Vibration Damper Overflow Pipe Layout for Same-Level Control Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration dampers with external control valves face installation challenges due to the need for these valves to be positioned at extreme ends, which complicates the structure and limits flexibility in motor vehicle applications, especially when space is constrained.
Innovation Solution
The vibration damper design incorporates beveled end sections on overflow pipes that allow control valves to be positioned at the same height, eliminating the need for an intermediate ring and enabling flexible placement by extending one additional overflow path to the level of the other, thus simplifying the structure and enhancing installation flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control valves are positioned at extreme ends of the vibration damper, then the damping characteristic can be adjusted in rebound and compression stages, but the structure becomes more complex and installation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow pipes are extended in the longitudinal dimension to bring control valves to the same height, transforming a vertical positioning problem into a horizontal extension solution. This allows control valves to be positioned at the same axial level while maintaining connection to extreme end working chambers through elongated overflow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow pipe system is divided into separate first and second overflow pipes, each serving specific working chambers. This segmentation allows independent positioning and connection of control valves while maintaining functional separation of damping stages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control valves are positioned at the same height on opposite sides of the reservoir tube, then installation flexibility is improved for constrained spaces, but the connection structure becomes more complex requiring intermediate rings
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an intermediate ring at the same height level (horizontal solution), the overflow pipes are extended longitudinally to bring control valve connection points to the same axial level. This transforms the problem from a horizontal connection challenge to a longitudinal extension solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate ring component is completely removed from the design. The function of connecting control valves at the same height is achieved directly through the extended overflow pipes themselves, eliminating the need for separate intermediate connection components.
3Device complexity
If overflow pipes are extended to bring control valves to the same level, then the need for intermediate rings is eliminated, but the overflow pipes become longer and may interfere with surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second overflow pipes can have different lengths and extensions, allowing asymmetric configuration that adapts to available space. This enables the system to achieve same-height control valve positioning while accommodating surrounding component constraints through unequal pipe extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow pipe lengths and configurations can be dynamically adjusted or selected based on specific installation requirements. Different embodiments allow for variable pipe extensions, enabling adaptation to different spatial constraints while maintaining the core benefit of eliminating intermediate rings.
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 design allows for easier connection and positioning of control valves, reducing the complexity of the damper structure and enabling more flexible placement, which is advantageous in constrained spaces like motor vehicle wheel suspensions, while maintaining independent control over rebound and compression stages.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom valve device connects one of the working chambers with the compensation chamber in order to allow a flow of damping medium between said working chamber and the compensation chamber in the rebound and compression stages
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vibration damper (1) comprising a container pipe (2), an inner pipe (3), a piston (4), a piston valve device (5), a base valve device (6), an overflow pipe (11), an electrically activatable first control valve (9) and an electrically activatable second control valve (10). The inner pipe (3) is situated in the container pipe (2). The piston (4) is axially movable in the inner pipe (3) and divides an internal space of the inner pipe (3) into two working chambers (AK1, AK2). The piston valve device (5) is situated on the piston (4) and is designed to allow an overflow of damping medium between the working chambers (AK1, AK2) in a rebound stage and in a compression stage of the vibration damper (1). An equalisation chamber (AGK) is provided between the inner periphery of the container pipe (2) and the outer periphery of the inner pipe (3). The base valve device (6) connects one of the working chambers (AK2) to the equalisation chamber (AGK) in order to allow an overflow of damping medium between said working chamber (AK2) and the equalisation chamber (AGK) in the rebound stage and in the compression stage of the vibration damper (1). The overflow pipe (11) is situated between the inner pipe (3) and the container pipe (2) and provides a first additional flow path (Ü1) from one of the working chambers (AK1) to the equalisation chamber (AGK). (...)