Adjustable Suspension Damper With Pilot Valve for Fast Damping Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension dampers provide constant or mechanically varied damping rates, lacking advanced techniques to dynamically adjust damping characteristics in response to changing vehicle motion, leading to delayed application of damping forces.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension damper with a valve assembly that includes a primary valve member and adjustable pressure reducing means, allowing for real-time adjustment of damping fluid flow resistance by controlling fluid pressure and flow paths, enabling quick changes in damping characteristics through electronic control and sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional constant or mechanically varied damping rates are used, then the damper structure remains simple, but the response time to vehicle motion changes is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic damping adjustment by replacing static mechanical valve arrangements with an electronically controlled system. The valve assembly includes electronically actuated components that can change damping characteristics in real-time based on vehicle motion conditions, enabling rapid response while maintaining structural simplicity through electronic control rather than complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control systems. Sensors detect vehicle motion parameters (acceleration, velocity, displacement) and an electronic controller actuates the valve assembly accordingly, replacing delayed mechanical response with faster electronic actuation and control algorithms
2Loss of time
If mechanically varied damping rates are used, then some adaptability is provided, but the damping forces are applied with delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that continuously monitor vehicle motion parameters (acceleration, velocity, displacement) before significant motion events occur. The electronic controller processes these signals in advance and pre-actuates the valve assembly to prepare optimal damping characteristics, eliminating delay by anticipating required damping adjustments before they are fully needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensors continuously measure vehicle motion and feed signals to the electronic controller, which adjusts the valve assembly in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables rapid adaptation of damping characteristics by constantly comparing actual motion with desired damping response and making immediate corrections
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 rapid adjustment of damping forces in response to vehicle motion, reducing the delay in applying damping forces and improving ride comfort by dynamically controlling damping characteristics based on sensed acceleration, velocity, and displacement.
Implementation Method 1
a damping piston in a fluid-filled cylinder (e.g., liquid such as oil). As the damping piston is moved in the cylinder, fluid is compressed and passes from one side of the piston to the other side
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure reducing means and a second pressure reducing means in a second fluid flow path between said first and second sides of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling vehicle motion is described. The system includes: a first set of sensors coupled with a vehicle, the first set of sensors configured for sensing the vehicle motion; and a vehicle suspension damper coupled with the first set of sensors, the vehicle suspension damper configured for adjusting a damping force therein, the vehicle suspension damper comprising: a primary valve; a pilot valve assembly coupled with the primary valve, the pilot valve assembly configured for metering a flow of fluid to the primary valve, in response to at least the sensing; and an orifice block coupled with the primary valve and comprising a control orifice there through, the control orifice configured for operating cooperatively with the pilot valve assembly in the metering the flow of fluid to the primary valve.