Position-Dependent Damper Assembly for Jounce and Rebound Force Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle suspension systems with hydraulic dampers do not vary damping forces based on the position of the piston along the housing, leading to large total forces transmitted to occupants, especially during jounce and rebound motions.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly with a housing, piston, and flow control device that provides varying damping forces based on the piston's position within the chamber, incorporating a conduit with a flow path and a flow control device to manage fluid flow in different directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional hydraulic dampers are used with constant damping force, then the structure is simple, but large total forces are transmitted to occupants during jounce and rebound motions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is configured to provide different levels of damping based on the direction of fluid flow, creating a dynamic damping system that adapts to jounce and rebound motions. The variable orifice mechanism automatically adjusts damping force according to piston movement direction, reducing peak forces transmitted to occupants while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device creates different damping characteristics in different parts of the damping cycle. By providing a first level of damping for fluid flow in one direction and a second level for fluid flow in the opposite direction, the system applies locally optimized damping forces to specific phases of suspension motion, reducing overall force transmission to occupants
2Force
If position-dependent damping is implemented, then force transmission to occupants is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device operates autonomously based on the direction of fluid flow without requiring external sensors or electronic controls. The variable orifice mechanism self-adjusts damping forces according to piston movement direction, achieving position-dependent damping while minimizing added complexity through passive mechanical operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic fluid flow through a variable orifice to achieve position-dependent damping. By controlling fluid flow paths and pressure differentials, the system creates different damping levels for jounce and rebound motions, reducing force transmission to occupants through hydraulic principles rather than complex mechanical linkages
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
Reduces the total force imparted to vehicle occupants by separating recoil and compression damping forces, improving vehicle performance over uneven terrain without sensors or electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
Dampers (i.e. dashpots, hydraulic shock absorbers, etc.) dissipate kinetic energy as part of a vehicle suspension system. Energy is dissipated through a hydraulic fluid flow along a hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 2
the vehicle suspension may also include a spring coupled in parallel with the damper to a swing arm
Data Source
AI summary
A damper assembly includes a housing including a wall defining a first aperture fluidly coupled to a second aperture, a first tubular member coupled to the housing, a second tubular member extending between the wall and the first tubular member, a first plunger coupled to the second tubular member and in sliding engagement with an inner surface of the wall and an outer surface of the first tubular member, a third member extending within the first tubular member, and a second plunger coupled to the third member and in sliding engagement with an inner surface of the first tubular member.