Shock Absorber Valve Assembly for Broad-Range Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorbers and damping valves fail to provide optimal performance across a broad range of shock transmission conditions, particularly in high-speed and high-deformation scenarios, necessitating improved response characteristics and tunability for racing and competition applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hydraulic shock absorber and auxiliary hydraulic fluid valve assemblies featuring a piston with flow ports, annular valve chambers, and spring-urged valving elements that adjust fluid flow paths to manage shock transmission effectively across various impact speeds and forces, incorporating a secondary pair of adjustable auxiliary hydraulic fluid valves for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shock absorbers and damping valves are used, then basic shock transmission is dampened, but optimal performance across a broad range of shock transmission conditions (high-speed, large deformation, high-speed small deformation, low-speed large deformation, low-speed small deformation) is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent valving elements (first and second valving elements) with distinct valve seats, allowing each element to control specific flow paths for different shock conditions. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple deformation scenarios simultaneously without requiring a completely redesign for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The valving elements are designed to dynamically respond to varying shock conditions through spring-loaded mechanisms that adjust valve opening degrees based on impact force. The first and second valving elements can independently adjust their positions responsive to fluid pressure, enabling real-time adaptation to high-speed and low-speed conditions without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If multiple valving elements and flow paths are added to improve shock transmission control, then performance across various impact speeds and forces is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valving elements and flow paths are merged into a single integrated valve assembly that operates cooperatively. The first and second valving elements share common structural support and fluid communication channels, allowing complex shock control functionality to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple shock transmission scenarios (high-speed large deformation, high-speed small deformation, low-speed large deformation, low-speed small deformation) through a single multi-functional design. The combination of multiple valving elements and adjustable auxiliary valves provides broad adaptability without requiring separate systems for each condition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable auxiliary hydraulic fluid valves are incorporated, then tunability and response characteristics are maximized for racing and competition conditions, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable auxiliary valves are pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms that allow tuning to be performed during assembly or initial setup rather than requiring complex field adjustments. The valve assembly incorporates pre-positioned flow ports and valve seats that facilitate straightforward manufacturing and assembly while maintaining post-assembly tunability for racing conditions.
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 enables tuned and mitigated shock transmission over a broad range of impact speeds and forces, enhancing performance and responsiveness in vehicles and machinery by dynamically adjusting fluid flow paths and pressures within the shock absorber system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring configured to urge the at least one valving element in movable mating and demating relation against the first valve seat and the second valve seat
Implementation Method 2
the at least one valve seat demated from the first valve seat and the second valve seat responsive to fluid pressure in the annular valve chamber compressing the at least one spring
Implementation Method 3
impact force of a moving object is absorbed by causing a piston to displace hydraulic fluid from a cylinder through metering orifices, sprung bodies, fluid feedback loops and/or valves
Implementation Method 4
Shock absorbers and damping valves have been used on a number of vehicles including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles to dampen shock transmission from a vehicle wheel to a frame or structure
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber is provided having a cylinder, a piston rod, a piston body, and a valve. The cylinder is configured to receive fluid. The piston body is connected to the piston rod and is configured to reciprocate within the cylinder between a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. The valve is provided by the piston body having a fluid flow port, a valve seat, a circumferential valving element, and a spring configured to urge the valve body into the valve seat. A primary damping valve and an auxiliary damping valve are also provided.