Dual-Valve Shock Absorber Structure for Compact Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorbers with two valves opening in the same stroke have complex structures, increased part counts, and longer axial lengths, necessitating a simplified design.
Innovation Solution
A dual-tube hydraulic shock absorber with two damping force generation mechanisms, one for extension and one for compression, utilizing annular valve seats and disc valves that open at different piston speeds to manage damping forces efficiently, reducing the number of parts and axial length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two valves are provided to open in the same stroke, then damping force control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two valve functions into a single disc valve with a through-hole structure. The disc valve simultaneously performs the functions of a first valve and a second valve by utilizing its outer circumferential surface and inner circumferential surface respectively, eliminating the need for separate valve components and reducing structural complexity while maintaining dual damping control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The disc valve is segmented into functional zones: the outer circumferential surface forms a first valve seat for the first valve function, the inner circumferential surface forms a second valve seat for the second valve function, and the central through-hole provides additional flow control. This segmentation allows one component to perform multiple valve functions independently
2Reliability
If two valves are provided to open in the same stroke, then damping force control is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disc valve is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as both the first valve and the second valve. Its outer surface and inner surface independently form valve seats, allowing a single part to perform the damping control functions that would traditionally require two separate valve components
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve functions are merged into one disc valve component. The first valve function is implemented on the outer circumferential surface while the second valve function is implemented on the inner circumferential surface, reducing the total part count while maintaining dual-valve operational capability
3Reliability
If two valves are provided to open in the same stroke, then damping force control is improved, but axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from an axial arrangement of multiple valves to a radial arrangement on the disc valve surfaces. The first valve seat is formed on the outer circumferential surface while the second valve seat is formed on the inner circumferential surface, utilizing the radial dimension to accommodate multiple valve functions without increasing axial length
Solution Approach 2:
The second valve seat (inner circumferential surface) is nested within the structure of the first valve seat (outer circumferential surface). This nested arrangement allows both valve functions to coexist in a compact configuration, with the inner valve functionality contained within the outer valve structure, minimizing axial space requirements
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 solution simplifies the structure, reduces the number of parts, and minimizes axial length while maintaining effective damping force management across varying piston speeds, enhancing the shock absorber's performance and manufacturability.
Implementation Method 1
an annular disc valve in which a separable part on an outer circumferential side is separably disposed on the first valve seat of the case member, and a second valve seat provided on a side of the disc valve opposite to the first valve seat, and configured to separably support the disc valve
Implementation Method 2
a first damping force generation mechanism provided in a first passage formed in a piston to generate a damping force, and a second damping force generation mechanism disposed on one chamber side with the piston rod inserted therethrough and provided in a second passage in parallel with the first passage
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber includes a first damping force generation mechanism provided in a first passage, and a second damping force generation mechanism provided in a second passage, in which the second damping force generation mechanism includes a first valve seat formed on a case member having a cylindrical part and a bottom part, a disc valve in which a separable part on an outer circumferential side is separably disposed on a first valve seat, and a second valve seat provided on a side of the disc valve opposite to the first valve seat and configured to support the disc valve on a radial inner side of the separable part, and the second passage includes a piston rod passage part formed by cutting out or penetrating the piston rod, and a chamber passage part which allows communication from the piston rod passage part to a case inner chamber.