Damper Valve Shim Stiffness Tuning Without Preload Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorption technologies require time-consuming and error-prone processes to adjust the stiffness of shims in damper valves, which affects the damping characteristics and can lead to inefficient shock absorption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stiffness adjustment feature that allows for the adjustable effective stiffness of shims in damper valves without affecting preloads, using a combination of a stiffness adjustment plate, a spring component, and an adjuster to vary the resistance to shim deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shims are replaced to adjust stiffness, then damping characteristics can be changed, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The shim stack is made adjustable through a mechanism that allows dynamic reconfiguration of shim positions and orientations. The adjuster enables the shim stack to transition between different stiffness configurations without replacement, making the system adaptable while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim stack is divided into multiple individual shims that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows selective engagement of different shims to achieve various damping characteristics without replacing the entire stack, reducing adjustment time and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shims are replaced to adjust stiffness, then damping characteristics can be changed, but the process becomes error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The manual replacement process is replaced with a mechanical adjustment mechanism that uses an adjuster to reposition and reorient shims. This substitution eliminates human error in shim selection and installation, providing reliable and repeatable damping adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjuster acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the shim stack. It provides controlled and precise adjustment of shim positions and orientations, ensuring accurate damping characteristics without the errors associated with direct manual replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional valve adjustment methods are used, then damping can be modified, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster mechanism serves multiple functions: it repositions shims, reorients shims, and maintains preloads on the shim stack. This multi-functionality allows damping adjustment without adding separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism combines positioning, orientation, and preload maintenance functions into a single integrated system. By merging these functions, the patent avoids the complexity of multiple separate adjustment mechanisms while achieving comprehensive damping control.
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 the adjustment of damping characteristics without the need to replace shims, reducing complexity and improving the efficiency of shock absorption by allowing for precise control of the effective stiffness of shims.
Implementation Method 1
a spring component, and an adjuster to vary the resistance to shim deflection
Data Source
AI summary
A damper valve with an adjustable effective stiffness of a shim. The damper valve includes a piston. The piston has a fluid path formed therethrough. A shim is disposed proximate the fluid path formed through the piston. A stiffness adjustment feature is coupled to the shim, and the shim is disposed between the piston and the stiffness adjustment feature. The stiffness adjustment feature is configured to adjust the effective stiffness of the shim without affecting a preload applied to the shim.