Gas Spring Curve Control Valve for On-the-Fly Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas-spring devices used in two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycle shock absorbers and suspension forks, lack the ability to easily and quickly change gas spring curves on-the-fly, requiring significant effort and labor due to cumbersome adjustment methods that involve rotating external knobs, depressurization, or using tools.

Innovation Solution

A gas spring curve control valve system that allows for easy adjustment of gas spring curves by placing main and auxiliary gas chambers in fluid communication, using ball valves and a rotor mechanism to enable quick and simple manipulation of gas flow between chambers, allowing for four discrete settings that can be achieved in less than half a turn of an adjustment knob.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional adjustment methods (rotating external knobs, depressurization, or using tools) are used to change gas spring curves, then the gas spring curve can be adjusted, but the adjustment requires significant effort, time, and labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas spring curve adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment effort and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment systems (external knobs requiring full rotations, tool-based adjustments, or depressurization procedures) with an integrated valve system that uses internal ball valves and a rotor mechanism. This allows curve adjustment through simple knob rotations of less than 360 degrees, significantly reducing the mechanical effort and time required while maintaining the ability to change gas spring characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single valve assembly that can adjust gas spring curves without requiring depressurization, tool removal, or complex procedures. The unified valve system handles both the gas flow control and curve selection in one operation, making the device adaptable to different riding conditions while simplifying the user operation to a single intuitive control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustment mechanisms are added to enable on-the-fly gas spring curve changes, then curve adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-the-fly curve adjustment capabilityVSAvoidvalve system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the ball valves and rotor mechanism within the existing gas spring chamber structure. The valve components are integrated into the housing, with the rotor and ball valves positioned inside the gas chamber rather than as external add-ons. This nested arrangement provides on-the-fly adjustment capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity and maintaining a compact design suitable for two-wheeled vehicles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gas chambers are used to provide different spring curves, then the range of adjustable curves is improved, but the volume and weight of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas spring curve varietyVSAvoiddevice volume and weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the gas spring system into a main gas chamber and an auxiliary gas chamber that can be selectively connected or disconnected. By dividing the gas volume control into separate controllable sections with ball valves, the system can provide multiple spring curve options (different gas volumes) without requiring multiple complete gas chambers. This segmentation allows for adjustable curve variety while optimizing the overall device volume and weight for two-wheeled vehicle applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables riders to easily and quickly change the gas spring curve of adjustable-volume gas-pressurized devices on-the-fly without tools, reducing effort and time, while maintaining compact and lightweight packaging suitable for two-wheeled vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second ball valves are both in their open positions, so that there is fluid communication between the main gas chamber and the first and second auxiliary gas chambers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Implementation Method 2

the cam has a number of lobes and grooves for selectively deflecting the check balls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS8464850B2Gas spring curve control in an adjustable-volume gas-pressurized device

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 FOX FACTORY INC

AI summary

A gas spring curve control valve for a adjustable-volume gas-pressurized device is described. The valve allows for selection from among at least four spring curves and can be packaged in small spaces/devices. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a rotary cam having grooves and lobes that interact with spring loaded ball bearings and an external adjuster knob are used to easily change the gas spring curve “on-the-fly” and with minimal user effort.