Adjustable Shock Assembly With Parallel Valve Paths for Terrain Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock assemblies lack the ability to adjust shock absorption dynamically in response to changing terrain and vehicle use scenarios, which can affect ride comfort and vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adjustable shock assembly that includes a damping piston and piston rod telescopically mounted in a fluid-filled cylinder, with adjustable valve assemblies for compression and rebound control, allowing for real-time adjustment of damping characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed damping characteristics are used in shock assemblies, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different terrains and vehicle use scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly incorporates adjustable valve assemblies that allow damping characteristics to be dynamically changed based on terrain and vehicle use scenarios. The compression valve assembly and rebound valve assembly can be adjusted to provide different damping forces, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables changing of damping parameters by adjusting the valve assemblies. The compression damping and rebound damping can be modified by adjusting the respective valve assemblies, allowing the shock assembly to operate with different damping characteristics suitable for different terrains and vehicle loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable valve assemblies are added to shock assemblies, then adaptability to different terrains is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly is divided into separate functional components including a compression valve assembly and a rebound valve assembly. Each valve assembly can be independently adjusted, allowing separate control of compression damping and rebound damping characteristics. This segmentation enables targeted adjustment of specific damping parameters without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock assembly is designed with valve assemblies that can serve multiple functions - the compression valve assembly handles both compression damping and acts as a pressure relief valve, while the rebound valve assembly controls rebound damping. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining 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
This solution enables dynamic adjustment of shock absorption, enhancing ride comfort and vehicle performance across varying terrains, and allowing for on-the-fly tuning of damping characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a damping piston and piston rod telescopically mounted in a fluid-filled cylinder
Implementation Method 2
adjustable valve assemblies for compression and rebound control
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable shock assembly is disclosed herein. The adjustable shock assembly includes a damper body having a main chamber with a working fluid therein. An adjustable active valve assembly comprising: a first parallel flow pathway comprising an active valve; and a second parallel flow pathway comprising a firm mode blowoff stack and a firm mode adjuster to adjust a blowoff pressure of the firm mode blowoff stack. A main piston coupled with a piston shaft, and a fluid pathway fluidly coupling the main chamber with the adjustable active valve assembly which is fluidly coupled with a reservoir.