Electronic External Bypass Circuit for Tunable Shock Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems face a trade-off between ride comfort and performance, as softer settings improve comfort but compromise steering and ride quality over obstacles, while firmer settings enhance performance at the cost of comfort.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid-controlled bypass circuit that allows for tunable damping by adjusting the flow of working fluid through external bypass paths, enabling remote and fine-tuned adjustments to suit different environments and terrain, using a solenoid bypass circuit to vary the resistance of the poppet valve based on piston position and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suspension is set softer, then ride comfort is improved, but steering and ride performance over obstacles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an electronically controlled bypass circuit that dynamically adjusts damping characteristics in real-time based on driving conditions. The system transitions from a static suspension setting to a dynamic one where damping force can be continuously modified through electronic control of the bypass valve, allowing the suspension to adapt between comfort and performance modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the damping parameter by controlling the bypass circuit's resistance to fluid flow. By electronically adjusting the bypass valve opening, the system varies the damping coefficient to achieve different suspension characteristics, enabling soft settings for comfort and firm settings for performance without mechanical reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If the suspension is set firmly, then vehicle performance is enhanced, but ride comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronically controlled bypass circuit enables real-time switching between firm and soft suspension characteristics. The system uses electronic signals to adjust the bypass valve position, allowing the suspension to be firm when performance is needed and soft when comfort is prioritized, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system. Instead of manually changing mechanical components to alter damping, the system uses an electronically controlled bypass circuit with solenoid valves and electronic sensors to adjust damping characteristics, enabling precise and rapid transitions between performance and comfort modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a solenoid-controlled bypass circuit is used, then damping adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronically controlled bypass circuit serves multiple functions: it provides damping adjustment, enables remote control capability, and allows fine-tuned resistance variation. By integrating these functions into a single electronic control system rather than separate mechanical mechanisms, the patent achieves high adaptability while managing complexity through functional integration.
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 solenoid-controlled bypass circuit provides a wide range of damping adjustments, enhancing ride comfort and performance by allowing the vehicle to adapt to various driving conditions, from low-speed rock crawling to high-speed events, without compromising on ride quality or performance.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid-controlled bypass circuit that allows for tunable damping by adjusting the flow of working fluid through external bypass paths
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the flow of working fluid through external bypass paths, enabling remote and fine-tuned adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic external bypass for a shock assembly is disclosed herein. The electronic external bypass has a compression side fluid connection, a rebound side fluid connection, and an external bypass fluid flow path physically separate from the shock assembly, the external bypass fluid flow path fluidly coupling the compression side fluid connection with the rebound side fluid connection. The electronic external bypass includes a solenoid circuit, the solenoid circuit to control a flow of a working fluid through the external bypass fluid flow path, the solenoid circuit includes a poppet valve and an active valve configured to control a pop pressure of the poppet valve, such that the solenoid circuit provides an infinitely adjustable bypass pressure for the shock assembly.