Multi-Mode Air Shock With Switchable Chamber Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air shocks lack the ability to dynamically adjust shock absorption based on terrain, requiring separate settings for smooth and off-road conditions, which complicates the design and limits adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode air shock system with a primary and secondary air chamber configuration, allowing for adjustable compression ratios through a tertiary air chamber and a modular sleeve with volume spacers, enabling seamless transition between travel modes without affecting the overall shock length or frame geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single air shock configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different terrain conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air shock is divided into multiple air chambers (first air chamber, second air chamber, and optional third air chamber) that can be selectively isolated or connected. Each chamber can be independently controlled through valves, allowing the system to segment the air volume to achieve different compression ratios and travel lengths suitable for various terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The air shock incorporates dynamically adjustable features including valves that can open or close to isolate or connect air chambers, and a modular sleeve with adjustable volume spacers. These dynamic elements allow the compression ratio and travel length to be changed on-the-fly without altering the overall shock length or frame geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the travel length is increased for off-road performance, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the shock length and frame geometry are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a modular sleeve with adjustable volume spacers that can be repositioned along the shock body. By adjusting the position of volume spacers or adding/removing them, the effective air volume and thus the travel length can be dynamically changed for off-road conditions without permanently altering the shock length or frame geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compression ratio parameter by selectively isolating or connecting air chambers using valves. When the third air chamber is isolated or volume spacers are adjusted, the compression ratio changes to provide longer travel for off-road performance, while the overall shock length remains constant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the compression ratio is adjusted for different travel modes, then the ride quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air shock is segmented into multiple air chambers (first, second, and third chambers) separated by bulkheads with valves. Each chamber can be independently controlled to achieve different compression ratios. The segmentation allows selective isolation or connection of chambers to adjust the compression ratio for different travel modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sleeve with volume spacers serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, allows adjustment of air volume, and enables compression ratio changes. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while providing compression ratio adjustment capability.
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 system provides adjustable compression ratios for both short and long travel modes, enhancing ride quality and handling by allowing on-the-fly adjustments, maintaining compactness and consistency in shock length, thus addressing the need for adaptive shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-mode air shock system with a primary and secondary air chamber configuration
Implementation Method 2
adjustable compression ratios through a tertiary air chamber and a modular sleeve with volume spacers
Implementation Method 3
Shock absorbers 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
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode air shock is disclosed herein. The air shock includes an air spring having a primary air chamber, and a damper having an insertion end to telescope within the primary air chamber and a coupler to couple with a portion of a vehicle. An adjuster housing is fixedly coupled to an end of the air spring opposite of the damper, the adjuster housing having a secondary air chamber in communication with the primary air chamber and a mounting structure to couple with a different portion of the vehicle. There is a bulkhead with a valve to open or close the fluid communication between the primary air chamber and the secondary air chamber. The air shock also includes a tertiary air chamber in fluid communication with the secondary air chamber but not in fluid communication with the primary air chamber except via the secondary air chamber.