Hydraulic Damper End Stop with Adjustable Piston

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic shock absorbers for motor vehicles have a single braking law dependent on geometry, making it difficult and costly to modify the braking curve, particularly for adjusting vehicle performance.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic shock absorber with a movable piston and distributor that allows for adjustable end-of-stroke braking by positioning the distributor in various angular positions, obstructing radial bores to change the braking curve without replacing parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-geometry end stop is used, then the structure is simple, but the braking curve cannot be easily modified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking curve adjustabilityVSAvoidend stop structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end stop transitions from a static single-geometry structure to a dynamic multi-position structure. The distributor can be rotated to different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to dynamically change the braking characteristics, allowing the same physical structure to adapt to different braking requirements without modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The end stop is segmented into multiple functional zones through the distributor with its radial bores and axial slots. By rotating the distributor to different positions, different segments (combinations of open and closed bores) are activated, creating varied braking curves from a single segmented structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the braking curve is modified by changing geometry, then the braking performance is optimized, but the cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking law customizationVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables rapid switching between different braking laws by simply rotating the distributor to different angular positions. This dynamic adjustment takes minimal time compared to manufacturing different geometric configurations, allowing quick customization for different vehicle requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single end stop structure serves multiple functions by accommodating different distributor positions. The same physical component can provide multiple braking curves (different braking laws), eliminating the need for multiple specialized components and reducing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the braking curve is modified by changing geometry, then the braking performance is optimized, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking law varietyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The end stop is designed as a universal component that can provide multiple braking laws through the distributor's rotational positions. This single multi-functional design is more economical than manufacturing multiple separate end stops with different geometries, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining braking law variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing multiple static geometric variations, the system uses a single dynamic structure where the distributor's angular position determines the braking characteristics. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to offer various braking laws.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 easy and economical adjustment of braking laws by simply repositioning the distributor, allowing users to customize the end-of-travel braking without disassembling the shock absorber, saving time and resources.

Implementation Method 1

this piston sliding in a fitted manner in a stop body to gradually close the bores during its compression stroke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic resistance: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

the abutment body comprises a return spring, which applies a force returning the piston to its rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2850336B1Hydraulic damper comprising an end stop comprising a piston
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2850336B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

A hydraulic damper comprising a mobile portion (8) which separates a compression chamber (12) from an expansion chamber (14), and a hydraulic end stop (20) positioned at the bottom of the compression chamber, receiving the contact of the end of this mobile portion (8) upon completion of a compression stroke, characterised in that the end stop (20) comprises a piston comprising radial bores, which receives the contact of the mobile portion (8) at the end of travel, said piston sliding in an adjusted manner into a stop body to gradually close the bores during the compression stroke of same, the piston receiving, in an adjusted manner, a distributor which can assume a plurality of installation positions for blocking the bores of this piston in a different manner.