Integrated Damping Valve Seat for Shorter Shock Absorber Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional damping valves used in shock absorbers are lengthy, costly to manufacture, and have poor assemblability due to their complex structure and numerous components, which limits their effectiveness in achieving optimal ride quality.
Innovation Solution
A damping valve design that integrates the valve seats of both the sub valve and the leaf valve into a single valve seat member, reducing the number of parts and overall length, while improving assemblability and allowing for independent setting of damping forces during extension and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional damping valve with separate valve cases for sub valve and leaf valve is used, then the damping force characteristics can be achieved, but the overall length becomes long and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve seat for the sub valve and the valve seat for the leaf valve into a single integrated valve seat member. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall length of the damping valve while maintaining the functional separation needed for different damping force characteristics at different speed ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve seat member serves multiple functions: it provides the valve seat for the sub valve, the valve seat for the leaf valve, and structures the ports for both valves. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the same damping performance.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components (valve case, spacer, valve stopper) are used in the damping valve, then the damping function can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases and assemblability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve case and the valve seat into a single integrated valve seat member that includes both the valve seat and the facing portion. This reduces the number of separate components from three (valve case, spacer, valve stopper) to fewer integrated parts, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining the damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components, the patent maintains functional segmentation through the sub valve and leaf valve operating at different speed ranges, with the integrated valve seat member providing distinct valve seats and ports for each valve type, ensuring proper functional separation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve cases corresponding to different cylinder diameters are prepared, then different shock absorber specifications can be manufactured, but component management becomes troublesome and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve seat member design with its unified structure serves as a universal component that can be adapted to different cylinder diameters and shock absorber specifications. This single versatile component replaces the need for multiple specialized valve cases, simplifying component management and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptation to different specifications through parameter changes in the integrated valve seat member design, allowing the same basic structure to be configured for different cylinder diameters and applications without requiring completely separate valve cases for each specification.
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 integrated valve seat design shortens the overall length of the damping valve, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and enhances assemblability, while maintaining effective damping force characteristics suitable for improving vehicle ride quality.
Implementation Method 1
a sub valve 3 that is disposed in the recess portion 2d to be separated from the bottom portion 2d1 of the recess portion 2d, is in an annular shape, forms an annular gap P between the outer circumferential surface and the facing portion 2f, and is allowed to be deflected in a direction away from the valve case 2 in the recess portion 2d with the outer circumference side as a free end
Implementation Method 2
a damping valve is used, for example, to generate a damping force by offering resistance to a flow of liquid produced during extension and contraction of a shock absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A damping valve of the present invention includes: a valve seat member including an annular recess portion, a port that opens at a bottom portion of the recess portion, an annular valve seat that rises from an outer circumference of the recess portion, and a facing portion that is annular spacer and has an inner circumferential surface facing the recess portion; and a sub valve that is disposed in the recess portion and spaced apart from the bottom portion of the recess portion, is in an annular shape, forms an annular gap between the outer circumferential surface and the facing portion, and is allowed to be deflected in a direction away from the valve seat member in the recess portion with the outer circumference side as a free end; and a leaf valve that is in an annular shape, is stacked to be separated in an axial direction on a side of the sub valve opposite to the valve seat member, has an outer circumference side as a free end, is allowed to be deflected, and is able to be separated and seated on the valve seat.