Shock Absorber Bleed Valve Assembly for Independent Damping Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable damping assemblies in shock absorbers are cumbersome to adjust, making it difficult for vehicle riders to tailor damping characteristics to current driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bleed valve assembly comprising two serially connected bleed valves, each independently adjustable, is arranged between the compression and rebound chambers in a shock absorber, allowing for independent adjustment of damping force characteristics during compression and rebound strokes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable damping assemblies are arranged in piston rods, then damping characteristics can be adjusted for different driving conditions, but the assemblies become cumbersome to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The damping adjustment system is segmented into multiple independent bleed valves (first and second bleed valves) that can be adjusted separately. Each valve controls damping for specific stroke directions (compression or rebound), allowing granular adjustment of damping characteristics without requiring complex overall system adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling member acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates external adjustment inputs into internal valve position changes. The coupling member enables remote adjustment of the bleed valves from the end of the shock absorber, making the adjustment process convenient without requiring direct access to the valves themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two serially connected bleed valves are arranged between compression and rebound chambers, then independent adjustment of compression and rebound damping is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second bleed valves are merged into a single integrated assembly that fits within the piston rod. The valves are arranged in series within the same structural housing, combining multiple functions (compression damping control and rebound damping control) into one compact unit rather than requiring separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The bleed valve assembly is nested within the piston rod structure. The first and second bleed valves are positioned one after another within the confined space of the piston rod, with each valve nested within the overall assembly structure, maximizing space utilization while maintaining independent adjustability.
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 precise adjustment of damping force characteristics, facilitating improved handling and comfort by allowing independent control of compression and rebound damping, and can be adjusted remotely through longitudinally extending coupling members.
Implementation Method 1
Each adjustable bleed valve may be adapted to throttle a damping fluid in the piston rod more in the second open state than in the first open state
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an adjustable bleed valve assembly for a shock absorber. The bleed valve assembly includes: a first adjustable bleed valve, and a second adjustable bleed valve arranged in series with the first adjustable bleed valve, wherein the first adjustable bleed valve and the second adjustable bleed valve are each pressure independently adjustable between a first open state and a second open state, wherein each adjustable bleed valve is adapted to throttle a damping fluid in the piston rod more in the second open state than in the first open state, wherein the first adjustable bleed valve and the second adjustable bleed valve are each adjustable between the first open state and the second open state independently from one another. An adjustment device and a method for adjusting the bleed valve assembly is also provided.