External Valve Shock Absorber Dynamic Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic dampers or shock absorbers lack a flexible and efficient mechanism to adjust damping characteristics dynamically in response to varying vehicle conditions, such as during normal driving and maneuvering, which can lead to suboptimal ride quality and handling.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic damper with an externally mounted electromagnetic control valve, secured to the reserve tube and communicating with the intermediate and reserve chambers, allows for adjustable pressure flow characteristics that control damping by varying the current supplied, enabling smooth transitions between soft and firm damping modes based on vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic dampers use fixed damping characteristics, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ride quality is suboptimal during varying vehicle conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the damping characteristics continuously variable through an electromagnetic control valve that responds to changing vehicle conditions. The control valve dynamically adjusts fluid flow between the working chamber and reserve chamber based on real-time requirements, transitioning from fixed to adaptive damping behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electromagnetic control valve. This substitution allows for more precise and flexible control of damping characteristics by using electromagnetic fields to regulate fluid flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and adjustment devices.
2Reliability
If damping is increased during vehicle maneuvers, then handling stability improves, but ride comfort deteriorates during normal steady state running
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic control valve dynamically adjusts damping characteristics based on vehicle operating conditions. During normal steady-state running, the valve maintains soft damping for comfort by allowing controlled fluid flow. During maneuvers requiring stability, the valve increases damping by restricting fluid flow, thus adapting to changing requirements in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the damping parameter dynamically through electromagnetic control of fluid flow resistance. By varying the current supplied to the electromagnetic control valve, the system continuously adjusts the damping coefficient to optimize the balance between ride comfort and handling stability according to actual vehicle conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an externally mounted control valve is used, then damping control flexibility improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The externally mounted control valve is positioned perpendicular to the main damper axis, extending in a direction parallel to the reserve tube axis. This orthogonal arrangement allows the control valve to be integrated into the existing damper structure without significantly increasing the overall length or footprint of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic control valve serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow between chambers, provides adjustable damping characteristics, and can be integrated with existing suspension system components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby minimizing space requirements despite the added control capability.
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 a continuously variable damping system that enhances ride quality by isolating high-frequency vibrations during normal driving while providing necessary damping during maneuvers, improving vehicle stability and handling by dynamically adjusting damping characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
An external control valve is secured to the reserve tube such that the external valve assembly is disposed generally parallel to the axis of the reserve tube. The different pressure-flow characteristics are a function of the current supplied to the control valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber has an external valve that controls the damping loads for the shock absorber. The external valve extends generally parallel with the axis of the shock absorber and is attached to the reserve tube of the shock absorber. The inlet to the external valve is in communication with an intermediate chamber which is in communication with the working chamber of the shock absorber. The outlet of the valve is in communication with the reserve chamber of the shock absorber. The external valve controls the damping loads in both a compression and an extension stroke of the shock absorber.