Transfer Ring Sealing for Adaptive Shock Absorber Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers for vehicle suspensions lack durability and efficiency in dynamically adjusting damping levels based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics, leading to suboptimal vibration damping performance.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design featuring a transfer ring with a durable seal unit and a valve system controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) to adjust damping levels, utilizing a transfer ring with a connector that enhances assembly precision and includes materials like vulcanized rubber and sintered metal for durability and cost-effectiveness, allowing for independent adjustment of damping forces based on vehicle data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional shock absorber design is used, then the structure is simple, but the durability and efficiency of dynamically adjusting damping levels are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is divided into distinct functional segments: a piston with piston rod, a valve system with transfer ring, and an electronic control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system durability and adjustability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber implements dynamic damping adjustment through a controllable valve system that can change its flow characteristics in real-time based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics, transitioning from static to dynamic performance optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If damping levels are fixed, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to varying road conditions and vehicle dynamics is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit receives information about road conditions and vehicle dynamics, processes this feedback, and automatically adjusts the valve system accordingly, enabling continuous adaptation to varying operating conditions through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical damping adjustment mechanisms with an electronically controlled valve system, allowing for more precise and versatile damping control based on sensor input and electronic processing.
3Productivity
If assembly precision is low, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the efficiency of damping adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer ring and valve system are designed with pre-configured flow channels and sealing surfaces that ensure proper fluid communication paths are established during assembly, reducing the need for post-assembly adjustments and improving manufacturing efficiency.
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 shock absorber provides continuous and efficient damping adjustments, improving vehicle ride comfort by effectively adapting to varying road conditions and vehicle dynamics, enhancing durability and reducing assembly errors.
Implementation Method 1
availability of vulcanized rubber for the first seal 42, the second seal 44, and the connector 46
Implementation Method 2
availability of sintered metal for the body 38 of the transfer ring 36
Implementation Method 3
working fluid flows between rebound and compression chambers within the shock absorber to counteract vibrations
Implementation Method 4
As the shock absorber is compressed or extended, working fluid flows between rebound and compression chambers within the shock absorber to counteract vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber for a suspension system of a vehicle includes a transfer ring fluidly connecting an intermediate chamber and the valve. The transfer ring includes a body and a seal unit. The seal unit includes a first seal, a second seal, and a connector. The first seal is between the transfer ring and the intermediate tube. The second seal is between the transfer ring and the valve. The connector is connected to the first seal and the second seal. The connector extends through the body from the first seal to the second seal.