Electronic Valve Interface With Opposed Shim Stacks Against Shock Cavitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shock assemblies face issues with cavitation during low-pressure environments, leading to improper operation due to the mixture of liquid and gaseous working fluid, which affects the damping characteristics and ride quality, especially in soft settings.
Innovation Solution
The electronic valve interface, with its adjustable flow control mechanisms and independent shim stacks, manages fluid flow rates to prevent cavitation by maintaining consistent damping characteristics across varying terrain, using a combination of mechanical and electronic actuation with wireless communication capabilities to optimize fluid flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shock assembly operates in low-pressure environments with soft damping settings, then ride quality is improved, but cavitation occurs causing improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (air) into the working fluid to prevent cavitation. The air bubbles act as a mediator that eliminates void formation during low-pressure operation, maintaining consistent damping characteristics while preserving soft ride quality. This is achieved by injecting air into the hydraulic fluid through a dedicated air injection port and mixing mechanism.
2Device complexity
If traditional valve interfaces are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cavitation occurs in low-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the air injection system is integrated within the existing valve interface architecture. The air injection port, mixing chamber, and air bubble generation mechanism are nested within the valve body, allowing cavitation prevention functionality to be added without significantly increasing external device complexity or requiring separate standalone systems.
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 solution effectively reduces the likelihood of cavitation, ensuring consistent and fade-free damping performance, even in low-pressure conditions, thereby enhancing ride quality and maintaining shock assembly functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Shock assemblies face issues with cavitation during low-pressure environments, leading to improper operation due to the mixture of liquid and gaseous working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic valve interface for a shock assembly is disclosed. The electronic valve interface includes a housing, an outlet cover shim stack land and a threaded housing barrel. An electronic valve with a main flow path within a portion of the housing. An outlet cover covering an outlet of the electronic valve. An outlet cover shim stack having a first cracking pressure and working in conjunction with the outlet cover to provide a pressure to a working fluid. A blow-off piston having a blow-off flow path. A blow-off shim stack having a second cracking pressure different from the first cracking pressure. A threaded retaining nut operating in conjunction with the outlet cover shim stack land to provide a single retaining force for the outlet cover shim stack, the blow-off shim stack, and the blow-off piston located axially on the threaded housing barrel, where the outlet cover shim stack and the blow-off shim stack are opposed directional shim stacks.