Rotatable Valve Hydraulic Damper for Selective Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic damper assemblies lack the ability to selectively establish secondary fluid communication independent of pressure in the compression chamber, limiting control over fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable valve is introduced within the valve housing bore, allowing for independent control of fluid flow through the bypass passage and valve housing orifice, functioning as an on/off mechanism that can be user-controlled to provide selective fluid flow based on user preference, such as sporty or comfort modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass passage is established through the base valve assembly, then secondary fluid communication between chambers is enabled, but the ability to selectively control this flow independent of compression chamber pressure is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable valve is nested within the valve housing bore, creating a compact structure where the valve body contains internal flow passages and the rotatable element is positioned within the housing. This nested arrangement enables selective flow control through a single integrated component rather than requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable valve is added to control fluid flow selectively, then user-controlled fluid flow is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable valve serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow between chambers, provides user-selectable damping modes (sport/comfort), and integrates with the existing bypass passage structure. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent achieves ease of operation without requiring multiple separate control devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If the valve orifice is aligned with the valve housing orifice in the open position, then fluid flow through bypass passage is enabled, but flow control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable valve structure incorporates the valve orifice and the valve housing incorporates the housing orifice such that their relative alignment is automatically established by the mechanical assembly process. The valve body and housing are designed with mating features that self-align the orifices when assembled, eliminating the need for high-precision manual alignment during manufacturing. This self-aligning mechanism enables full fluid flow in the open position while maintaining reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
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 enables user-controlled fluid flow, enhancing handling options and damping performance without significant changes to manufacturing processes, resulting in a cost-effective improvement.
Implementation Method 1
A valve is rotatably disposed within the valve housing bore and defines at least one valve orifice extending therethrough along the plane and being rotatable about the axis between a closed position and an open position to align the valve orifice and the valve housing in the open position whereby fluid flows serially through the bypass passage and the valve orifice and the valve housing orifice
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a hydraulic damper assembly, wherein a valve housing (78) having a valve housing bore (88) is disposed in abutting relationship with a bypass insert (68) of a base valve assembly (56) for isolating a bypass passage (70) from a reservoir (36). The valve housing (78) defines a valve housing orifice (128) extending therethrough to define an orifice plane (P). A valve (106) is rotatably disposed within the valve housing bore (88) and defines at least one valve orifice (130) extending therethrough along the plane (P). The valve (106) is rotatable between a closed position and an open position to align the valve orifice (130) and the valve housing orifice (128) whereby a working fluid flows serially through the bypass passage (70) and the valve orifice (130) and the valve housing orifice (128) in the open position. A modulating valve (134) overlays the valve housing orifice (128) for variably and incrementally increasing the fluid flow through the aligned orifices (128, 130) in response to an increase in pressure in the valve housing orifice (128) above a predetermined pressure.