Remote Damper Bypass Valve for Switchable Suspension Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting damping characteristics to maintain optimal handling and control on varying road conditions, particularly transitioning from compliant damping for off-road terrain to stiffer damping for smooth roads, which affects handling and stability.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated bypass system for vehicle dampers, allowing fluid flow control between the piston and cylinder, enabling adjustable damping by a remotely controllable valve that can be operated from the passenger compartment or automatically based on vehicle parameters like speed and position, using hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuators to change the damping characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed damping mechanism is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the damping characteristics cannot be adjusted for varying road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is designed to transition from a static fixed-position component to a dynamic adjustable component. The valve can shift between open and closed positions based on driving conditions, allowing the damping characteristics to adapt dynamically. This is achieved through actuators (electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic) that move the valve to different positions, transforming the suspension system from a fixed-damping to a variable-damping system.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control system is introduced between the driver and the damping mechanism. This intermediary includes the bypass valve, actuators, and control logic that translates driver intentions or sensor data into appropriate damping adjustments. The intermediary layer enables complex damping behavior without requiring direct mechanical complexity in the suspension components themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compliant damping is used for off-road terrain, then the suspension absorbs bumps well, but the vehicle experiences poor handling and stability on smooth roads
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve enables dynamic adjustment of damping characteristics based on terrain type. On off-road terrain, the valve remains open to allow fluid bypass, providing compliant damping that absorbs bumps. On smooth roads, the valve closes to restrict fluid flow, providing stiffer damping that improves handling and stability. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize performance for different driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the damping parameter (fluid flow restriction) based on driving conditions. By controlling the bypass valve position, the effective damping coefficient is varied: higher damping (valve closed) for smooth roads to improve handling, and lower damping (valve open) for off-road terrain to absorb bumps. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between comfort and handling.
3Extent of automation
If manually adjusted damping is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot respond dynamically to changing driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect driving conditions (acceleration, velocity, position) and feed this information back to the control system. The control logic processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the bypass valve position accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to changing conditions without manual intervention, while the control algorithm keeps the system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system serves itself by automatically detecting and responding to driving conditions without external intervention. The sensors monitor the system state, the control logic determines the appropriate damping level, and the actuators execute the adjustment autonomously. This self-service capability allows dynamic adaptation while minimizing the need for complex external control systems.
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 dynamic adjustment of damping characteristics to prevent bottoming out and maintain vehicle stability and control, improving handling by switching between compliant and stiff damping modes based on driving conditions, ensuring optimal performance on both off-road and smooth surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a piston and piston rod for limiting the flow rate of damping fluid as it passes from a first to a second portion of the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
using hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuators to change the damping characteristics
Implementation Method 3
using hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuators to change the damping characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A damper assembly with a bypass for a vehicle comprises a pressure cylinder with a piston and piston rod for limiting the flow rate of damping fluid as it passes from a first to a second side of said piston. A bypass provides fluid pathway between the first and second sides of the piston separately from the flow rate limitation. In one aspect, the bypass is remotely controllable from a passenger compartment of the vehicle. In another aspect, the bypass is remotely controllable based upon one or more variable parameters associated with the vehicle.