Shock Absorber Cover Space Configuration for Solenoid Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock absorbers with damping force adjustment mechanisms are prone to deformation and contact with solenoids due to bending loads from impacts, such as flying stones, which can damage the solenoid and affect the damping force adjustment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design featuring a cover with a wider space between its inner surface and housing on the spaced-apart side from the cylinder, providing increased stiffness and protection for the damping force adjustment mechanism, with a metallic cover that deforms to avoid contact with the solenoid and integrates with the housing to maintain strength and reduce weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the housing and cover protrude from the cylinder to accommodate the damping force adjustment mechanism, then the damping force can be adjusted, but the cover may deform and contact the solenoid under bending loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by creating a stepped space configuration between the cover and housing. The space width varies along the axial direction, with a first space near the cylinder and a second space away from the cylinder. This dimensional variation provides a safety margin that prevents cover deformation from causing solenoid contact, while maintaining the protruding structure needed for damping adjustment functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover fully encloses the housing for protection, then protection is improved, but the space for damping force adjustment mechanism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protective cover structure into different regions with different space characteristics. The cover forms a first space near the cylinder side and a second space away from the cylinder side. This segmentation allows the cover to provide protection while maintaining adequate space for the damping force adjustment mechanism in the second space region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the axial dimension to create varied space widths between the cover and housing. By making the space width change along the axial direction (wider in the second space, narrower in the first space), the design accommodates both protection requirements and mechanism space requirements without full enclosure.
3Strength
If the cover is made rigid to prevent deformation, then structural strength is improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cover-housing interface by creating a stepped space configuration. This parameter change allows the cover to have sufficient stiffness in critical areas while maintaining lighter weight overall, as the space variation provides structural efficiency without requiring excessive material thickness throughout.
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
Prevents contact between the cover and solenoid, enhancing the shock absorber's ability to withstand bending loads and maintain damping force adjustment performance while reducing weight and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
when a bending load is applied to the cover due to an impact with a flying stone or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A space between an inner surface of a cover and a housing is set to be wider on a spaced-apart side from a cylinder than on a cylinder side. Therefore, the cover is generally integrated with the housing at the moment that the cylinder side abuts against the housing, which can improve stiffness. This can prevent the cover from contacting a solenoid located on the spaced-apart side of the housing that is spaced apart from the cylinder.