Shock Absorber Crimp Groove Structure for Low-Load Valve Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The crimp fixation method in conventional damping force adjustable shock absorbers applies a large shaping load, risking damage to the solenoid and valve mechanisms due to the inward application of force from a radially outer side, which can lead to component damage and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A damping force adjustable shock absorber with a crimp portion that includes a groove on the outer peripheral surface of the solenoid case and a bent end portion of the valve case, where the groove has an inclined surface, allowing for secure fixation with a predetermined detachment load while minimizing the load on the solenoid and valve blocks, thereby reducing the risk of damage during crimping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large shaping load is applied inward from a radially outer side to crimp the sleeve-shaped extension portion, then the solenoid case and valve case are securely fixed, but the solenoid and valve mechanism components are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portion acts as an intermediary structure between the crimping tool and the solenoid/valve mechanism. It redirects the crimping force along its inclined surface, preventing direct transmission of large radial loads to the sensitive components while still achieving secure fixation of the sleeve-shaped extension portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying force directly inward from the radially outer side toward the components, the groove portion inverts the force direction by providing an inclined surface that redirects the load. The crimping force is applied to the groove structure rather than directly to the solenoid and valve mechanism, fundamentally changing the load path.
2Reliability
If a large shaping load is applied during crimping, then the fixation is secure, but the load on the solenoid block and valve block increases to potentially damaging levels
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portion serves as a load-distributing intermediary that prevents concentrated forces from reaching the solenoid block and valve block. By providing a structured interface for the crimping operation, it maintains fixation reliability while protecting the components from excessive loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove portion is pre-formed as a protective structure that cushions and distributes the upcoming crimping load before it reaches the sensitive components. This beforehand preparation prevents sudden or concentrated forces from damaging the solenoid and valve mechanism during the fixation process.
3Strength
If the valve case thickness is increased to withstand crimping loads, then component strength is improved, but the overall device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portion acts as a structural intermediary that handles the crimping loads, allowing the valve case to maintain its original thickness without requiring additional strengthening measures. This prevents unnecessary increases in device complexity and material usage while still ensuring component strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve case structure is segmented into functional zones: the groove portion handles the mechanical loading from crimping, while the main valve case body maintains its original design for fluid control functions. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, avoiding unnecessary thickening of the entire valve case.
Data Source
AI summary
A crimp portion provided to a damping force adjustable shock absorber includes a crimp groove portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of a solenoid case along a circumferential direction thereof, and one end portion of a thin wall portion of a valve case that is contained while being bent in this crimp groove portion. The crimp groove portion includes an inclined surface inclined into a case 40 from a valve case side toward a solenoid case side. Due to this configuration, the damping force adjustable shock absorber can securely fix the solenoid case and the valve case by crimping while reducing a load on a solenoid block and a valve block due to the crimp fixation to a minimum load.