On-Demand Shock Stiffening for UTV Bottoming-Out Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UTV shock systems lack an aftermarket solution for on-demand stiffening, which is necessary to prevent bottoming out during jumps or sharp drops, as they typically operate in a soft condition to reduce jarring for drivers and passengers.
Innovation Solution
An on-demand shock stiffening system that couples to a hydraulic shock system, using a solenoid and plunger mechanism to restrict oil flow between the oil reservoir and shock, allowing users to instantly stiffen the shock via a control switch, with bypass apertures to manage pressure buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the shock operates in a soft condition to reduce jarring for drivers and passengers, then comfort is improved, but the shock cannot prevent bottoming out during jumps or sharp drops
Solution Approach 1:
The shock system transitions from a static soft condition to a dynamic system that can switch between soft and stiff states. A solenoid valve is activated by a control switch to restrict oil flow between the reservoir and shock, immediately stiffening the shock when needed to prevent bottoming out, while allowing soft operation during normal riding for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of oil flow restriction to alter shock stiffness. By activating the solenoid valve, oil flow is restricted, which immediately increases shock stiffness. This parameter change allows the same shock to provide both comfort during normal operation and protection during extreme events.
2Reliability
If an on-demand stiffening system is added to allow shock stiffening, then bottoming out prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve integrated into the existing hydraulic system serves multiple functions: it controls oil flow restriction for stiffening, manages pressure through bypass apertures, and integrates with the control switch. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the control switch and the hydraulic system. It provides a simple interface for user activation while managing the complex task of immediate oil flow restriction and pressure management, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture.
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 immediate stiffening of shocks in response to user activation, enhancing ride stability during rough terrain by restricting oil flow, while allowing for softening when needed to reduce jarring, thus improving the overall riding experience.
Implementation Method 1
The system may include a flow control system that operates to stop the flow of oil through the oil flow aperture. In one embodiment, the flow control system includes a solenoid coupled to a plunger
Implementation Method 2
there are bypass apertures that extend through the main body. The system may include a flow control system that operates to stop the flow of oil through the oil flow aperture... The restriction of flow of oil through the oil flow aperture prevents the shock from compressing and keeps the shock stiff or rigid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an on-demand shock stiffening system. The on-demand shock stiffening system operates to immediately stiffen the shocks in response to a user activating the system. The system may include a main body with an oil flow aperture and a flow control system that operates to restrict the flow of oil between the reservoir and the shock. The on-demand shock stiffening system may be coupled between the reservoir and the bridge of the shock and operates to restrict flow of the oil in order to stiffen the shock immediately in an on-demand manner.