DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to shock absorber system used for automotive vehicles and more particularly relates to a disc assembly for hydraulic shock absorbers that is applicable to mono and dual tube mono, dual and multi tube constructions of shock absorbers wherein hydraulic fluid is used as damping medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The valve assembly serves a crucial role within shock absorber systems, where it exerts control and attenuation over shock absorber movement, ultimately resulting in a smoother and more regulated ride. This function is centred on the management and mitigation of oscillations, vibrations, and disturbances induced by road imperfections such as bumps or uneven terrain. The key objective is to absorb or disperse the energy arising from these motions, thereby enhancing ride comfort and stability.

[003] Further, the damping mechanism contributes to the prevention of excessive bouncing or oscillations within the suspension, thereby promoting improved vehicle stability, control, and overall comfort. When a vehicle encounters road irregularities, including bumps, dips, or vibrations, the valve assembly within the shock absorber comes into action by overseeing the hydraulic fluid flow. This process transforms the kinetic energy resulting from shock absorber motion into heat, effectively curbing excessive motion and ultimately affording passengers a more comfortable and stable travel experience.

[004] Typically, the piston valve of a shock absorber is linked to both the sprung and unsprung parts of a vehicle via an extending piston rod that passes through the pressure tube. This piston effectively separates the pressure tube into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber, and both of these chambers are filled with hydraulic fluid or oil. Within the valve assembly, the valve system on both the rebound and compression sides regulates the movement of hydraulic fluid between these upper and lower working chambers. Additionally, the base valve, positioned within the assembly, controls the flow of hydraulic fluid between the lower working chamber and a reserve chamber.

[005] One of the related art US 8820495 discloses an internal bypass shock absorber whose compression and rebound resistance can be independently adjusted and is position dependent. The shock absorber features a fluid flow regulator coupled to a hollow chamber opening of a partially hollow piston rod. The fluid flow regulator may also feature a plurality of compression orifices and rebound orifices, and a compression valve stack and rebound valve stack each having one or more deflection discs. The number, diameter, and thickness of the deflection discs of the stacks can be adjusted to independently control compression and rebound resistance by controlling the flow of fluid between the first and second chambers of the cylinder housing of the shock absorber. The shock absorber may also have a tapered needle that controls the position at which the shock exhibits its maximum resistance.

[006] The other related art US 9067471 discloses a shock absorber that includes a piston which has at least one compression fluid passage, at least one rebound fluid passage and at least one bleed fluid passage. A compression valve assembly closes the at least one compression passage and a rebound valve assembly closes the at least one rebound passage. A bleed valve assembly with the bleed fluid passage defines a first, always open flow path through the piston and a second flow path, separate from the first flow path, through the piston. A bleed disc is movable between a first position where the second flow path is open and a second position where the second flow path is closed.

[007] In conventional shock absorbers, a bleed valve disc is commonly employed in both the piston and base valves. The bleed valve is typically situated in a straightforward manner, protruding directly outward on a circular disc. This configuration is designed to manage pressure reduction effectively by utilizing a circular valve disc arrangement, which is pivotal for attaining the intended pressure drop characteristics. The circular shape of the valve disc arrangement presents limitations in controlling the sequential opening of the discs. Ensuring a smooth and controlled opening of the valve disc arrangement is a challenge, but it is essential for achieving consistent damping responses, firm ride control, and enhanced NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) comfort. To address this challenge and optimize the low-speed control, and better tuning range a large number of tuning orifice discs are required.

[008] Moreover, the bleed disc's radial orientation results in direct contact of the exiting oil flow through the bleed with the inner tube surface of the shock absorber, as illustrated in Figure 1. This contact gives rise to the generation of internal oil flow noise within the shock absorber. This noise is particularly pronounced when cavitation-induced oil flow occurs, causing shockwaves from the cavitation implosions to propagate near or against the pressure tube. This pressure tube essentially serves as a pathway for transmitting NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) externally from the shock absorber.

[009] Accordingly, there exists need to provide a disc assembly for hydraulic shock absorber that eliminates the drawbacks of existing shock absorber systems.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a better tuning range during the rebound and compression operation for a shock absorber.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to ensure that the shock absorber system responds appropriately to different conditions of vehicles by a smooth and controlled opening of the valve disc arrangement.

[0012] Yet, another object of the present invention is to facilitate consistent damping responses, firm ride control, and enhanced NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) comfort to a rider.

[0013] Yet, another object of the present invention is to reduce NVH issues arises in vehicles due to shock absorber and provides smooth ride of the vehicle on different road irregularities.

[0014] Yet, another object of the present invention is to prevent direct hydraulic fluid impact on the inner tube of the shock absorber.

[0015] Yet, another object of the present invention is to optimize the shock absorber performance in a vehicle based on factors like the type of terrain, the weight of the vehicle, and the desired level of comforts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention provides a disc assembly for hydraulic shock absorbers for use in automobile shock absorber systems. This invention is applicable to mono, dual and multi tube constructions of shock absorbers and wherein hydraulic fluid preferably oil is used as damping medium. More precisely, the disclosure relates to non-circular valve disc arrangement which provides inclined bleed to control the pressure drop characteristics at low operating speed of shock absorber.

[0017] The present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber comprises a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a first set of discs secured and arranged in ascending order at the tension side of the valve body (10) and a second set of discs secured and arranged in descending order at the compression side of the valve body (10). The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a plurality of slender metal discs (22) of varying size and shape each configured with an orifice at the centre to receive a piston rod there through. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a plurality of washers each configured with an orifice at the centre to receive a piston rod there through. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one disc (22) in each of the set of discs comprises a plurality of lobes with a gap in between the adjacent lobes arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one disc (22) in each of the set of discs having at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a centre hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations, each of the bleed disc (22) having at least one bleed fluid passage (26), the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) positioned on the curved outer edge of the lobe in the bleed disc (22). In an alternative configuration, the at least one bleed is positioned on another edge than the outer edge of the bleed disc. In an alternative configuration, the at least one bleed is positioned on a sideways edge of the bleed disc. In one configuration the at least on bleed fluid passage is positioned perpendicular to the edge of the disc. In an alternative configuration, the at least one bleed fluid passage is positioned angled or inclined with respect to the perpendicular direction of the edge of disc.

