Shock Absorber Interface Element for Integrated Chamber Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Twin-tube shock absorbers face challenges with improper sealing, leading to hydraulic fluid leaks between chambers and valves, which can cause pressure drops and impaired damping, affecting vehicle comfort, stability, and safety. Additionally, the use of multiple sealing components increases costs and the risk of component failure.
Innovation Solution
An interface element with a cylindrical shape is introduced, featuring engaging ends that seal the central cylinders and an engaging part that seals the inner cylinder, thereby integrating the sealing functions of two independent central cylinders into one. This reduces the number of sealing components and simplifies the sealing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two independent central cylinders are used to seal the chambers and valves, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the number of sealing components increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent central cylinders into a single interface element that integrates the sealing functions of both cylinders. This interface element includes a first sealing section for sealing the first chamber and a second sealing section for sealing the second chamber, effectively combining multiple sealing components into one unified structure, thereby reducing the total number of sealing components while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface element is designed to perform multiple sealing functions simultaneously. It seals both the first chamber and the second chamber, and also provides sealing engagement surfaces for multiple valves, making a single component serve the roles of what would traditionally require two separate central cylinders and multiple dedicated sealing components.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing components are used to seal all chambers and valves, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple sealing functions into a single interface element, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and associated costs while maintaining the same level of sealing effectiveness through the integrated first and second sealing sections.
3Reliability
If two independent central cylinders are used, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the radial dimension increases and the shock absorber size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate central cylinders into one interface element, eliminating the need for radial spacing between two independent cylindrical components. This integration allows the sealing structure to occupy a smaller radial envelope while still providing comprehensive sealing coverage through its multi-functional design.
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 interface element effectively seals the compression, rebound, and reserve chambers, as well as the valves, reducing the risk of leaks and improving the overall sealing efficiency of the shock absorber. This leads to enhanced damping performance, increased safety, and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an interface element (100) adapted for use in a shock absorber (200)... a first engaging end (110) configured to sealingly engage a surface of the first central cylinder (230), a second engaging end (120) configured to sealingly engage a surface of the second central cylinder (240)... such that the interface element (100) forms a sealing interface
Implementation Method 2
When a piston moves up and down in the inner cylinder, a hydraulic fluid flows between the compression chamber, the rebound chamber, and the reserve chamber via the valve(s) to convert the shock energy into heat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present application relates to an interface element (100) adapted for use in a shock absorber (200), the interface element (100) comprising a cylindrical shape coaxially arranged around an axis A, wherein the interface element (100) further comprises a first engaging end (110), a second engaging end (120), an engaging part (130), and at least one valve slot (140). The interface element (100) forms a sealing interface between a first central cylinder (230), a second central cylinder (240), an inner cylinder (210) and at least one valve (262, 264) in a shock absorber (200). The disclosure further relates to a shock absorber (200) and a method (300) for installing an interface element (100) into a shock absorber (200).