Adjustable Shock Assembly With Parallel Valve Paths for Terrain-Tuned Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock assemblies lack the ability to dynamically adjust shock absorption based on terrain and vehicle conditions, affecting personal comfort and vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shock assembly with a damper body, an adjustable active valve assembly, and parallel flow pathways allowing for open and firm modes, along with externally adjustable features to modify damping characteristics, enabling manual or electronic control of shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed damping shock assembly is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the shock absorption cannot be adjusted for different terrain and vehicle conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly incorporates an adjustable active valve assembly that can dynamically change damping characteristics between open mode and firm mode. The valve assembly includes parallel flow pathways with adjustable orifices that allow the system to transition from a fixed-structure design to a dynamic, adaptable system, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters of the working fluid through adjustable orifices in the valve assembly. By modifying the size and configuration of open areas in the first and second parallel flow pathways, the system can adjust damping characteristics to suit different terrain and vehicle conditions, enabling adaptability without requiring a completely different structural design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable valve assembly is added to modify damping characteristics, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent components including a first parallel flow pathway with an adjustable orifice, a second parallel flow pathway with a blowoff orifice, and a firm mode adjuster. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the complex system more manageable and maintainable while providing fine-grained control over damping characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure. It can operate in open mode for comfort, firm mode for performance, and includes a mechanical bypass for additional adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for different damping modes, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If parallel flow pathways with adjustable orifices are implemented, then real-time adjustment capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electronic control systems with a mechanically-operable firm mode adjuster that directly modifies the blowoff orifice size. This mechanical substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for electronic sensors, controllers, and power sources, while still achieving real-time adjustment capability through manual or actuated mechanical means.
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
Enhances ride comfort and vehicle performance by allowing real-time adjustment of shock absorption to suit varying terrain and conditions, improving the vehicle's responsiveness and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a main chamber with a working fluid therein... a first parallel flow pathway comprising an active valve... a second parallel flow pathway comprising a firm mode blowoff stack... The fluid pathway may fluidly couple said main chamber with said adjustable active valve assembly which may be fluidly coupled with a reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a spring about the piston shaft within the main chamber
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An adjustable shock assembly (38) comprising: a damper body (120) comprising a main chamber (121) with a working fluid therein; an adjustable active valve assembly (205) comprising: a first parallel flow pathway (346) comprising an active valve (521); and a second parallel flow pathway (347) comprising: a firm mode blowoff stack (525); and a firm mode adjuster (526) to adjust a blowoff pressure of said firm mode blowoff stack; a main piston (131) coupled with a piston shaft (130); and a fluid pathway (340), said fluid pathway fluidly coupling said main chamber (121) with said adjustable active valve assembly (205) which is fluidly coupled with a reservoir (125).