Adjustable Shock Air Chamber With On-the-Fly Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air chamber systems cannot be adjusted in size without disassembly, limiting the ability to modify air volume on demand.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable air chamber assembly with an extra volume (Evol) chamber that allows air volume changes via a manually, electronically, or automatically controlled check valve and end cap system, enabling real-time adjustments to suspension stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air chamber size is changed by inserting spacers or volume consuming items, then the air volume is adjusted, but the chamber must be disassembled and the adjustment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air chamber incorporates a movable end cap that can slide along the chamber axis, dynamically changing the enclosed air volume. This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for disassembly and complex spacer insertion, allowing users to adjust air volume by simply moving the end cap to different positions along the chamber.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the air chamber is disassembled to change size, then volume adjustment is possible, but time is lost and operational continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap is pre-configured with multiple positioned features (such as ribs, grooves, or indexing mechanisms) that correspond to predetermined volume positions. This preliminary arrangement of positioning features allows the end cap to be quickly snapped or locked into the desired position without requiring complex assembly procedures or significant time investment, enabling rapid on-the-fly adjustments.
3Volume of moving object
If spacers or volume consuming items are inserted to change chamber size, then air volume is modified, but the device structure becomes more complex and assembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The air chamber is segmented into an adjustable volume section and a fixed section, separated by the movable end cap. This segmentation allows the volume to be changed by moving the boundary (end cap) rather than inserting additional components, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining volume adjustability.
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 on-the-fly adjustments to air volume without disassembly, improving suspension performance by adapting to changing loads and rider conditions, such as adding a passenger or terrain, maintaining optimal stiffness and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable air chamber assembly with an extra volume (Evol) chamber that allows air volume changes via a manually, electronically, or automatically controlled check valve and end cap system
Data Source
AI summary
A volume adjustable air chamber for a shock assembly is disclosed herein. The adjustable air chamber assembly includes a first air chamber and a second air chamber in fluid communication via a flow path. A check valve is coupled with the flow path, the check valve that allows the second air chamber to be fluidly coupled with or fluidly isolated from the first air chamber, such that the available volume of air for said first air chamber can be modified to provide different damping characteristics.