Hydraulic Compression Stop With Progressive Window Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic compression stop arrangements in damper assemblies limit piston stroke length and occupy valuable space within the damper, reducing the operating range of the shock absorber.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly with a hydraulic compression stop (HCS) assembly that includes a closure member, such as a conical belt spring or rotary disc, to selectively and progressively cover HCS windows, allowing for adjustable fluid flow restriction and increased damping force without reducing piston stroke length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional hydraulic compression stop arrangement is used, then additional damping force is generated over a predefined end section, but piston stroke length is limited by space occupation within the damper
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed to move dynamically with the piston, progressively covering the HCS window as the piston approaches the end section. This dynamic adjustment allows the damping force to be generated only when needed (at the end of the stroke) while maintaining full piston stroke length throughout the operating range
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member acts as an intermediary element between the piston and the HCS window. It selectively restricts fluid flow through the window based on piston position, enabling the hydraulic compression stop function without permanently occupying space that would limit piston stroke
2Force
If a hydraulic compression stop arrangement is used, then progressive generation of additional damping force is achieved, but valuable space within the damper is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The HCS assembly is nested within the existing damper structure, with the closure member integrated into the piston assembly. This nesting allows the hydraulic compression stop functionality to be added without increasing the overall damper volume or occupying valuable space that would otherwise be available for piston stroke
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 HCS assembly provides adjustable damping forces throughout the piston stroke, enhancing vehicle suspension performance and safety by maintaining a longer operating range without compromising stroke length.
Implementation Method 1
a closure member configured to selectively and progressively cover a portion of the HCS window to restrict fluid flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a spring guide movable relative to the HCS base by action of a piston
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic compression stop (HCS) assembly includes an HCS base defining an HCS window providing fluid communication between a compression chamber of a damper and an exterior space; a spring guide movable relative to the HCS base by action of a piston; and a closure member attached to the spring guide and configured to selectively and progressively cover a portion of the HCS window to restrict fluid flow therethrough, with the portion of the HCS window covered varying with a position of the spring guide relative to the HCS base. A damper assembly includes a tube defining an interior chamber; a piston slidably disposed in the tube and dividing the interior chamber into a rebound chamber and a compression chamber; and the HCS assembly disposed at least partially within the compression chamber to restrict fluid flow therethrough, the restriction varying in response to the piston moving toward the HCS base.