Selective Kinematic Locking Shock Absorber Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorber systems for vehicles are complex and expensive, and they can only lock damping in a single direction, typically compression, failing to achieve two-way selective locking necessary for applications like low-speed maneuvers in motorcycles or three- and four-wheeled vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber assembly with a dual-piston design and interconnected hydraulic fluid system, featuring a control valve that can lock both compression and extension motions by occluding specific ducts, allowing for selective kinematic locking in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magneto-rheological fluids are used to modify rheological characteristics, then damping response is significantly changed with near total locking capability, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex magneto-rheological fluid systems with a simpler mechanical valve system. The control valve (100) with occluders (104, 106) mechanically blocks ducts (80, 84) to achieve locking, substituting the need for magnetic fields and rheological fluid modifications while maintaining reliable damping control in both compression and extension directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the magneto-rheological fluid component from the system. By using a purely mechanical valve system with occluders that directly block fluid passage in ducts, the complex fluid dynamics and magnetic field generation systems are removed, reducing device complexity while preserving the essential locking function.
2Ease of operation
If single-direction locking is implemented in compression direction, then damping control is improved, but two-way selective locking capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve (100) is designed with multiple occluders (104, 106) that can independently block different ducts (80, 84) to provide universal locking capability in both compression and extension directions. The same valve mechanism handles both directions of motion, making the system versatile for various operating conditions including low-speed maneuvers and different vehicle setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fluid passage into multiple separate ducts (80, 84) that can be independently controlled. The control valve (100) can selectively occlude the upper duct (80) for compression locking, the first interconnection duct (84) for extension locking, or both ducts for complete two-way locking, providing granular control over damping in each direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment on screw registers is used, then damping level can be adjusted according to running conditions, but automation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve (100) is designed to be movable along an adjustment stroke, transitioning between unlocked and locked positions dynamically. This movable valve can be actuated automatically by actuators (not shown) based on sensor feedback from vehicle conditions, enabling the damping system to adapt automatically to changing running conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through sensors that detect vehicle running conditions and feed this information to the control valve positioning system. The control valve (100) responds to these feedback signals by adjusting its position along the adjustment stroke, automatically modifying damping characteristics based on actual vehicle operation rather than static manual settings.
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 simple, economical, and reliable two-way locking of the suspension system, allowing for specific set-up conditions in terms of roll and pitch, applicable to various vehicles including motorcycles and quad bikes, and can be integrated into existing systems as a retrofit.
Implementation Method 1
a first piston (52) sliding inside a first sheath (48) along a first sliding direction (X-X) and pressurising, if moved, a hydraulic fluid contained inside the first sheath (48)
Implementation Method 2
a control valve (100) movable along an adjustment stroke from an unlocked position, in which it does not interfere with said upper duct (80) and said first interconnection duct (84), to a locked position, wherein said upper duct (80) and said first interconnection duct (84) are occluded
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber assembly including a first sheath slidingly housing inside it a first piston which is filled with hydraulic fluid, the first piston having a first stem extending from the first sheath and a first head contained inside the first sheath, a second sheath slidingly housing inside it a second piston which is filled with hydraulic fluid, the second piston having a second stem extending from the second sheath and a second head contained inside the second sheath. The first and second sheaths are fluidly connected to each other by means of at least one upper duct and a first interconnection duct passing through a control body. The control body houses at least one damping valve including a damping plate having holes suitable to allow a calibrated passage of the hydraulic fluid channelled by the first and second sheaths towards the control body; the control body houses a control valve connected to actuator means to be movable, in a regulation stroke, from an unlocked position, in which it does not interfere with the upper duct to a locked position, wherein the upper duct is occluded.