Shock Absorber Valve Structure for Lower Part Count Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorbers face challenges in improving productivity due to increased complexity and part count, leading to decreased efficiency and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
The shock absorber design incorporates a first and second damping force generation mechanism in parallel passages, with a bottomed cylindrical cap member housing part of the second damping force generation mechanism, allowing for improved assembly and reduced part count, enabling automatic assembly and enhanced productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple damping force generation mechanisms are provided in parallel passages, then damping force characteristics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the second damping force generation mechanism inside the cap member, which is itself part of the shock absorber assembly. The cap member houses components like the second valve and associated structures, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are contained within larger ones. This reduces the overall spatial footprint and simplifies the external structure while maintaining the parallel damping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the second damping force generation mechanism with the cap member structure. Instead of providing separate housings for each damping mechanism, the cap member integrates multiple functions including housing the second valve, forming part of the second passage, and providing structural support. This combining of functions reduces the total number of discrete parts and simplifies assembly.
2Productivity
If the number of parts is reduced, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shock absorber into distinct functional modules: the piston with first damping mechanism, the cap member with second damping mechanism, and the body connecting them. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and assembled separately, improving productivity through modular assembly while distributing precision requirements across multiple manageable components rather than requiring extreme precision in a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap member is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a structural component and a housing for the second damping force generation mechanism. It provides structural support, contains the second valve, forms part of the fluid passage, and integrates with the piston rod. This multi-functionality reduces the total part count and simplifies assembly procedures, enhancing productivity without compromising performance.
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 configuration enhances productivity by reducing the number of parts, facilitating automatic assembly, and improving durability, while maintaining effective damping force characteristics across varying piston speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a first passage and a second passage through which a working fluid flows out from a chamber on an upstream side to a chamber on a downstream side in a cylinder due to movement of a piston
Data Source
AI summary
A first damping force generation mechanism provided in a first passage formed in a piston to generate a damping force, and a second damping force generation mechanism provided in an annular valve seat member disposed in one of chambers and provided in a second passage in parallel with the first passage to generate a damping force, in which the second damping force generation mechanism includes a first sub-valve provided on one side of the second passage formed in the valve seat member and a second sub-valve (provided on the other side thereof, and a bottomed cylindrical cap member having an outer cylindrical part and a bottom part, and the cap member includes an inner cylindrical part into which the piston rod is able to be inserted formed on an inner circumferential side of the bottom part and houses at least a part of the second damping force generation mechanism.