Dual-Valve Shock Absorber Layout to Minimize Gas Bubble Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock absorbers for vehicles lack cost-efficient solutions to enhance damping characteristics, which are crucial for improving driving safety, performance, and comfort, while existing systems often result in gas bubbles and increased component complexity.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design incorporating two electrical continuously controlled valves for compression and rebound flows, coupled with passive valves and a pressurizing chamber, reduces pressure in two serial restrictions, minimizing gas bubble formation and component count, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If damping fluid is pressurized to improve damping characteristics, then damping performance is improved, but gas bubbles form and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressurization system into two separate circuits: a first pressurization circuit for the compression stroke and a second pressurization circuit for the rebound stroke. Each circuit has its own pressurizing piston and control mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each stroke's pressurization, preventing gas bubble formation while maintaining damping performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable pressurization where the pressurizing force is continuously variable based on operating conditions. The control system adjusts the pressurization level in real-time during compression and rebound strokes, optimizing damping characteristics while preventing conditions that lead to gas bubble formation.
2Reliability
If conventional shock absorber design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but damping characteristics and driving safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components. The valve assembly serves both as a flow control mechanism and a pressurization control element. The communication chamber serves both as a fluid passage and a pressure equalization chamber. This multi-functionality reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while achieving superior damping characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pressurization function with the existing damping circuitry by introducing communication chambers that link the pressurizing pistons to the damping fluid passages. This merging approach integrates the enhanced damping function into the conventional shock absorber architecture without requiring completely separate systems, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If multiple valves and pressurizing chambers are added to improve damping characteristics, then damping performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the pressurizing pistons within the existing shock absorber structure. The first and second pressurizing pistons are positioned inside the damping cylinder, utilizing the existing internal volume. The communication chambers are integrated into the valve assembly structure. This nesting approach adds functionality while minimizing increases in overall device complexity and component count.
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 solution provides a cost-efficient shock absorber with improved damping characteristics, reduced risk of gas bubbles, and a shorter axial length, enhancing vehicle safety and comfort while minimizing component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing piston separating the pressurized gas from the damping fluid and exerting a pressure on the damping fluid
Implementation Method 2
decreasing the compression flow pressure by means of said first electrical continuously controlled valve
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber and method of controlling a shock absorber, wherein the shock absorber comprises damper body having an inner tube and an outer tube and a piston rod having a main piston arrangement arranged inside the inner tube. The shock absorber further comprises two separate electrical continuously controlled valves (CES1, CES2), one for compression and one for rebound flow, arranged with passive valves coupled in series with and downstream of the electronically controlled valves and with a communication chamber coupling these valves to a pressurizing chamber.