Single Electronic Valve in Piston Rod for Smooth Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle shock absorbers with multiple electronic valves are bulky and costly, and their damping force transitions can be noisy and less smooth due to the complexity of multiple valve operations.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design featuring a single electronic valve within the piston rod, controlled by a printed circuit board assembly, which allows for three distinct damping forces by varying the valve's position between fully open, closed, and intermediate states, reducing size and cost while enhancing smoothness and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic valves are used in the shock absorber, then the damping control capability is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single electronic valve is designed to perform multiple damping control functions that would traditionally require multiple separate valves. By positioning the valve within the piston rod and utilizing its ability to operate in three distinct states (fully open, closed, and intermediate positions), the system achieves versatile damping control with reduced device complexity and size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic valves are used in the shock absorber, then the damping control capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single electronic valve is designed to perform multiple damping control functions that would traditionally require multiple separate valves. By positioning the valve within the piston rod and utilizing its ability to operate in three distinct states (fully open, closed, and intermediate positions), the system achieves versatile damping control with reduced device complexity and size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves operate to change damping force, then the damping adjustment range is improved, but the transition smoothness deteriorates due to noise and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic valve is designed to operate dynamically across three distinct states: fully open position for maximum fluid flow and minimum damping, closed position for minimum fluid flow and maximum damping, and intermediate positions for transitional damping levels. This dynamic positioning capability allows smooth transitions between damping forces while maintaining a compact single-valve design, eliminating the noise and complexity associated with multiple valve operations.
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 single-valve design reduces the overall size and cost of the shock absorber, providing smoother and quieter damping force transitions, improving the vehicle's suspension system performance.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid that actuates the valve is positioned within the piston rod
Implementation Method 2
Each of the valves could be individually opened to allow fluid flow between the first and second chambers or closed to prevent fluid flow between the first and second chambers. The damping force provided by the shock absorber may decrease as the number of the valves open increases and vice versa.
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber includes: a pressure tube defining a working chamber; a piston assembly slidably disposed within the pressure tube, the piston assembly dividing the working chamber into a first and second chambers; a piston rod including a first end that is attached to the piston assembly and that includes a second end that is configured to be attached to one of a sprung mass and an unsprung mass of a vehicle; an electronic valve that is positioned within the piston rod, the electronic valve including a spool moveable between first and second positions, where: when the spool of the electronic valve is in the first position, the spool allows fluid flow between the first and second chambers through the electronic valve and the piston rod; and when the spool of the electronic valve is in the second position, the spool restricts fluid flow between the first and second chambers.