Shock Absorber Piston Valve for Low-Load Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock absorbers exhibit low piston depression speeds and reaction speeds under low loads, limiting their performance.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorber piston with a through conduit and a valve system that allows fluid transfer with minimal pressure loss at low piston speeds, switching to rolling means when piston speed exceeds a threshold, ensuring high-speed movement under low loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a conventional piston with rolling bores is used, then the shock absorber provides basic compression and relaxation functions, but the piston depression speed is low under low loads resulting in low reaction speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston depression speedVSAvoidpiston structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a through conduit for primary fluid transfer, rolling bores for secondary transfer, and a valve device with upstream and downstream zones. This segmentation allows each zone to perform specific functions - the through conduit handles high-speed low-load conditions while rolling bores handle high-load conditions, resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve device dynamically switches between open and closed positions based on operating conditions. Under low loads, the valve remains open allowing rapid fluid transfer through the through conduit. Under high loads, the valve closes and fluid transfer occurs through rolling bores. This dynamic adaptation enables the piston to maintain high depression speeds under low loads while providing adequate damping under high loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the piston sinking speed increases to improve reaction speed, then the hydraulic pressure in the compression chamber increases and braking force increases, but this creates excessive resistance under low loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston depression speedVSAvoidbraking force
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the flow path parameters dynamically. Under low loads, fluid flows through the large-diameter through conduit offering minimal resistance. Under high loads, fluid flows through the smaller rolling bores providing greater resistance. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high speeds under low loads without excessive braking force while maintaining adequate braking force under high loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The valve device acts as an intermediary that mediates between the through conduit and rolling bores. It directs fluid flow based on pressure conditions, allowing the system to select the appropriate flow path. This intermediary enables the piston to achieve high depression speeds under low loads by routing flow through the low-resistance through conduit while preventing excessive pressure buildup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If rolling means are always active for fluid transfer, then the shock absorber provides consistent damping, but the reaction speed is limited under low loads due to pressure losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping consistencyVSAvoidpiston depression speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The through conduit is pre-configured as the primary fluid transfer path and remains open by default under normal operating conditions. This preliminary configuration allows rapid fluid transfer without the need for active rolling means engagement. The rolling means serve as a backup or supplementary path that activates only when needed, enabling high speeds under low loads while maintaining damping consistency through the always-available through conduit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables high-speed movement of the piston under low loads by minimizing pressure drop and delaying the activation of rolling means until necessary, thereby enhancing the shock absorber's reaction speed.

Implementation Method 1

said valve being urged towards its open position by an elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said valve being urged towards its closing position by the effect of the pressure exerted on it by the working fluid when the latter flows or tends to flow in the conduit from the first large face towards the second large face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

the open position of the valve allowing the transfer of the working fluid through the through pipe from the first large face to the second large face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP2917605B1Shock absorber piston and shock absorber comprising same
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 BOSSARD OLIVIER
  • EP2917605B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2917605B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2917605B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The shock absorber piston (1) comprises a first large face (10) designed to be facing the first chamber and a second large face (11), designed to be facing the second chamber, characterised in that it comprises a valve device (2) comprising a valve (20) mounted in sliding fit in the through conduit (12) between an open position allowing the transfer of the working fluid through the conduit (12) from the first face (10) to the second face (11) and a closed position preventing the transfer of the working fluid in the conduit, said valve (20) being biased towards the open position of same by a flexible member (3) and towards the closed position of same by the effect of the pressure that is exerted by the working fluid when the latter flows or tends to flow in the conduit (12) from the first large face (10) to the second large face (11).