Vehicle Shock Absorber Protective Cover for Electrical Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers for vehicles lack effective protection for electrical couplers, particularly in harsh environments where external objects and water can damage or disconnect the wire harness connections, leading to compromised performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shock absorber system incorporating a protective cover that shields the wire harness connection and electrical couplers, using a solenoid valve and reservoir to adjust damping settings dynamically, and a protective cover designed to wrap around the solenoid valve housing and wire harness connector to prevent external contact and water intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wire harness connection and electrical coupler are exposed for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage from external objects and water intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is integrated into the shock absorber housing structure, with the cover forming a nested enclosure around the electrical coupler and wire harness connection. This nesting approach provides protection while maintaining a compact overall structure, allowing the electrical components to be accessed by removing or opening the integrated cover rather than exposing them permanently.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover acts as an intermediary element between the electrical components and the external environment. It provides a barrier against water and external objects while including features like sealed openings or protective boots that allow necessary electrical connections to pass through safely, mediating between the need for protection and the need for electrical functionality.
2Reliability
If a protective cover is added to shield electrical components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is merged with the existing shock absorber housing structure rather than being a separate, independent component. The cover utilizes the same manufacturing processes and material specifications as the housing, and is integrated into the assembly sequence, thereby providing protection without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover serves multiple functions: it protects electrical components from water and external objects, provides structural support for the electrical coupler mounting, and maintains the aerodynamic profile of the shock absorber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective cover completely encloses the electrical coupler, then protection from water is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is segmented into removable sections or includes detachable access points that allow technicians to reach the electrical coupler for inspection and repair. The cover may be divided into upper and lower sections connected by hinges or removable fasteners, enabling access to electrical components without removing the entire cover assembly, thus maintaining water protection while facilitating maintenance.
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 enhances the reliability and durability of the shock absorber by protecting electrical components from external damage and water, ensuring consistent performance across varying terrain and conditions, while allowing for adjustable damping settings to optimize ride comfort and handling.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid valve can be in fluid communication with each of the reservoir and the damper tube and configured to selectively open and close fluid communication between the reservoir and the damper tube
Implementation Method 2
The protective cover can contain the wire harness connection... shield the wire harness connection and electrical couplers, using a solenoid valve and reservoir to adjust damping settings dynamically, and a protective cover designed to wrap around the solenoid valve housing and wire harness connector to prevent external contact and water intrusion
Implementation Method 3
The piston can be located in the damper tube so as to accommodate relative movement between the damper tube and the piston
Implementation Method 4
The shock absorber can control the amount of travel for the vehicle wheel suspension and/or a rate of travel of the vehicle wheel suspension... An adjustable shock absorber can provide a plurality of different damping settings
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber for damping movement of a wheel suspension system of a vehicle can include a damper tube, a piston, a damping adjustment assembly, and a protective cover. The damper tube can contain a fluid. The piston can be located in the damper tube so as to accommodate relative movement between the damper tube and the piston. The damping adjustment assembly can be connected to the damper tube, and can include a reservoir, a solenoid valve, and a wire harness connection. The solenoid valve can be in fluid communication with each of the reservoir and the damper tube and configured to selectively open and close fluid communication between the reservoir and the damper tube. The wire harness connection can be in electrical communication with the solenoid valve. The protective cover can contain the wire harness connection.