Nested Damper With Reservoir for Position-Dependent Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle dampers require additional length to achieve position-dependent damping, which compromises mounting space and efficiency in absorbing vibration energy, especially at damper travel extremes.
Innovation Solution
A damper design featuring a main damper assembly with a piston rod and secondary damper assembly, where the spacing of ports in the damper tube allows for fluid flow through both pistons in the mid-zone to generate a first damping force and only through the main piston in upper or lower zones to generate a second, higher damping force, optimizing damping force distribution based on piston position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional damper length is used to mount elements for adjusting damping force, then position-dependent damping can be achieved, but mounting space is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested damper configuration where a secondary damper assembly is positioned inside the main damper assembly. The secondary piston rod is received within the main damper tube, and the secondary fluid chamber is nested within the main fluid chamber. This nesting allows both damping systems to occupy the same external envelope, achieving position-dependent damping without increasing overall damper length
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is divided into two independent but interconnected damping systems: a main damper assembly and a secondary damper assembly. Each assembly has its own piston, fluid chamber, and flow channels. The segmentation allows each subsystem to contribute differently to the overall damping force based on piston position, enabling position-dependent damping while maintaining a compact structure
2Length of stationary object
If damper length is reduced for mounting space, then space efficiency is improved, but stroke length is reduced compromising vibration energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the secondary damper assembly within the main damper assembly, the patent maximizes the use of internal volume without increasing external dimensions. The secondary piston rod fits within the main damper tube, and both fluid chambers are nested concentrically, allowing full stroke operation within a compact envelope
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two damping systems into a single integrated damper unit. The main and secondary dampers work together to provide enhanced vibration energy absorption, with their combined damping forces addressing different phases of the vibration cycle. This merging allows the compact damper to absorb more vibration energy than a single damper of the same size would provide
3Device complexity
If conventional full-length damper assemblies are used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but variable damping force adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is segmented into main and secondary assemblies, each with independent flow channels and pistons. This segmentation creates multiple pathways for fluid flow that can be activated differently based on piston position, enabling variable damping force adjustment without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic damping characteristics where the damping force automatically varies with piston position. The interaction between the main and secondary dampers creates different flow resistance characteristics during compression and rebound phases, providing adaptive damping that responds to changing operating conditions without complex control mechanisms
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 design enhances damping force control and efficiency by providing variable damping forces that are greater at travel extremes, improving vehicle stability and comfort without increasing damper length, thus addressing the limitations of conventional dampers.
Implementation Method 1
A shock absorber is used dampen and arrest the spring vibration... fluid is caused to pass through both the flow channels of the main working piston and the secondary working piston to generate a first damping force
Data Source
AI summary
A damper with a main damper assembly includes a damper tube with a damping fluid. A main working piston divides a main fluid chamber into a piston rod side and a non-piston rod side. The main fluid chamber has an upper zone, a lower zone and a mid-zone. A secondary damper assembly with a secondary working piston is in fluid communication with the main damper assembly. When the main working piston travels in the mid-zone, fluid is caused to pass through the main working piston and the secondary working piston to generate a first damping force and when the main working piston travels in either of the upper and lower zone, fluid is caused to pass only through the main working piston to generate a second damping force, wherein the first damping force is less than the second damping force.