Vehicle Shock Absorber Bypass Damping Across Suspension Stroke
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock absorbers for vehicles have limited damping calibration range and require inconvenient and time-consuming adjustments, often stiffening or softening damping uniformly across the range of motion, failing to provide optimal comfort and control.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design featuring an inner and outer tube with bypass and refill zones, an electronically controlled valve, and position sensors to dynamically adjust damping based on piston position and speed, allowing for customizable damping calibration without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional shock absorbers use uniform damping calibration across the range of motion, then the structure is simple, but the ride comfort is reduced because the most frequently engaged range of motion cannot be optimized for softness
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber divides the range of motion into multiple segments or zones (first range, second range, third range) with different damping characteristics. The bypass mechanism is positioned to activate specifically in the second range, creating distinct damping zones that address different ride conditions independently rather than applying uniform damping across the entire stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shock absorber's range of motion are assigned different damping qualities. The bypass aperture provides a softer damping path specifically for the second range (most frequently engaged), while other ranges maintain their original damping characteristics. This local optimization improves overall comfort without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shock absorbers provide adjustable damping calibration, then adaptability improves, but the adjustment process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming requiring disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber provides automatic, self-regulating damping adjustment through the bypass mechanism. The system self-adjusts damping characteristics based on the piston's position and velocity, eliminating the need for manual intervention or disassembly. The bypass aperture automatically engages when fluid flow conditions warrant softer damping, providing adaptability without operational complexity.
3Force
If conventional shock absorbers stiffen damping uniformly across the range of motion, then control is improved, but ride comfort deteriorates in the most frequently engaged range
Solution Approach 1:
The damping force is made dynamic rather than static. The bypass aperture allows the damping characteristic to change based on operating conditions (piston velocity, position). When the piston moves through the second range at velocities that trigger bypass activation, the damping force automatically reduces, providing comfort when needed while maintaining control during other phases of operation.
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 design provides a more comfortable ride by softening damping in the most frequently used range of motion while maintaining control through adjustable damping, enhancing vehicle performance and reducing adjustment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The piston passage is a central piston passage extending through the piston for permitting fluid flow between the first side and the second side
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of bypass apertures fluidly communicates the inner fluid compartment with the outer fluid compartment
Implementation Method 3
The electronically controlled valve controls fluid flow through the piston passage based at least in part on the position of the piston
Implementation Method 4
The shock absorber dampens motion of the frame relative to the ground-engaging member so as to make driving the vehicle more comfortable and safer
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber for a vehicle includes an inner tube at least partially defining an inner fluid compartment and an outer tube enclosing at least in part the inner tube therein. Together, the inner tube and the outer tube at least partially define an outer fluid compartment therebetween. The inner tube defines a bypass zone having a plurality of bypass apertures that fluidly communicate the inner fluid compartment with the outer fluid compartment. A piston is movably mounted within the inner tube and moves in compression and in rebound. The piston defines a piston passage extending through the piston for permitting fluid flow between a first side and second side of the piston. An electronically controlled valve is connected to the piston and controls fluid flow through the piston passage. A method for controlling the shock absorber is also disclosed.