Integrated Hydraulic Bump Stop With Adjustable Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bump stops, whether made of rubber or urethane, or hydraulic nitrogen, face issues such as energy dissipation causing stress on shocks, limited damping, and separate mounting which increases space, labor, and cost, while also being prohibited in some racing organizations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic bump stop assembly featuring a telescoping hydraulic cylinder with an outer and inner coaxial cylinder, a fluid reservoir, and adjustable orifices for damping control, integrated with the shock to prevent bottoming out and provide controlled damping during compression and expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional rubber or urethane bump stops are used, then they provide basic shock absorption, but they dissipate energy into suspension rebound causing stress on the shock and offer limited damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional rubber or urethane bump stops with a hydraulic bump stop assembly that uses hydraulic fluid and orifices to provide damping. The hydraulic system controls fluid flow through adjustable orifices, creating resistance to suspension movement that provides both compression and rebound damping, thereby reducing energy dissipation and stress on the shock absorber.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic bump stop assembly incorporates adjustable orifices that allow dynamic control of damping characteristics. The damping force can be adjusted by changing orifice size or configuration, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions and provide optimal damping control throughout the suspension travel range.
2Ease of operation
If separate hydraulic bump stops are mounted to the suspension system, then they provide velocity-sensitive damping, but they take up additional space and require additional labor and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hydraulic bump stop assembly with the shock absorber by coupling the piston rod of the shock absorber to the piston of the hydraulic bump stop. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate mounting of hydraulic bump stops, reducing the number of parts, installation labor, and overall system complexity while maintaining velocity-sensitive damping control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hydraulic bump stop assembly serves multiple functions: it provides bump stop protection, velocity-sensitive damping control, and space savings. By combining the shock absorber and hydraulic bump stop into a single integrated unit, the system achieves multi-functionality that addresses both damping control needs and space constraints.
3Device complexity
If conventional bump stops are used, then they are simple in design, but they behave much like a pure coil spring with little damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydraulic damping mechanisms into the bump stop assembly by using hydraulic fluid flowing through orifices. This hydraulic system provides velocity-sensitive resistance to suspension movement, transforming the simple spring-like behavior of conventional bump stops into a controlled damping system that provides both compression and rebound damping while maintaining relative design simplicity.
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 effectively prevents shock bottoming out, provides adjustable damping ratios, and integrates with the shock to reduce space and cost, while meeting racing regulations by offering enhanced damping and control over suspension movement.
Implementation Method 1
Oil is used inside and moves through orifices much like a standard shock. This allows the bump to effectively dampen, or slow, the suspension movement through its final inches of travel.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a hydraulic bump stop assembly may include a telescoping hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid. The telescoping cylinder may be located on a vehicle shock. Components of the shock may engage and compress the telescoping cylinder during the final stages of compression of the shock to prevent the shock from bottoming out. The telescoping cylinder has damping properties during compression and expansion due to hydraulic fluid being forced through orifices of one or more hydraulic fluid lines to and from a reservoir. Damping ratios may be adjusted by adjusting the size of the orifices. In some embodiments, the damping ratios may be adjusted remotely, such as from the driver compartment of the vehicle.