Shock Absorber Check Valve Layout for Faster Damping Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing shock absorbers, a delay in damping force response occurs due to pressure leakage and insufficient volume during the reverse stroke, leading to overshoot of damping force, as the non-return valve sticks to the relief valve, causing a delay in pressure introduction into the back-pressure chamber.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design that includes a check valve and sub-valve system, where the check valve is seated on a second seat portion to be opened by the working fluid from the downstream-side back-pressure introducing passage, ensuring quick pressure introduction into the back-pressure chamber during reverse strokes, and the back-pressure chamber communicates with the common passage via slits to maintain volume during forward strokes, preventing pressure leakage and overshoot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-return valve directly closes a hole in the relief valve, then the structure is simple, but the valve sticks and delays pressure introduction into the back-pressure chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single non-return valve into two separate valves: a first non-return valve (check valve) and a second non-return valve (sub-valve). This segmentation allows each valve to perform its function independently, preventing the sticking problem that occurs when one valve directly blocks the relief valve hole. The first non-return valve introduces pressure from the downstream chamber to the back-pressure chamber, while the second non-return valve controls flow from the upstream chamber, ensuring reliable pressure introduction without delay.
2Reliability
If the main valve is opened during reverse stroke, then pressure can be released, but the volume is insufficient causing overshoot of damping force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pressure into the back-pressure chamber in advance during the reverse stroke by opening the first non-return valve. This preliminary action ensures that the back-pressure chamber has sufficient volume and pressure before the main valve opens during the forward stroke, preventing overshoot of damping force. The second non-return valve further ensures that pressure from the upstream chamber is introduced to maintain adequate volume.
3Device complexity
If the non-return valve sticks to the relief valve, then the structure remains compact, but pressure leakage occurs causing delay in damping force response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first non-return valve as an intermediary component between the downstream chamber and the back-pressure chamber. This intermediary valve provides a dedicated pressure introduction path that does not rely on directly blocking the relief valve hole, eliminating the sticking problem. The second non-return valve serves as another intermediary to ensure pressure from the upstream chamber is properly introduced, preventing pressure leakage and ensuring timely damping force response.
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
The design effectively suppresses delays in damping force response and prevents pressure leakage and overshoot by ensuring quick pressure introduction and maintaining volume in the back-pressure chamber, enhancing the shock absorber's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve to be seated on the second seat portion, which is allowed to be opened by the working fluid from the downstream-side back-pressure introducing passage
Implementation Method 2
a back-pressure chamber configured to exert an internal pressure on the main valve in a valve-closing direction of the main valve
Implementation Method 3
a passage in which flow of the working fluid is caused by movement of the piston in one direction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a shock absorber in which a check valve seated on a seat portion (second seat portion) having an annular shape is quickly opened during a reverse stroke. As a result, a working fluid in a chamber on a downstream side can be quickly introduced into a back-pressure chamber. Hence, a delay in response of a damping force, which may be caused by sticking of the check valve to a relief valve, can be suppressed.