Flow Path Control Device for Motorcycle Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow path control devices for vehicle height adjustment in motorcycles lack accuracy in operating valves, which affects the precision of vehicle height adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A flow path control device comprising a first valve, a flow path forming member, and a second valve, where the flow path forming member has recessed portions and communication paths to accurately control fluid flow, and the second valve moves between positions to open or close flow paths, ensuring high accuracy in valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional valve structure is used to control fluid flow in vehicle height adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and operational accuracy of the valve are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path control device is segmented into multiple functional components: a valve body with first and second flow paths, a first valve for controlling the first flow path, and a second valve for controlling the second flow path. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the flow path control by stacking the first and second valves at different heights within the valve body. The first valve controls the first flow path at a lower level, while the second valve controls the second flow path at an upper level. This three-dimensional arrangement enables precise control of multiple fluid paths without requiring a planar expansion that would increase device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the vehicle height adjustment mechanism uses a simpler flow path control structure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the accuracy of vehicle height adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into standardized components including the valve body, first valve, second valve, and spring elements. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, improving ease of manufacture. The segmented design also allows for modular assembly and replacement, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adjustment accuracy through precise control of fluid flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls vehicle height adjustment accuracy by changing the flow parameters of the hydraulic fluid through the two distinct flow paths. The first valve and second valve independently regulate different flow paths, allowing precise control of oil flow rate and pressure. This parameter-based control achieves high adjustment accuracy without requiring complex mechanical linkages, maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If a single valve is used to control the fluid flow path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of flow path control deteriorates due to inability to independently control different flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path control system is segmented into two independent control circuits: the first flow path controlled by the first valve, and the second flow path controlled by the second valve. This segmentation ensures that a failure or adjustment in one valve does not affect the other, improving system reliability. The segmented design is implemented within a compact valve body that integrates both control circuits, preventing excessive increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body acts as an intermediary structure that houses and coordinates the first valve and second valve. It provides separate flow paths (first flow path and second flow path) that are controlled independently by their respective valves. This intermediary structure enables reliable independent control of different fluid paths while maintaining a unified, manageable device architecture.
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 solution enables precise control of fluid flow, enhancing the accuracy of vehicle height adjustment by effectively managing the flow of oil, thereby improving the overall performance of the vehicle height adjustment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve which opens and closes a first flow path in which supplied fluid is oriented toward a first chamber
Implementation Method 2
a second valve which opens and closes a second flow path oriented toward the first chamber from the second chamber via the communication path and the second recess portion
Implementation Method 3
a first recess portion which is recessed from a back pressure chamber accommodating fluid that gives a force in a direction in which the first valve is closed
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path control device according to one embodiment includes a first valve, a unit main body and a control valve. The unit main body has an accommodation portion, a first radial communication hole and a side recess portion. The accommodation portion is recessed from a chamber accommodating the oil to cause the first valve to close the first radial communication hole. The side recess portion is recessed from the chamber so as to be continuous to the accommodation portion and not to be continuous to the first radial communication hole. The control valve is movable in the accommodation portion of the unit main body between a position at which a groove of the control valve communicates with the side recess portion and the first radial communication hole and a position at which the groove does not communicate with them.