Shock Absorber Surface Coatings for Wear and Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shock absorber components experience wear and degradation due to movement and environmental exposure, leading to reduced performance and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Application of a surface coating comprising alloys such as molybdenum or tungsten combined with elements like nickel, cobalt, chromium, tin, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, or boron on shock absorber components to enhance wear resistance and corrosion protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shock absorber components are left uncoated, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but wear resistance and corrosion protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite material principles by creating multi-layer coatings combining different materials (e.g., nickel, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, boron) to achieve superior wear resistance and corrosion protection that single materials cannot provide alone. Each layer serves specific functions, creating a synergistic protective system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different coating compositions and thicknesses to different areas of the shock absorber components based on specific wear and corrosion requirements. Critical surfaces receive enhanced protection while less critical areas have reduced coating, optimizing both performance and cost.
2Reliability
If shock absorber components are left uncoated, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but corrosion protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material principles by combining corrosion-resistant materials such as chromium, nickel, and stainless steel alloys in multi-layer coatings. This composite structure provides enhanced corrosion protection through synergistic effects of different materials resisting various corrosive environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying coating composition, thickness, and microstructure to optimize corrosion resistance. By controlling deposition parameters and heat treatment conditions, the coating achieves desired corrosion protection levels while managing manufacturing complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a surface coating is applied, then wear resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by applying protective coatings during the manufacturing process before the shock absorber components are assembled and deployed. This ensures wear resistance is built-in from the start, extending component lifespan without requiring additional maintenance actions later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing coating deposition parameters (temperature, pressure, composition ratios) and post-treatment parameters (heat treatment temperature and duration) to achieve desired wear resistance while controlling manufacturing complexity and process time.
4Reliability
If a surface coating is applied, then corrosion protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing coating composition ratios, deposition parameters, and heat treatment conditions to achieve effective corrosion protection while minimizing manufacturing complexity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process becomes more predictable and easier to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
Shock absorbers that include a piston member configured to contact a functional fluid during movement of the piston member are described. The piston member can include a coating on a surface of the piston member. The coating can include a metal or metal alloy such as, for example, molybdenum or tungsten in combination with one or more other materials.