Shock Absorber Cup Structure for Cost-Effective Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand to suppress the increase in cost of shock absorbers, particularly those that experience an increase in damping force when the rod reaches a predetermined range during a compression stroke.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design featuring a tube with an inner chamber divided by a piston assembly into first and second chambers, a cup with a sleeve in the second chamber, and a base adapter fixed by press fitting, which includes a second valve assembly connected to the piston rod and configured to enter and exit from the cup, allowing for cost-effective damping force regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cup structure is used in the shock absorber to control damping force, then damping force control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cup structure is divided into a sleeve and a base adapter that can be assembled separately. The sleeve is disposed in the second chamber with a gap between itself and the tube, while the base adapter is fixed to the sleeve by press fitting. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly, reducing overall production costs while maintaining the damping force control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The base adapter serves as an intermediary component between the sleeve and the first valve assembly. It is fixed to the sleeve by press fitting and provides a mounting surface for the first valve assembly, enabling modular assembly and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural integrity and damping control.
2Reliability
If a complex valve assembly structure is used to regulate damping force, then damping force regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent components: the first valve assembly connected to the tube, the second valve assembly connected to the piston rod, the sleeve, and the base adapter. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective damping force regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup structure with the sleeve and base adapter serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the piston rod movement, houses the valve assemblies, and contributes to damping force control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.
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 cost increases while maintaining damping force control, providing a cost-effective solution for shock absorbers.
Implementation Method 1
a base adapter fixed to the sleeve by press fitting
Data Source
AI summary
This shock absorber includes a first valve assembly connected to one end of a tube in an axial direction, a piston assembly dividing an inner chamber of the tube into a first chamber and a second chamber, a piston rod extending from the tube through the first chamber with the piston assembly connected to an intermediate position in the axial direction, a cup provided in the second chamber, and a second valve assembly disposed in the second chamber to be connected to the piston rod and configured to enter and exit from the cup. The cup includes a sleeve disposed in the second chamber with a gap between itself and the tube in a radial direction, and a base adapter fixed to the sleeve by press fitting and provided between the sleeve and the first valve assembly.