Shock Absorber Rod Guide Digital Valves Damping Control
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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 passive valve designs, which require high precision components and are not adaptable enough for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rod guide assembly with a plurality of digital valves and an electronic control system on a printed circuit board assembly to control fluid flow between pressure and reserve chambers, allowing for precise adjustment of damping characteristics through energization of coils and spool valves, enabling multiple damping states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive valve designs are used in shock absorbers, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to varying operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements actively controllable digital valves that can dynamically adjust damping characteristics in real-time based on operating conditions, replacing static passive valve designs. The electronic control system enables the valve to transition between different damping states (open, closed, partially open) dynamically, providing adaptability to varying road conditions and vehicle loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical passive valve systems with an electronically controlled digital valve system. The electronic control system uses electrical signals to actuate the valve, substituting complex mechanical linkage and adjustment mechanisms with simpler electrical control, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision components are used in passive valve designs, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve system into modular components: a digital valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a rod guide assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently with standard tolerances, then assembled together. The modular design reduces the need for high-precision machining of single integrated components, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining overall system precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control system as an intermediary between the sensor inputs and the valve actuation. This intermediary processes control signals and manages the complexity of precision control, allowing the mechanical valve components to be manufactured with standard tolerances while achieving precise damping control through electronic regulation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple digital valves and pressure regulated valve assemblies are incorporated, then the control precision over damping characteristics is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple digital valves and pressure regulated valve assemblies into a single integrated rod guide assembly. This merging of components achieves precise control over damping characteristics by coordinating the operation of multiple valves within one structural unit, while the integrated design prevents the complexity from becoming unmanageable through systematic arrangement and common mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the rod guide assembly to serve multiple functions: it houses the digital valves, provides pressure regulation, guides the piston rod, and integrates the electronic control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and assemblies, achieving precise damping control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 solution enhances the control over damping characteristics, providing a broader range of damping states and improving the ability to adapt to various operating conditions, leading to better vibration absorption and vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve cartridge (SVC) which may be electrically actuated to control a flow of fluid between the pressure chamber and the reserve chamber
Implementation Method 2
a valve stack or other pressure regulated valve assembly which may control a flow rate of fluid through the solenoid valve cartridge as a function of a pressure differential across the solenoid valve cartridge
Data Source
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.