Shuttle Damping Valve with Direction-Dependent Pre-Opening Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damping valves for vibration dampers require separate pre-opening cross sections for each flow direction, which are expensive and complex to assemble, and often necessitate multiple check valves.

Innovation Solution

A damping valve design utilizing a shuttle valve principle with a single flow channel to create direction-dependent pre-opening cross sections, allowing for axial divisibility of the valve rod and connection via a connecting sleeve for simplified assembly and reduced space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate pre-opening cross sections for each flow direction are used, then effective flow control for each direction is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple check valves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow controlVSAvoidnumber of check valves
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate check valves into a single integrated check valve structure. The single check valve has a valve rod with a head that can engage with either of two different valve seats, effectively merging the functions of two separate check valves into one component. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to provide direction-dependent pre-opening cross sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single check valve is designed to perform multiple functions by engaging with different valve seats. The valve rod head can be positioned to engage with a first valve seat for one flow direction or a second valve seat for the opposite flow direction, making the single check valve universal for both flow directions and eliminating the need for separate check valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple check valves are arranged in the damping valve body, then direction-dependent pre-opening cross sections are achieved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection-dependent flow controlVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate check valve assemblies into a single compact check valve structure. By using one valve rod that can engage with either of two valve seats, the physical space required for two separate check valves is reduced to the space required for one integrated check valve, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining direction-dependent flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a spatial arrangement requiring two separate check valves occupying different spaces to a single check valve that achieves direction-dependent control through dimensional positioning of the valve rod head. The valve rod can be positioned in different axial positions to engage different valve seats, using positional dimensioning rather than spatial multiplication to achieve the same functional result.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If two flow channels with check valves are arranged in the damping valve body, then pre-opening cross sections for both flow directions are provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-opening cross sectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the manufacturing of two separate check valves into a single integrated check valve component. The single check valve includes a valve rod with a head designed to engage with either of two valve seats, reducing the number of parts to be manufactured, assembled, and sealed. This integration reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to provide pre-opening cross sections for both flow directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing two separate check valve assemblies, the invention creates a single check valve where the valve rod head can be positioned to copy the function of either check valve position. The same valve rod and valve disc structure is used, but its position can be adjusted to engage different valve seats, effectively copying the function of two separate check valves with a single manufactured component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

The solution enables cost-effective, easy assembly, and reduced installation space while maintaining effective flow control with direction-dependent pre-opening cross sections, using a single flow channel and eliminating the need for multiple check valves.

Implementation Method 1

A valve rod (45) with a first valve disc (47) and a second valve disc (51) forms with a first and a second valve seat surface (49; 53) two partial valves (57; 61), which, depending on the flow direction, open or close a first and a second pre-opening cross section (59; 63)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShuttle valve principle: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3649367B1Damping valve for a vibration damper
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP3649367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3649367B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3649367B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a damping valve (1) comprising a damping valve body (7) having at least one flow duct (65) for a damping medium, wherein: in the flow duct (65) there is a valve rod (45) which interacts with a valve disc (47) and a valve seat surface (53); the valve rod (45) bears a further valve disc (51) which interacts with a second valve seat surface (49); the first valve disc (47) together with the first valve seat surface (53) forms a first part-valve (57) having a first, permanently open pre-opening cross section (59), and the second valve disc (49) together with the second valve seat surface (53) forms a second part-valve having a second pre-opening cross section, and the two part-valves form a shuttle valve which opens one part-valve (57) and closes the other part-valve according to the flow direction.