Rod Guide Digital Valves for Adaptive Shock Absorber Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers in automotive suspension systems have limited ability to adjust damping characteristics in response to varying operating conditions due to their passive valve design, which requires high precision components and is not sufficiently adaptable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rod guide assembly with a plurality of digital valves and an additional valve assembly at the outlet side, controlled by an electronic control system, to finely tune the damping characteristics by allowing multiple flow states between the pressure and reserve chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive valve design is used in shock absorbers, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to adjust damping characteristics in response to varying operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into multiple independent solenoid valve cartridges (first, second, third, and fourth cartridges) positioned at different locations around the piston rod. Each cartridge can be independently controlled to provide or restrict fluid flow paths, enabling granular adjustment of damping characteristics across different operating conditions without requiring a completely complex single-valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static passive valve design to a dynamic actively controlled system using electronically operable solenoid valves. The control system can dynamically activate or deactivate specific valve cartridges based on real-time operating conditions (jounce, rebound, compression, extension), allowing the damping characteristics to adapt continuously rather than remaining fixed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valve cartridges are used to control fluid flow, then the adaptability to operating conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple solenoid valve cartridges perform overlapping functions - each cartridge can provide or restrict fluid flow paths depending on its activation state. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve a wide range of damping characteristics using standardized valve components, reducing the need for entirely different valve types for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve cartridges are positioned concentrically around the piston rod in a nested arrangement, with each cartridge occupying a specific radial position. This nesting allows multiple valve components to be integrated into a compact cylindrical space without requiring excessive axial or radial dimensions, managing the physical complexity of having multiple valves.
3Manufacturing precision
If high precision components are used in passive valve systems, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses commercially available off-the-shelf solenoid valve cartridges rather than custom-designed high-precision passive valve components. These standardized cartridges can be manufactured using conventional processes and are readily replaceable, trading the need for ultra-precise custom manufacturing for easier assembly and maintenance of standardized components.
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 configuration enhances the control over damping forces, providing a broader range of damping states and improved adaptability to various operating conditions without the need for high precision components, thereby optimizing suspension performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first solenoid valve cartridge and a second solenoid valve cartridge, each positioned at a different radial position about the piston rod... the first and second solenoid valve cartridges each having an associated control signal input
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure regulated valve assembly and a second pressure regulated valve assembly, each positioned at a different radial position about the piston rod... to regulate a flow rate of fluid through the first and second solenoid valve cartridges
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a shock absorber having a pressure tube forming a pressure chamber. A piston rod is disposed within the pressure chamber. A reserve tube defines a reserve chamber adjacent the pressure tube. A rod guide assembly is concentrically disposed about the piston rod and the pressure chamber and houses a plurality of digital valves. Each one of the digital valves includes a component which is moveable between an open state and a closed state, and thus helps to control a fluid flow between the pressure chamber and the reserve chamber. An electronic control system is disposed on a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and controls actuation of the digital valves. At least one additional valve is associated with one of the digital valves for further controlling a flow of fluid between the pressure chamber and the reserve chamber.