Shock Absorber Transfer Ring Sealing for Controllable Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorbers for vehicle suspension systems face challenges in maintaining optimal damping levels across varying road conditions and vehicle dynamics, often requiring complex adjustments and materials that balance durability, fatigue resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The shock absorber design incorporates a transfer ring with a durable and cost-effective seal unit, featuring vulcanized rubber seals and a sintered metal body, which enhances durability and fatigue resistance while simplifying assembly and allowing for electronic control of damping levels through a valve system connected to an electronic control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex adjustments and materials are used to maintain optimal damping levels, then damping performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber employs a semi-active damping system that dynamically adjusts damping levels in real-time based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics. The electronic control unit receives data from sensors and modulates the valve system to vary damping forces, transitioning from static to dynamic adjustment to maintain optimal performance without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system. Sensors detect vehicle conditions and transmit data to an electronic control unit, which electronically actuates the valve system to adjust damping levels, substituting mechanical linkages and manual adjustments with electronic control for simpler, more reliable operation
2Reliability
If durable materials are used for the transfer ring, then fatigue resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer ring is constructed from composite materials that combine the durability and fatigue resistance of metal components with the cost-effectiveness and sealing properties of rubber. This composite approach allows the critical transfer ring to withstand high internal hydraulic forces and fatigue while maintaining cost-effectiveness compared to using entirely expensive durable materials
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the transfer ring assembly use different materials optimized for their specific functions: metal components provide structural strength and fatigue resistance where needed, while rubber seals provide sealing and flexibility. This localized material selection achieves overall durability without unnecessarily increasing the cost of the entire assembly
3Reliability
If precise assembly is required for the transfer ring, then sealing performance is improved, but assembly time and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer ring assembly integrates multiple sealing functions into a unified structure where the transfer ring body and seal unit are combined as a single assembly unit. This merging of components ensures proper sealing alignment is built-in during manufacturing, eliminating the need for precise field assembly and reducing assembly time and error rates
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer ring and seal unit are pre-assembled and pre-positioned as an integrated unit during manufacturing, with sealing surfaces and connections already aligned. This preliminary assembly action ensures correct positioning before installation in the shock absorber, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during final assembly and reducing both time and error rate
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 continuously adjusts damping levels to effectively dampen vibrations, providing improved ride comfort and durability while reducing assembly errors and costs, allowing for independent adjustments based on real-time vehicle data.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer ring includes a seal unit that includes a first seal between the transfer ring and the intermediate tube, a second seal between the transfer ring and the valve, and a connector between the first seal and the second seal
Implementation Method 2
The transfer ring includes a body and a seal unit. The seal unit includes a first seal, a second seal, and a connector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A shock absorber (10) for a suspension system of a vehicle includes a transfer ring (36) fluidly connecting an intermediate chamber (28) and the valve (34). The transfer ring includes a body (38) and a seal unit. The seal unit includes a first seal (42), a second seal (44), and a connector (46). The first seal is between the transfer ring and the intermediate tube. The second seal is between the transfer ring and the valve. The connector is connected to the first seal and the second seal. The connector extends through the body from the first seal to the second seal.