Shock Absorber Main Valve Layout for Shorter Axial Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers require a large axial length and increased size due to the need for forming paths and channels with discs and check valves to introduce hydraulic oil during reverse strokes, which limits their downsizing potential.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design that uses a back pressure chamber and seal mechanism to control the opening of the main valve, eliminating the need for additional paths and channels by introducing hydraulic fluid through the outer periphery of the main valve during reverse strokes, thereby reducing the axial length and overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paths are formed by arranging a plurality of discs and a check valve to introduce hydraulic oil during reverse stroke, then the shock absorber can control damping force, but the axial length and overall size of the shock absorber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the back pressure chamber with the downstream chamber, eliminating the need for separate paths formed by multiple discs and check valves. The seal mechanism moves with the main valve's outer peripheral portion to define the back pressure chamber, integrating multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces axial length while maintaining damping force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mechanism serves multiple functions: it seals between the main valve and cylinder wall, defines the back pressure chamber boundaries, and moves with the main valve to maintain sealing during operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components like additional discs and check valves, reducing overall complexity and size.
2Reliability
If a back pressure chamber with multiple discs and check valves is used to introduce hydraulic fluid, then the main valve can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the back pressure chamber formation function with the seal mechanism and main valve assembly. Instead of using separate discs and check valves to create the back pressure chamber, the chamber is defined by the moving seal mechanism integrated with the main valve, significantly reducing component count while maintaining reliable main valve control through back pressure.
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
This design allows for a compact shock absorber with improved ride quality by enabling smaller valve diameters and reduced component count, preventing damping force release during reverse strokes and enhancing vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
a back pressure introduction path for introducing the hydraulic fluid in the upstream chamber into the back pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
a back pressure chamber that is arranged in the downstream chamber and applies back pressure acting in a valve-closing direction to the main valve
Implementation Method 3
a main valve configured to generate a damping force by controlling a hydraulic fluid flow from an upstream chamber to a downstream chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Hydraulic fluid in a cylinder's lower chamber is introduced into a back pressure chamber through the outer periphery of an extension-side main valve during a compression stroke of a piston rod. This eliminates the necessity of forming paths by arranging a plurality of discs and a check valve, the paths for introducing into the back pressure chamber the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder's lower chamber that becomes an upstream chamber during the compression stroke. This makes it possible to decrease the axial length of a shaft portion of the piston rod and therefore the entire length of a cylinder, and also downsize a shock absorber.