Fixed-Structure Damper With Switchable Damping and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping rods, particularly liquid medium-type, cannot function to fix as they telescope under stress due to the flowable nature of the liquid medium, necessitating a mechanism to switch between flowable and non-flowable states.
Innovation Solution
A damping device with a fixing structure that includes a housing, valve stem, inner housing plate, plunger rod, and powerhead assembly, where the inner housing plate separates the housing into independent and communicating first and second chambers, allowing the plunger rod to block or communicate damping liquid, enabling both damping and supporting functions with quick switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid medium-type damping rod is used, then damping function is achieved, but the device cannot fix because the liquid medium remains flowable under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the damping liquid by introducing a phase change mechanism. The damping liquid transitions between liquid and solid states in response to temperature changes, enabling the device to switch between damping (flowable) and fixing (rigid) functions. This is achieved through phase change material selection and thermal control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the structural property of the damping liquid dynamic by implementing a controllable phase change system. The liquid can dynamically transition between flowable and non-flowable states based on external stimuli (temperature, pressure), allowing the device to adapt between damping and fixing modes as needed.
2Reliability
If the damping liquid is kept flowable for damping function, then damping performance is maintained, but the device loses fixing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the damping liquid as the core mechanism. The damping liquid undergoes phase change from liquid to solid and vice versa, enabling the device to switch between damping (liquid state with flowability) and fixing (solid state with rigidity) functions. This phase transition capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the same material to exhibit different physical properties as needed.
3Reliability
If a mechanism is added to switch between flowable and non-flowable states, then fixing function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service phase change mechanism where the damping liquid automatically transitions between liquid and solid states in response to environmental temperature changes or internal heat generation. This eliminates the need for complex external control systems, actuators, or power supplies, achieving the fixing function through the material's inherent phase change properties rather than mechanical switching mechanisms.
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 device effectively realizes both damping and supporting functions by controlling the convection of damping liquid between chambers, providing convenient and quick switching between these functions, addressing the limitations of traditional damping rods.
Implementation Method 1
a convection of the damping liquid is realized between two sides of the valve stem through the first housing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A damping device with a fixing structure includes a housing and a valve stem which extends through the housing. The inner housing plate is disposed in the housing, and the inner housing plate separates a space in the housing to be a first housing chamber and a second housing chamber which are independent and communicated with each other. An end of the valve stem is in sliding and sealing fit with the first housing chamber, and the valve stem separates the first housing chamber to be two independent sub-chambers with variable volumes. A plunger rod is directly or indirectly slidably sealed on the plug hole. The powerhead assembly is configured to drive the plunger rod to move. The housing is separated to be two chambers The plunger rod is moved to communicate or block the damping liquid, which realizes two functions of damping and supporting.