Bicycle Shock Absorber Chambers for Low-Friction Damping Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bicycle suspension systems face challenges with air-sprung suspensions experiencing stick-slip friction and lacking on-the-fly compression damping adjustment, while air-damped suspensions fail to provide adjustable compression damping.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorber design featuring multiple compression and damping chambers with independently adjustable fluid pressures, dynamic seals oriented to minimize friction during compression, and adjustable valves for on-the-fly adjustment of compression damping and spring rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If air springs are used in bicycle suspension, then weight is reduced and spring support is provided, but stick-slip friction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension weightVSAvoidstick-slip friction

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a compressible fluid (air or gas) as both the spring medium and damping fluid in a unified chamber system. The fluid serves dual functions: providing spring support through compression and providing damping through controlled flow resistance, eliminating the need for separate air springs and oil dampers that caused stick-slip friction between different media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If air damped suspensions are used, then damping is provided, but on-the-fly compression damping adjustment is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedampingVSAvoidon-the-fly adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an adjustable valve mechanism that allows real-time modification of the fluid flow path resistance during compression. The valve can be adjusted on-the-fly to change the orifice size or flow characteristics, thereby dynamically adjusting compression damping levels during riding conditions such as climbing or sprinting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compressible fluid chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the spring element and the damping element. By adjusting the valve, the same fluid provides variable compression damping while maintaining spring support, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for spring and damping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable valves are added for on-the-fly compression damping adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression damping adjustmentVSAvoidvalving mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spring chamber and damping chamber into a single unified chamber containing compressible fluid. The adjustable valve is integrated into this unified system, allowing compression damping adjustment without requiring separate complex mechanisms for spring adjustment and damping adjustment. The fluid serves both functions, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If dynamic seals are configured to minimize friction during compression, then friction is reduced, but seal design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction during compressionVSAvoidseal configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of configuring seals to resist compression forces in the conventional direction, the patent orients the dynamic seals such that their friction-minimizing direction aligns with the compression motion. This inverted orientation allows the seals to glide more easily during compression strokes, reducing friction while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 reduces friction and allows for real-time adjustment of suspension settings, enhancing performance during climbing and sprinting by minimizing unwanted suspension movement.

Implementation Method 1

a first compression chamber filled with a compressible fluid... a second compression chamber filled with a compressible fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

configure seals that minimize friction during a compression stroke

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a first damping chamber filled with a compressible fluid... fluid pressure within the first compression chamber and the fluid pressure within the second compression chamber may independently be adjusted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11835107B2Combined air spring and damper

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 EKO SPORT INC

AI summary

A suspension system includes a first compression chamber and a second compression chamber with a damping chamber therebetween. The compression chambers may be independently filled with a compressible fluid, and the relative pressures may govern the rebound rate of the suspension. Seals that minimize friction, an adjustment system, and a stop are also included to enhance rider joy.