Shock Absorber Valve Discs for Tunable Bleed Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorbers lack improved tunability and repeatability in damping responses, which affects ride quality, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance.
Innovation Solution
The shock absorber design incorporates a valve assembly with a restriction disc, orifice disc, fulcrum disc, and check disc, where the outer diameters of the fulcrum and check discs can be adjusted to alter the damping response, allowing for precise control of fluid flow between working chambers through bleed passages and blow-off passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer diameters of the fulcrum disc and check disc are adjusted to tune the closing moment and transition from open bleed to normal bleed, then the tunability and repeatability of damping responses is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing multiple fulcrum discs with different outer diameters and multiple check discs with different outer diameters. These dimensional parameters can be adjusted to tune the closing moment of the check disc and the transition from open bleed to normal bleed, thereby achieving customized damping responses without changing the fundamental valve assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple interchangeable components: restriction discs, orifice discs, fulcrum discs, and check discs. Each component can be independently selected and combined to achieve desired damping characteristics. This segmentation allows for systematic tuning while maintaining a modular assembly structure that doesn't fundamentally increase complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discs with different outer diameters are provided to customize damping characteristics, then the adaptability and tunability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides multiple fulcrum discs and check discs that differ primarily in their outer diameters. This single parameter variation allows for extensive damping customization while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple, as only one dimensional parameter needs to be controlled across multiple part variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The fulcrum discs and check discs serve multiple functions: they provide fulcrum support for the valve mechanism, define the closing moment through their outer diameters, and influence the transition from open bleed to normal bleed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying manufacturing despite the variety of disc variants.
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 enhances tunability and repeatability of damping responses, improving ride quality and reducing NVH issues by allowing for customizable damping characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Together, the compression and rebound valving assemblies for the shock absorber have the function of controlling fluid flow between the upper and second working chambers of the shock absorber. By controlling the fluid flow between the two working chambers, a pressure drop is built up between the two working chambers and this contributes to the damping forces of the shock absorber.
Implementation Method 2
The piston includes compression valving that limits the flow of hydraulic fluid from the second working chamber to the first working chamber during a compression stroke. The piston also includes rebound valving that limits the flow of hydraulic fluid from the first working chamber to the second working chamber during a rebound or extension stroke. Because the compression valving and the rebound valving have the ability to limit the flow of hydraulic fluid, the shock absorber is able to produce a damping force that counteracts oscillations/vibrations.
Implementation Method 3
Modifying the outer diameter of the third ring and the outer diameter of the fourth ring alters a damping response of the shock absorber. For example, the outer diameters of the fulcrum disc and the check disc may be adjusted to tune the closing moment of the check disc and the transition from open bleed to normal bleed.
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber for a vehicle including a pressure tube defining a fluid chamber, a piston disposed within the fluid chamber and including a fluid passage, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a restriction disc, an orifice disc, a fulcrum disc, and a check disc. The restriction disc includes a first ring, a first finger, and a first orifice. The first finger covers the fluid passage. The orifice disc includes a second ring, a second finger, and a second orifice. The second finger overlaps the first finger, and the second orifice is aligned with the first orifice. The check disc includes a third ring and a third finger above the second finger. The fulcrum disc has a fourth ring. Modifying the outer diameter of the third ring and the outer diameter of the fourth ring alters a damping response of the shock absorber.