Asymmetrical Valve Preload Ring for Smooth Shock Absorber Blowoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers lack improved tunability and repeatability in controlling blowoff smoothness, which affects vehicle comfort and handling.
Innovation Solution
The use of asymmetrical preload rings with varying cross-sectional widths and eccentric or concentric elliptical/circular holes in the shock absorber components to enhance the smoothness of the blowoff point transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional circular preload rings with uniform cross-section are used, then manufacturing is simple, but blowoff smoothness and tunability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing a preload ring with non-uniform cross-sectional dimensions around its circumference. Specifically, the preload ring has different widths at different angular positions, creating an asymmetric geometry that generates varying preload forces on the blowoff valve plate during operation. This asymmetric design enables improved blowoff smoothness and transition characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple ring structure that can be manufactured using conventional processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the cross-sectional dimensions of the preload ring at different locations around its circumference. The preload ring features localized dimensional variations rather than uniform dimensions throughout, allowing different regions of the ring to exert different preload forces on the valve plate. This local variation in geometry enables precise control over the blowoff transition characteristics and improves overall smoothness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shock absorbers use standard valving designs, then device complexity is low, but tunability and repeatability of damping forces are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the preload ring, specifically its cross-sectional dimensions at different angular positions. By varying width, thickness, or other dimensional parameters around the circumference, the preload forces exerted on the blowoff valve plate can be tuned to achieve desired blowoff smoothness and transition characteristics. This parameter variation enables customized shock absorber performance without requiring completely new valve designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the preload ring into distinct angular segments or zones, each with different cross-sectional dimensions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of preload forces in different regions of the valve plate interface, enabling fine-tuned control over blowoff characteristics and improving overall tunability of the shock absorber system.
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
Enhances the smoothness of the blowoff point opening behavior, improving vehicle comfort by reducing shake and choppiness, and providing better control over damping forces.
Implementation Method 1
The preload ring is configured to provide internal preload forces to a valve plate of the blowoff valve assembly
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A shock absorber for a vehicle including a pressure tube, a piston body slidably positioned within the pressure tube, a blowoff disc having a first surface in contact with a surface of the piston body and an opposite second surface, a disc stack, and a preload ring axially positioned between the disc stack and the blowoff disc. The preload ring is in direct contact with the second surface of the blowoff disc and includes a circular outer surface and a substantially constant thickness. The preload ring further includes a cross-sectional width that varies along its circumference. The preload ring increases smoothness of the blowoff opening behavior of the shock absorber, which can result in an improved comfort level of the vehicle.