Shock Absorber Oil Flow Path Layout for Stable Damping in Compact Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reducing the size of shock absorbers while maintaining the ability to generate a stable damping force is challenging due to difficulties in forming oil communication paths, which hinders piston operation and damping force generation.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design featuring a holding member with flow paths extending along and radially from a rod, including a ring-shaped member with recessed portions to facilitate oil flow, ensuring smooth piston operation and damping force generation even with reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the diameters of the inner tube and outer tube are reduced to decrease the size, then the size of the shock absorber is reduced, but the diameter of the partition wall member becomes small making it difficult to provide an oil hole, which hinders smooth piston operation and damping force generation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple sections: a first flow path extending along the rod axis, a second flow path extending radially, and a third flow path extending axially. This segmentation allows the flow path to navigate around the rod while maintaining adequate dimensions for smooth oil flow and piston operation, even in a compact shock absorber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path transitions from a two-dimensional cross-sectional view to a three-dimensional path by extending along the rod axis, then radially outward, and finally axially again. This dimensional approach allows the flow path to maintain sufficient size for reliable operation while accommodating the reduced overall diameter of the shock absorber components.
2Reliability
If a partition wall member with an oil hole is provided to communicate the piston side oil chamber with the oil reservoir chamber, then uniform oil pressure is achieved and smooth piston operation is enabled, but the structure becomes complex and size reduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path communication between the piston side oil chamber and oil reservoir chamber is merged into the holding member structure. The holding member simultaneously performs multiple functions: holding the rod, providing a flow path for oil communication, and maintaining structural integrity. This eliminates the need for a separate partition wall member with oil holes, simplifying the overall structure while achieving uniform oil pressure and smooth piston operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is designed as a multi-functional component that not only holds the rod but also provides the flow path for oil communication between chambers. This universal component approach reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the shock absorber structure while maintaining the necessary hydraulic communication for reliable piston operation.
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 allows for reliable damping force generation in a compact size by maintaining uniform oil pressure and enabling smooth piston operation, while the ring-shaped member's recessed portions simplify the formation of flow paths and reduce processing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a flow path (R) formed inside the holding member (20; 20B) and through which the oil (Oi) passes, the flow path including a first flow path (R1) extending along the rod (14) from one end of the holding member (20; 20B) in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a second flow path (R2) extending from an end portion of the first flow path (R1) along a radial direction of the rod (14)
Implementation Method 3
a piston (15) fixed to the rod (14) and configured to generate a damping force when the inner tube (13) moves relative to the outer tube (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber includes a holding member that holds a rod. Inside the holding member, there is formed a flow path through which oil passes. The flow path include a first flow path extending along an axis of the rod from one end of the holding member in an axial direction, a second flow path extending from one end portion of the first flow path along a radial direction of the rod, and a third flow path extending along the axis of the rod from one end portion of the second flow path to the other end of the holding member in the axial direction.