Shock Absorber Valve With Rotating Sleeve and Movable Spool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock absorbers lack the ability to make wide-range adjustments of damping parameters, with existing solutions requiring lengthy adjustment times and limited control over damping settings, particularly in varying applications and forces.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable valve with a hollow valve body, rotatable sleeve, and movable spool that varies the alignment and opening area of valve apertures to control damping parameters, combining the functions of a bleed valve and spool valve for precise adjustment of damping rates and bleed rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spool valves or shim stack valves are used, then the shock absorber can provide basic damping adjustment, but the range of adjustment is limited and cannot accommodate varying configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple chambers (first chamber and second chamber) separated by the movable spool, with each chamber having independent valve apertures. This segmentation allows different regions of the valve to control different aspects of damping, enabling a wider range of adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates a movable spool that can change position dynamically in response to pressure differential forces, and a rotatable sleeve that can rotate to different angular positions to select different valve aperture alignments. This dynamic capability enables the valve to adapt to varying damping requirements while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable bleed valves are used, then some parameter adjustment is possible, but the adjustment time becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The movable spool responds dynamically to pressure differential forces, automatically adjusting its position to control fluid flow without requiring lengthy manual adjustment procedures. The rotatable sleeve provides quick angular positioning to select different valve aperture alignments, enabling rapid parameter changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates pressure differential force feedback that automatically influences the position of the movable spool based on the actual damping conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the valve to self-adjust in response to changing operating conditions, reducing the time required for optimal parameter setting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shim stack valves or spool valves are used, then basic threshold pressure actuation is achieved, but the threshold values cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The movable spool can change position dynamically in response to pressure differential forces, allowing the threshold pressure actuation point to be adjusted by changing the spool's equilibrium position. The rotatable sleeve provides easy angular adjustment to select different valve aperture alignments, making threshold value adjustment simple and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve enables easy adjustment of threshold parameters through rotation of the sleeve to different angular positions, which changes the alignment between valve apertures and sleeve apertures. This parameter change mechanism allows operators to easily modify threshold pressure values and other damping parameters without complex procedures.
4Measurement precision
If conventional valves are used, then basic damping control is provided, but precise control over damping parameters is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple chambers with independent valve apertures, allowing precise control of different damping parameters through separate control mechanisms. The movable spool controls the first chamber while the rotatable sleeve controls aperture alignment, enabling independent adjustment of different damping characteristics for precise overall control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve combines the functions of a bleed valve and a spool valve into a single integrated mechanism. The movable spool provides spool valve functionality for controlling the first chamber, while the rotatable sleeve with valve apertures provides bleed valve functionality. This multi-functionality enables precise control of multiple damping parameters without requiring separate valve mechanisms.
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 quick and precise adjustment of damping parameters, allowing shock absorbers to adapt to a wider range of impacts and forces, reducing adjustment time and stress on components, while maintaining a simple construction for easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the movable spool is configured to move relative to the hollow valve body in response to a pressure differential force
Implementation Method 2
the rotation of the rotatable sleeve relative to the hollow valve body is configured to vary an alignment between at least one sleeve aperture of the plurality of sleeve apertures and at least one valve aperture of the plurality of valve apertures
Implementation Method 3
the movement of the movable spool relative to the hollow valve body is configured to vary an available opening area of at least one valve aperture of the plurality of valve apertures
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable valve for a shock absorber comprises a hollow valve body comprising a plurality of valve apertures. A rotatable sleeve is rotatably arranged around at least part of the hollow valve body. The rotatable sleeve comprises a plurality of sleeve apertures. The adjustable valve further comprises a movable spool slidably arranged within the hollow valve body and configured to move relative to the hollow valve body. The movable spool divides the hollow valve body into a first chamber and second chamber. Rotation of the rotatable sleeve relative to the hollow valve body varies an alignment between at least one sleeve aperture of the plurality of sleeve apertures and at least one valve aperture of the plurality of valve apertures. Movement of the movable spool relative to the hollow valve body varies an available opening area of at least one valve aperture of the plurality of valve apertures.