Electronic Modal Base Valve for Variable Shock Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shock assemblies provide a constant damping rate during compression or extension through the entire length of the stroke, failing to adapt to varying performance characteristics needed in technologically advanced recreational and sporting vehicles.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an electronically adjustable shock assembly with a modal base valve that allows for varying damping rates through a dual speed compression (DSC) adjuster, including low-speed and high-speed compression adjusters, and a manual command lockout capability, enabling dynamic adjustment of suspension performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional shock assemblies use constant damping rate throughout the entire stroke, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to varying terrain conditions and performance characteristics is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying terrain conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of shock assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shock assembly is segmented into multiple compression stages (first compression stage and second compression stage) with different damping rates. The valve mechanism divides the compression stroke into segments, applying low damping rate during the first stage for comfort and high damping rate during the second stage for control, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring a completely complex new structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shock assembly transitions from a static constant damping rate design to a dynamic variable damping rate design. The valve mechanism dynamically adjusts the damping rate based on compression stroke position and velocity, enabling the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining a relatively compact structure through controlled dynamic behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional shock assemblies provide constant damping rate, then the device is simple to manufacture and operate, but it cannot provide optimal ride comfort and performance across different conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance adjustment capabilityVSAvoidease of shock assembly operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shock assembly incorporates a self-regulating valve mechanism that automatically adjusts the damping rate based on the compression stroke position and velocity. The system serves itself by using the mechanical energy from the compression motion to control the valve opening, eliminating the need for external electronic controls or manual adjustments while providing optimal performance across different conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the shock assembly implements dual speed compression adjustment, then the ride comfort and handling are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveride comfort and vehicle controlVSAvoidease of shock assembly manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shock assembly uses hydraulic principles with a valve mechanism that controls fluid flow through orifices and passages. The dual speed compression adjustment is achieved through hydraulic pressure differentials and flow resistance variations, which are manufactured using conventional hydraulic component fabrication methods, making the system reliable for ride comfort while remaining manufacturable with existing industrial capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 real-time adjustment of suspension characteristics to enhance ride comfort, performance, and handling by adapting to different terrain conditions and user preferences, improving vehicle stability and control.

Implementation Method 1

a valve (500) located within the flow path (404) between the chamber (313) of the body (312) and the reservoir (316), the valve (500) controlling a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path (404)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 2

an expansion component (314) providing some type of expansive (or spring) force on rear track shock assembly (38)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

Shock assemblies are used in numerous different vehicles and configurations to absorb some or all of a movement that is received at a first portion of a vehicle before it is transmitted to a second portion of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12379011B2Electronic modal base valve

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 FOX FACTORY INC

AI summary

An electronic modal base valve is disclosed. The electronic modal base valve includes a motive component, a controller communicatively coupled with the motive component, and a control valve coupled with the motive component. The controller is configured to control an operation of the motive component, wherein a movement of the motive component is configured to cause the control valve to adjust a flow rate for a flow path through the electronic modal base valve.