Variable-Load Hydraulic Control for Shock Absorber Peak Force Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic compression stop devices do not account for the vehicle's load situation, leading to reduced comfort and peak forces during dynamic movements when the vehicle is loaded.

Innovation Solution

A variable load hydraulic control device that distinguishes between static and dynamic loads by using a floating piston and adjustable leak openings to maintain optimal shock absorber performance based on the vehicle's load condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle is loaded in a static situation, then the shock absorber is in an initial position with a portion of the compression stroke already carried out, but the comfort effect is reduced and peak forces are produced during dynamic compression movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to vehicle load situationVSAvoidpeak forces and reduced comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the leak openings adjustable based on vehicle load conditions. The control device modifies the flow characteristics of the hydraulic fluid through variable leak openings, allowing the shock absorber to transition from a static to a dynamic state. When the vehicle is loaded, the system adjusts the leak openings to maintain optimal performance, preventing peak forces and comfort reduction that would otherwise occur during dynamic compression movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the slots are completely closed by the inner tube during compression movement, then the through holes of the annular support become the only communication path, but the variable load control does not account for static vehicle load situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable load controlVSAvoidpeak forces during dynamic movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary element that regulates the communication between the internal and external chambers through adjustable leak openings. This control device acts as a mediator that can modify the flow characteristics of hydraulic fluid, allowing the system to adapt to different load conditions. The control device includes mechanisms to adjust the size and position of leak openings, enabling precise control over the shock absorber's response to both static and dynamic loads, thereby preventing peak forces during dynamic movements while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device optimizes shock absorber response by reducing peak forces and enhancing comfort by adapting to static and dynamic loads, ensuring smooth transitions and efficient energy dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

variable load hydraulic control device which comprises a piston, activated by means of a rod. The piston separates a traction chamber and a compression chamber and slides through a tubular casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The external chamber and the internal chamber are connected by means of the through slots of the upper tubular head and by means of the through holes of the annular support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

the upper tubular head, in the compression chamber, comprises a longitudinal channel, parallel to the axis of the tubular head and which reaches to the end, that is, it is open at least at one end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4075014B1Variable-load hydraulic control device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KYB EUROPE GMBH SUCURSAL EN NAVARRA
  • EP4075014B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4075014B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4075014B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a variable load hydraulic control device comprising an inner tube (9) able to be coupled to an upper tubular head (10) to form an internal chamber (14) and an external chamber (13), in addition to an inner casing (5), a floating piston (1), able to slide between the inner tube (9) and the inner casing (5), a retaining ring (2), an upper spring (3), located between the floating piston (1) and an extension of a washer (12) located inside the upper tubular head (10), a lower spring (4), located between the floating piston (1) and an extension of the inner casing (5), a control surface (6), a leak opening (7) to communicate the external chamber (13) and the internal chamber (14), wherein the static load of the hydraulic control device determines the position of the floating piston (1) and the section of passage through the leak opening (7).