Two Position Valve Shock Absorber Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers in automotive suspension systems have limited ability to adjust damping load in response to various operating conditions due to their passive valve design, requiring high precision components with tight tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a digital valve assembly within the rod guide assembly, comprising a spool, guide member, and coil assembly, which allows for adjustable fluid flow control through two-position valve configurations, enhancing the ability to adjust damping loads dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive valve design is used in shock absorbers, then the structure is simple, but the ability to adjust damping load in response to various operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a passive valve design to an active two-position valve assembly that can dynamically adjust between open and closed states based on operating conditions. The valve assembly includes a spool that can be positioned in different locations to change the flow path configuration, enabling the shock absorber to adapt damping characteristics in response to varying vehicle conditions rather than maintaining fixed damping properties.
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision components with tight tolerances are used, then damping control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the valve function into two distinct positions (open and closed) rather than relying on precise continuous control. The two-position valve assembly segments the flow control into discrete states, which reduces the manufacturing precision requirements compared to traditional passive valves that require tight tolerances for continuous damping adjustment. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing while maintaining effective damping control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the two-position valve assembly to abruptly change flow resistance parameters between open and closed states. Instead of requiring high precision components for gradual damping adjustment, the system changes the flow resistance parameter discretely through the two positions of the valve, achieving effective damping control with relaxed manufacturing tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two-position valve assembly is integrated, then damping load adjustability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the two-position valve assembly directly into the rod guide assembly of the shock absorber. This combination merges two functional components (valve assembly and rod guide) into a single integrated structure, which enhances damping load adjustability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity. The valve assembly shares space and structural elements with the rod guide assembly, reducing the net complexity increase.
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 enables more precise control over damping forces, improving the shock absorber's responsiveness to changing vehicle conditions without the need for high precision components, thus enhancing ride quality and handling.
Implementation Method 1
coil assembly disposed adjacent the spool
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber has a housing with a piston rod assembly disposed therein. A first rod guide member is secured within a first portion of the housing so as to be concentrically disposed about at least a portion of the piston rod assembly. A second rod guide member is secured within the housing adjacent the first rod guide member so as to be concentrically disposed about at least another portion of the piston rod assembly. A digital valve assembly is disposed within the second rod guide member and fluidly couples chambers within the shock absorber.