Single External Control Valve Damper Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current damper designs are bulky and costly due to the inclusion of multiple valves and a valve block, which increases size and complexity, limiting packaging efficiency and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A damper design featuring a single externally mounted control valve with an integrated intake valve assembly that forms a fluid-tight partition between the accumulation and fluid transport chambers, allowing for reduced size and improved packaging dimensions by eliminating the need for internal valve structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and a valve block are included in the damper, then fluid control functionality is improved, but the damper size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated control valve assembly. The external control valve integrates the functions of what would traditionally require separate compression valves, rebound valves, and a valve block, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining complete fluid control capability across all damper chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single external control valve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - controlling compression damping, rebound damping, and managing fluid flow between all working chambers and the accumulator. This multi-functional valve eliminates the need for multiple specialized valves and interconnecting valve blocks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and a valve block are included in the damper, then fluid control functionality is improved, but the overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve components into a single external control valve assembly, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity, assembly time, and overall production costs while preserving all necessary fluid control functions.
3Ease of operation
If check valves are included in the damper, then fluid flow control is improved, but the size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates check valve functionality within the external control valve assembly rather than using separate check valves. This integration allows check valve functions to be combined with other control functions in a single compact unit, reducing overall damper size while maintaining effective fluid flow control in all directions.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact damper design is implemented, then packaging efficiency is improved, but valve integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the valve assembly from the internal damper structure and mounts it externally. This extraction allows for a more compact internal damper body while the integrated external valve assembly handles all control functions. The external mounting provides packaging flexibility and reduces the complexity of integrating multiple valves within the constrained internal space of the damper.
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 design enhances packaging efficiency and reduces costs by allowing the control valve to be made smaller, while maintaining effective fluid control and damping performance in both mono-tube and dual-tube configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A single control valve is mounted on the outer tube. The control valve has an inlet that is arranged in fluid communication with the fluid transport chamber and an outlet that is arranged in fluid communication with the collector chamber
Implementation Method 2
The piston may limit the flow of damping fluid between first and second working chambers that are defined within the damper body in order to produce a damping force that counteracts the vibrations
Implementation Method 3
The intake valve is operable to control fluid flow between the accumulation chamber and the second working chamber through the intake passage(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A damper with inner and outer tubes and a piston slidably disposed within the inner tube to define first and second working chambers. A collector chamber is positioned outside the outer tube. An external control valve is positioned in fluid communication with the collector chamber. An intake valve assembly, mounted to one end of the inner tube, includes an intake valve body, intake passages, and intake valve. The intake valve body abuts the outer tube to define an accumulation chamber positioned between the intake valve assembly and a closed end of the outer tube. The accumulation chamber is arranged in fluid communication with the collector chamber. The intake valve body forms a fluid-tight partition between the accumulation chamber and a fluid transport chamber is positioned between the inner and outer tubes. The intake valve controls fluid flow between the accumulation chamber and the second working chamber through the intake passages.