Shuttle Damping Valve for Direction-Dependent Pilot Orifices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damping valves for vibration dampers require two separate flow channels and expensive Lee valves to achieve direction-dependent pilot orifice cross sections, leading to increased installation space and component costs.

Innovation Solution

A shuttle valve mechanism using a single flow channel with two valve disks and seat surfaces, where one valve disk forms a permanently open pilot orifice cross section and the other a variable cross section, allowing the shuttle valve to open one and close the other depending on flow direction, and utilizing a connection sleeve for assembly simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate flow channels with two check valves are used to achieve direction-dependent pilot orifice cross sections, then the required flow control function is achieved, but the installation space and component costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection-dependent flow controlVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate flow channels into a single flow channel by integrating two check valve functions into one valve body. The first check valve controls flow in one direction while the second check valve controls flow in the opposite direction, both within the same flow channel. This consolidation reduces the required installation space while maintaining the direction-dependent flow control function with different pilot orifice cross sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single flow channel is designed to serve multiple functions: it accommodates both the first check valve with its pilot orifice for one flow direction and the second check valve with its pilot orifice for the opposite flow direction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated flow channels for each direction, thereby reducing overall installation space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection-dependent flow controlVSAvoidcomponent costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two check valve functions into a single integrated valve body, reducing the total number of components required. Instead of manufacturing and assembling two separate check valves with their respective flow channels, the invention implements both check valve functions within one valve body, thereby reducing component costs while maintaining the ability to provide different pilot orifice cross sections for different flow directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If a single flow channel with a shuttle valve mechanism is used, then installation space is reduced, but the valve mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidvalve mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve mechanism is segmented into distinct functional sections: the first check valve section with its pilot orifice for one flow direction, and the second check valve section with its pilot orifice for the opposite flow direction. Each section operates independently within the single flow channel, which simplifies the overall mechanism while reducing installation space. The segmentation allows each check valve to be designed and analyzed separately, reducing the perceived complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces installation space requirements, simplifies assembly, and lowers component costs by using fewer and less expensive parts, while maintaining effective flow control with direction-dependent pilot orifice cross sections.

Implementation Method 1

a valve disk restricts the damping medium flow for a throughflow direction. The valve disk is a component part of a check valve arrangement with a check valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow restriction through pilot orifice: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

the check valve arrangement has at least one further valve disk for a second throughflow direction. At least one of the valve disks determines a pilot orifice cross section, and the check valve hydraulically parallelly switches the two flow paths at the valve disks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic switching of flow paths: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11434970B2Damping valve for a vibration damper

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

AI summary

A damping valve having a damping valve body with at least one flow channel for damping medium. A valve rod is arranged in the flow channel. The valve rod cooperates with a valve disk and a valve seat surface. The valve rod carries a further valve disk that cooperates with a second valve seat surface. The first valve disk together with the first valve seat surface forms a first partial valve having a first permanently open pilot orifice cross section, and the second valve disk together with the second valve seat surface forms a second partial valve having a second pilot orifice cross section, and a shuttle valve is formed which opens one partial valve and closes the other partial valve depending on the flow direction.