Internal Jounce Control in Shock Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
External jounce bumpers in vehicle shock absorbers can cause noise, damage to the piston rod, and are expensive due to their material, while also being prone to damage over time, and they do not effectively manage jounce forces during suspension compression.
Innovation Solution
An internal jounce control apparatus, such as a collapsible elastomeric jounce bumper positioned within the shock absorber's fluid reservoir, which absorbs and dissipates forces at the limit of suspension travel, reducing noise and vibration, and can be tunable for adjusted force control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external jounce bumper is used, then jounce forces are managed, but noise is generated and the piston rod is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The jounce bumper is positioned inside the reservoir of the shock absorber, nested within the existing structure. This internal placement eliminates external components that cause noise and damage, while maintaining effective jounce force management through the collapsible bumper design.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful external jounce bumper is removed from the system and replaced with an internal solution. The extraction of the external component eliminates the source of noise and piston rod damage, while the internal bumper provides the necessary jounce control function.
2Reliability
If an external jounce bumper is used, then jounce control is provided, but the cost increases due to expensive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The jounce bumper is integrated inside the reservoir structure, utilizing the existing shock absorber housing. This eliminates the need for separate external bumper components and expensive materials, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective jounce control.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir serves multiple functions: it stores hydraulic fluid and houses the jounce bumper. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external bumper components, reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If an external jounce bumper is used, then jounce forces are managed, but the bumper is prone to damage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The jounce bumper is protected inside the reservoir, shielded from external environmental factors and physical damage. This internal positioning extends the service life of the bumper while maintaining effective jounce force management.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible nature of the internal jounce bumper provides gradual force absorption, preventing sudden impacts that could cause damage. The bumper is designed to deform in a controlled manner, extending its operational life.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an internal jounce bumper is used, then noise and damage are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir serves dual purposes: storing hydraulic fluid and housing the jounce bumper. This multi-functionality adds minimal complexity while effectively reducing noise and vibration through internal jounce control.
Solution Approach 2:
The jounce bumper and reservoir are integrated into a single assembly, combining structural elements to minimize overall complexity. The internal bumper utilizes the existing reservoir space, adding minimal structural complexity while achieving noise and vibration reduction.
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 internal jounce control apparatus effectively manages jounce forces, reduces noise and vibration, and extends the lifespan of the shock absorber by eliminating the need for external bumpers, allowing for the use of lower-cost materials and providing dual damping rates when combined with external systems.
Implementation Method 1
The jounce bumper collapses in a direction substantially parallel relative to the longitudinal axis of the first tube to dampen a force imparted to the shock absorber
Implementation Method 2
A first jounce bumper is positioned in the reservoir adjacent the rod guide. The jounce bumper collapses in the reservoir between a rod guide and the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
A shock absorber may include a damping fluid stored in a cylinder that is forced by a piston (which moves with the functioning of the suspension system) through narrow holes or valves. The resistance encountered as the fluid passes through the holes or valves damps the oscillations of the suspension system
Data Source
AI summary
Shock absorbers having internal jounce control are disclosed. An example shock absorber disclosed herein includes an inner tube defining a cavity and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube to define a reservoir between the inner tube and the outer tube. The cavity is in fluid communication with the reservoir. A jounce bumper is positioned in the reservoir between the inner tube and the outer tube.