Remote Bypass Suspension Damper for Variable Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems lack an effective method for remotely adjusting dampening characteristics, which is essential for adapting to varying driving conditions such as off-road terrain and highway use, where different shock absorption is required to maintain vehicle control and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated bypass system for vehicle suspension dampers, featuring a damper cylinder with a piston and piston rod, a bypass assembly with a remotely controllable valve, and a coil spring preload blow-off assembly, allowing for adjustable damping fluid flow based on vehicle parameters like speed, position, and acceleration, enabling dynamic adjustment of shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed dampening system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the vehicle cannot adapt to varying driving conditions such as off-road terrain and highway use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable bypass valve mechanism that can change the dampening characteristics of the suspension system in real-time. The bypass valve is controlled by a solenoid actuator that responds to vehicle speed signals, automatically adjusting the dampening force to match current driving conditions. This transforms the fixed dampening system into a dynamic one that adapts between compliant (off-road) and stiff (highway) modes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a remotely controllable bypass valve is added to adjust dampening characteristics, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control mechanism where a vehicle speed sensor continuously monitors the vehicle's operating conditions and sends signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this information and automatically actuates the solenoid valve to adjust the bypass opening, thereby regulating the dampening force. This closed-loop feedback system enables remote adaptability while managing complexity through automated control rather than manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is designed to self-regulate its dampening characteristics based on vehicle speed feedback without requiring direct operator intervention. The control unit automatically determines the appropriate dampening setting and actuates the bypass valve accordingly, allowing the system to serve itself by adapting to changing driving conditions autonomously, thus improving adaptability while keeping the user interface simple.
3Reliability
If the bypass valve is locked out to prevent fluid flow, then vehicle control improves on highway, but shock absorption capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is designed with dynamic control capability that allows it to transition between fully open, partially open, and fully closed (locked out) positions based on real-time vehicle speed and driving conditions. At highway speeds, the valve locks out to provide stiff dampening for vehicle control stability. When detecting off-road or rough terrain conditions, the valve opens to allow fluid bypass, restoring compliant shock absorption. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction by providing the right dampening characteristic at the right time.
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 allows for real-time adjustment of shock absorption, enhancing vehicle stability and control by changing dampening characteristics from compliant to stiff, improving handling and safety across different driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic input providing activating pressure to adjust the remotely controllable valve between an open position, a lock-out position, and an intermediate position between the open position and the lock-out position
Implementation Method 2
a shim disposed to meter a flow of said damping fluid through said flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle suspension damper (100) comprising: a damper cylinder (102); a damping fluid disposed within said damper cylinder; a piston assembly disposed within said damper cylinder, said piston assembly comprising: a piston (105) having a flow path formed through said piston; a shim (115) disposed to meter a flow of said damping fluid through said flow path; and a piston rod (107) coupled to said piston; and a bypass assembly (150) providing a fluid pathway between a first side of said piston and a second side of said piston, said bypass assembly comprising: a remotely controllable valve (200) for controlling the flow of said damping fluid through said bypass assembly, said remotely controllable valve controlled by an operator-actuated switch (415) located in a passenger compartment of a vehicle to which said vehicle suspension damper is coupled, and a pneumatic input (410) providing activating pressure to adjust the remotely controllable valve between an open position, a lock-out position, and an intermediate position between the open position and the lock-out position.