the system to achieve complex damping characteristics through the combined action of two independently adjustable pistons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional shock absorbers use a lever with fixed settings (soft, medium, firm), then the structure is simple, but the settings cannot be independently adjusted for different speed ranges and riding conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidindependent adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a single lever controlling all settings, the system segments the control into two independent pistons with separate adjustment mechanisms. Each piston can be independently adjusted to optimize performance for specific speed ranges and riding conditions, providing versatility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fixed settings to dynamically adjustable parameters. Both pistons feature adjustable orifices that can be modified to change fluid flow rates, allowing the shock absorber to adapt to varying riding conditions rather than being limited to predetermined fixed settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the same force threshold is used for both soft and firm settings, then the system is simpler to design, but one setting is compromised when the other is optimized for specific conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce threshold designVSAvoidoptimization for different riding conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each piston is designed with locally optimized force thresholds tailored to its specific function. The first piston can be optimized for soft settings with lower force thresholds, while the second piston is optimized for firm settings with higher force thresholds. This local optimization allows each component to perform at its best for specific riding conditions without compromising the other setting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides efficient compression and rebound damping, enhancing the ride comfort and performance by allowing independent adjustment of fluid flow rates, accommodating various riding conditions.

Implementation Method 1

fluid flows freely and communicates across the valves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

flow paths there through as a way to control the compression and rebound rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic damping:

Implementation Method 3

using annular shims to block or allow fluid flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 4

a damper body surrounded by a mechanical spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Implementation Method 5

Some shock absorbers utilize gas as a spring medium in place of, or in addition to, a mechanical spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas spring:

Data Source

PatentUS20240344583A1Dual piston system

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 FOX FACTORY INC

AI summary

A dual piston system for independently controlling compression and rebound flowpaths therein, the dual piston system comprising: a first adjustable orifice configured for controlling rebound fluid flow, wherein the first adjustable orifice controls the rebound fluid flow through a first pathway associated with a low speed rebound flow and a second pathway associated with a high speed rebound flow; anda second adjustable orifice configured for controlling compression fluid flow, wherein the second adjustable orifice controls the compression fluid flow through a third pathway associated with a low speed compression flow and a fourth pathway associated with a high speed compression flow.