Integrated Suspension Damper Layout for Compact Active Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension devices are large and complex due to the combination of hydraulic and electromagnetic dampers, which increases manufacturing costs and size.
Innovation Solution
A suspension device comprising a hydraulic damper with a rod and piston that includes a valve and communication passages, and an electric damper with a magnet and coil, where the electric damper is only active in the central portion of the inner cylinder where the piston passes frequently, reducing the number of components and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic damper and electromagnetic damper are combined with separate structures, then damping performance can be optimized in different stroke regions, but the overall device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic damper and electromagnetic damper into a single integrated structure where the electromagnetic damper housing contains the hydraulic damper components. The rod, piston, and communication passages are shared between both damping mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate structures while maintaining optimized damping performance across different stroke regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod and piston serve dual functions: they are components of both the hydraulic damper and electromagnetic damper systems simultaneously. The communication passages in the rod provide fluid flow paths for hydraulic damping while also serving as structural elements for the electromagnetic damper, allowing one set of components to perform multiple damping functions.
2Reliability
If a hydraulic damper and electromagnetic damper are combined with separate structures, then damping performance can be optimized in different stroke regions, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic damper and electromagnetic damper into a single integrated structure where the electromagnetic damper housing contains the hydraulic damper components. The rod, piston, and communication passages are shared between both damping mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate structures while maintaining optimized damping performance across different stroke regions.
3Length of stationary object
If the electric damper is made thinner, then the overall device size is reduced, but the damping performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the communication passages specifically in the central portion of the rod where the piston frequently strokes. This localized placement ensures that the electromagnetic damper provides sufficient damping force in the most critical region without requiring the entire damper structure to be large, thus maintaining thin overall dimensions while preserving damping performance where it is most needed.
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
This configuration allows for a downsized and simplified suspension device with reduced manufacturing costs, as the electric damper is only active in the most frequently used section, and the outer shape of the electric damper can be made thinner, while maintaining similar damping performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electric damper configured to electrically displace the rod by an actuator. The electric damper includes: an outer cylinder; an inner cylinder; a piston provided on the rod and configured to stroke in the inner cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension device includes: a hydraulic damper including a rod provided with a valve for generating a hydraulic pressure when the rod is displaced between a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber; and an electric damper configured to electrically displace the rod by an actuator. The electric damper includes: an outer cylinder; an inner cylinder; a piston provided on the rod and configured to stroke in the inner cylinder; and a communication passage disposed inside the inner cylinder at a central portion where the piston strokes. The communication passage establishes communication between the first liquid chamber at one axial end side of the piston and the second liquid chamber at another axial end side of the piston.