Shock Absorber Valve Adjustment for Wide-Speed Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers for saddle-type vehicles, such as those disclosed in JP-A-2017-172739, lack the ability to effectively adjust damping force across a wide range of piston speeds, particularly in medium and high-speed ranges.
Innovation Solution
The shock absorber incorporates a second damping force generation portion with a flow path, a valve, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the force required to open the valve, including a first spring, a spring receiver, and an adjustment portion that can change the position of the spring receiver, allowing for damping force adjustment across a large moving speed range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional damping mechanism is used, then damping force can be generated in low speed range, but damping force adjustment capability in medium and high speed ranges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The damping mechanism is divided into multiple independent damping force generating portions (first damping force generating portion and second damping force generating portion), each capable of generating damping force in different speed ranges. This segmentation allows the system to provide effective damping force adjustment across the entire speed spectrum by activating different portions based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The second damping force generating portion is designed to be movable in the axial direction within the cylinder, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and engagement. This dynamic configuration enables the damping mechanism to adapt to different piston speeds, providing enhanced damping force adjustment capability in medium and high speed ranges while maintaining low speed performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If damping force adjustment is added, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second damping force generating portions are integrated within the same cylinder assembly, sharing common structural elements such as the cylinder bore, piston rod, and sealing systems. This merging approach allows multiple damping functions to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the components work together within a unified structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second damping force generating portion serves multiple functions: it provides damping force in medium and high speed ranges, can be adjusted to different positions for varying damping characteristics, and works in conjunction with the first damping force generating portion to provide comprehensive damping coverage across all speed ranges. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each speed range.
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 enables the shock absorber to adjust damping force effectively over a broad range of piston speeds, enhancing its performance in medium and high-speed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring (91) which applies a force in a closing direction to the valve (86, 286, 386, 486, 686)
Implementation Method 2
a damping mechanism which attenuates vibration generated due to a relative movement between the outer tube portion and the inner tube portion
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber includes a cylinder, a rod, a first damping force generating portion, and a second damping force generation portion. The second damping force generating portion includes a flow path which passes through the piston in the axial direction, a valve which opens and closes an opening portion at the second end portion side of the flow path, and an adjustment unit which adjusts a force required to open the valve from an outer side of the rod.