Hydraulic Energy Conversion Device for Shock Absorber Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vane-type hydraulic motors are too large and occupy additional space in vehicles when used to replace damping valves in shock absorbers, making them unsuitable for direct integration into the limited internal space of conventional tube-shaped shock absorbers.
Innovation Solution
A compact hydraulic energy conversion device with a mono-shaft structure, featuring an annular main body, a central output shaft, a fixing plate with passage holes, and circumferentially spaced vanes, which allows the device to be mounted coaxially within the shock absorber without increasing its size, converting hydraulic energy into rotary mechanical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional vane-type hydraulic motor is used to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy, then the energy conversion function is achieved, but the device occupies additional space outside the shock absorber and cannot be directly integrated into the limited internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic motor is nested within the shock absorber body, with the rotor, stator, and vanes arranged concentrically around the central axis. The entire motor assembly fits inside the cylindrical shock absorber housing, utilizing the internal space efficiently without requiring external mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional radial flow hydraulic motor to an axial flow configuration where hydraulic fluid enters and exits through the same end face of the motor. This dimensional change allows the motor to fit within the limited axial space of the shock absorber while maintaining energy conversion functionality.
2Power
If a conventional vane-type hydraulic motor with separate input and output shafts is used, then the energy conversion is achieved, but the complex structure with multiple shafts increases the overall device complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The input shaft and output shaft are merged into a single central shaft structure. The hydraulic fluid drives the rotor which is directly connected to the output shaft, eliminating the need for separate input and output shafts. This merging simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the energy conversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single central shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as the rotational axis for the rotor, the output shaft for mechanical energy delivery, and the structural support for the entire motor assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall structure.
3Power
If a plunger type hydraulic motor is used, then the energy conversion is achieved, but the large diameter required for circumferential plunger arrangement exceeds the available space in conventional shock absorbers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes from a radial arrangement of plungers (requiring large diameter) to an axial arrangement where vanes are positioned radially but driven by axial fluid flow. This dimensional change allows the motor to fit within the small diameter constraints of conventional shock absorbers while maintaining energy conversion capability.
4Power
If a screw-rod or gear type hydraulic motor is used, then the energy conversion is achieved, but the requirement for paired input and output rotary shafts prevents concentric arrangement with the shock absorber case
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from radial shaft arrangements (screw-rod or gear types) to an axial flow configuration with a single central shaft. The hydraulic fluid flows axially through the motor, driving the rotor which rotates around the central axis, enabling concentric arrangement with the shock absorber case.
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 the recycling of vibration energy without hindering the normal operation of the shock absorber, allowing for direct replacement and integration within the existing space, suitable for both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles, and providing a power source for generators or batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic motor is used to convert the hydraulic energy of the damping device or shock absorber into mechanical energy
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorbing damper is used to absorb vibration and convert the vibration energy into heat energy, which is then dissipated into ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic energy conversion device includes a main body being an annular member having a central hole, an output shaft mounted in the central hole of the main body with a centerline extended perpendicular to the central hole; a fixing plate located at an end of the main body and provided with a plurality of passage holes; an outer cover located at another end of the main body opposite to the fixing plate and having a central opening for the output shaft to outwardly extended through the outer cover; and a plurality of vanes circumferentially spaced on the output shaft to locate in a space defined between the main body, the fixing plate and the outer cover. The hydraulic energy conversion device is mounted in a hydraulic shock absorber to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy and output the same without hindering the hydraulic shock absorber from normal operation.