SMA Valve Disc Damping Rate Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dampers face challenges in maintaining a consistent damping rate as the damping fluid heats up, leading to reduced resistance and performance variability across different driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) device that changes its state at a transition temperature to adjust the bending stiffness of the valve disc or valve member, controlling fluid flow and maintaining a consistent damping rate, and allowing for active control of damping rates for various driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damping fluid flows through the orifice to provide damping resistance, then the damping rate is controlled, but as the temperature increases and viscosity increases, the fluid flows more easily and the damping rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disc is designed to be bendable rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and the effective orifice area in response to changing fluid pressure and temperature conditions. This dynamic adjustment compensates for viscosity changes and maintains consistent damping rate across temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the valve disc (its bending degree) in response to temperature-induced viscosity changes. As temperature increases and viscosity increases, the valve disc bends to increase the effective orifice area, compensating for the reduced flow resistance and maintaining stable damping performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the damping rate is adjusted by changing fluid viscosity or orifice resistance, then the damping performance can be optimized, but the damping rate becomes inconsistent under different temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The bendable valve disc creates a natural feedback mechanism where fluid pressure and temperature conditions automatically influence the valve disc's bending degree, which in turn adjusts the effective orifice area. This self-regulating feedback loop maintains consistent damping rate without requiring external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve disc serves itself by using the fluid pressure and temperature conditions directly to determine its bending degree and position. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal damping performance across varying conditions without external intervention or additional control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a valve member is used to control fluid flow through the orifice, then the damping rate can be regulated, but the valve member requires precise control mechanisms to maintain consistent performance
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disc is designed to automatically adjust its position based on fluid pressure and temperature conditions without requiring external control mechanisms. The valve disc's bending stiffness and geometry are engineered to provide self-regulating flow control, eliminating the need for complex actuators, sensors, or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical control systems with a passive elastic deformation mechanism. Instead of using motors, valves, or electronic controls to adjust flow, the system uses the natural elastic bending of the valve disc in response to fluid pressure and temperature to achieve flow regulation.
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 SMA device ensures a consistent damping rate across temperature changes and enables active control for different driving conditions, enhancing the performance and handling of the damper assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) device is disposed in contact with the at least one valve disc. The SMA device is changeable between a first state and a second state, at a transition temperature, to control a bending stiffness of the at least one valve disc to adjust the damping rate.
Implementation Method 2
The damper assembly converts the kinetic energy between two objects into heat, and then dissipates the heat. The damping assembly damps movement at a damping rate, which is dependent upon the resistance to the damping fluid flowing through the orifice.
Data Source
AI summary
A damper assembly includes a housing that defines an interior chamber. A rod is supported by the housing, and is at least partially disposed within the interior chamber. A piston assembly is attached to the rod within the interior chamber. The piston assembly separates the interior chamber into at least a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The piston assembly includes an annular plate defining at least one orifice, which interconnects the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber in fluid communication. The piston assembly includes at least one valve disc that is disposed adjacent a first face of the annular plate. An SMA device is disposed in contact with the valve disc. The SMA device is changeable between a first state and a second state, at a transition temperature, to control a bending stiffness of the valve disc to adjust a damping rate.