Electronic Valve Assembly for Vehicle Suspension Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension damping systems provide a constant damping rate throughout the stroke, lacking the ability to vary damping rates effectively, especially in advanced recreational and sporting vehicles, which requires improved techniques for dynamic control.
Innovation Solution
An electronic valve assembly with offset first and second electronic valves, allowing independent control of compression and rebound damping, utilizing sensors and a control system to adjust damping forces based on vehicle motion, position, and user inputs, enabling position-dependent damping and reducing vehicle tilt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional damping components are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the damping rate cannot be varied effectively throughout the stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is segmented into multiple independent electronic valves (first electronic valve, second electronic valve) that control different fluid flow paths separately. This allows independent adjustment of compression and rebound damping rates, enabling variable damping throughout the stroke while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular valve design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, constant damping rates to dynamic, variable damping rates by using electronic valves that can be controlled in real-time based on sensor feedback. The damping rate becomes a variable parameter that changes during the stroke cycle, improving adaptability to different driving conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical springs and viscous fluid dampening mechanisms are used in parallel, then the basic suspension function is achieved, but the ability to provide position-dependent damping is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback on piston position, velocity, and other parameters to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of damping forces based on actual suspension state and riding conditions, achieving position-dependent damping without requiring manual user adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors and electronic valves. This substitution eliminates the need for user intervention while providing more precise and versatile damping control capabilities
3Ease of operation
If a single valve controls both compression and rebound, then the device complexity is reduced, but independent control of compression and rebound damping is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate electronic valves for compression and rebound functions. This segmentation allows independent control of each damping phase, enabling optimized performance for both compression and rebound events without requiring a single complex valve to handle both 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
The electronic valve assembly provides selective and variable damping control, enhancing vehicle stability and reducing acceleration felt by the rider, even during low-speed movements, by independently managing fluid flow through distinct paths for compression and rebound, resulting in improved motion control and reduced tilt.
Implementation Method 1
As the damping piston is moved in the cylinder, fluid is compressed and passes from one side of the piston to the other side
Implementation Method 2
a spring component or components and a dampening component or components... viscous fluid-based dampening mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic valve assembly for a vehicle suspension damper is described in which a first electronic valve is disposed along a fluid flow path extending between a compression region of a damping cylinder and a fluid reservoir chamber. The first electronic valve controls flow of fluid from the compression region into the fluid reservoir chamber. A second electronic valve is disposed along a fluid flow path extending between a rebound region of the damping cylinder and the compression region. The second electronic valve controls flow of fluid from the rebound region into the compression. The first electronic valve does not reside in the fluid flow path extending from the rebound region into the compression region, and the second electronic valve does not reside in the fluid flow path extending from the compression region into the fluid reservoir chamber.