[0018] The present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is configured in a valve assembly comprising of a valve body (10), a sealing assembly, a bump stop, and a rod guide. The valve body (10) is having a construction as a cylindrical component with two opposite sides forming a tension side and a compression side and each of the tension side and the compression side configured to receive the disc assembly that regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid as the shock absorber moves. The valve body is comprising of a plurality of ports (25) configured in the valve body to provide fluid flow passages defined to generate different pressure drop characteristics inside the shock absorber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding things. The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein
Figures 1 illustrates a pictorial representation of hydraulic fluid flow through a straight bleed fluid passage in a bleed disc in a disc assembly in accordance with prior art technique,
Figures 2 illustrates a pictorial representation of a bleed disc configured on a valve body in a valve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the bleed disc configured on a valve body as shown in figure 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 4 illustrates a pictorial representation of a hydraulic fluid flow through an inclined bleed fluid passage in a bleed disc in a disc assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figures 5A-C illustrates an exploded view of a plurality of bleed discs configured in series on a valve body as shown in figure 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 6 illustrates top view of the bleed disc having inclined bleed according to one of the embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 7 illustrates alignment feature for disc arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
[0020] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished, and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiments.

[0022] The present disclosure provides a disc assembly for hydraulic shock absorbers for use in automobile shock absorber systems. This invention is applicable to mono, dual and multi tube constructions of shock absorbers and wherein hydraulic fluid preferably oil is used as damping medium. More precisely, the disclosure relates to non-circular valve disc arrangement which provides sideways and or inclined bleed to control the pressure drop characteristics at low operating speed of shock absorber.

[0023] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into several systems.

[0024] Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.

[0025] Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivatives of such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless the context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:
“a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”
“the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”
References in the present invention to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one of the exemplary embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0026] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a, an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skilled in the art.

[0028] Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0029] The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

[0030] Referring to the figure 2 to 7 a disc assembly for hydraulic shock absorber (hereinafter the disc assembly (100)’), in accordance with the present invention is shown. The disc assembly (100) comprises a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another.

[0031] The disc assembly is configured within a valve assembly, wherein the valve assembly comprises of a valve body (10), a sealing assembly, a bump stop, and a rod guide therein.

[0032] The piston (10) is a moving component that moves up and down inside the cylinder of the shock absorber system (“the cylinder” hereinafter) in response to the suspension. The valve body (10) includes specific valving or ports that control the flow of hydraulic fluid there through, allowing for the controlled absorption and dissipation of energy. The valve body (10) is designed as a cylindrical component with two opposite sides forming a tension side and a compression side and each of the tension side and the compression side is configured to receive the disc assembly that regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid preferably oil (“fluid” hereinafter) as the shock absorber moves. Further a plurality of ports (25) is configured in the valve body providing fluid flow passages that are defined to generate different pressure drop characteristics inside the shock absorber.

[0033] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the valve body (10) is designed as a cylindrical component configured with a plurality of flow passages of same dimension connecting both the sides.

[0034] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the valve body (10) is designed as cylindrical component configured with a plurality of flow passages of different dimension connecting both the sides.

[0035] The disc assembly comprises a first set of discs secured at the tension side and a second set of discs at the compression side of the valve body (10). The individual discs (22) in the first and the second set of discs in the disc assembly providing a passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber cylinder from one end of the valve body to the other, specifically between the tension side and a compression side. The individual elements in the first and the second set of discs are layered in various arrangements in exemplary embodiments to manage the hydraulic fluid's flow, enabling precise adjustments to the shock absorber's performance in accordance with the application.

[0036] In the embodiment, the disc assembly includes at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size, and /or shape and/or thickness, and a plurality of washers each configured with a hole at the centre to receive a piston rod there through. The discs (22) are designed to provide varying levels of resistance to the movement of the fluid flowing therethrough based on the speed and intensity of the suspension's motion.

[0037] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises the first set of discs of varying size in tension side, similarly, the second set of discs of varying size in compression side.

[0038] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises the first set of discs of varying size arranged in ascending order in tension side, similarly, the second set of discs of varying size arranged in descending order in compression side.

[0039] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises the first set of discs of varying size arranged in a specific order in tension side, similarly, the second set of discs of varying size arranged in a specific order in compression side.

[0040] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first set of discs and second set of discs comprises at least partly similar set of discs arranged in tension side and compression side of the valve body (10).

[0041] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first set of discs and second set of discs comprises different sets of discs arranged in tension side and compression side of the valve body (10).

[0042] The disc assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one disc (22) designed with at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube. The present invention may comprise at least one disc (22) designed with plurality of lobes with a gap in between. The gap between the adjacent lobes in the discs is arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube.

[0043] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the at least one disc (22) is provided with at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a centre hole to receive a piston therethrough. In alternative embodiments, the first set of discs is arranged with at least one clover shaped disc as bleed disc (22) in symmetric and/or asymmetric configurations.

[0044] In alternative embodiments, the first and/or second set of discs are arranged with at least one clover shaped disc as bleed disc (22) in symmetric and/or asymmetric configurations.

[0045] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first set of discs comprises at least one bleed disc (22), at least one valve disc, at least one preload disc, at least one backup preload.

[0046] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first set of discs comprises at least one bleed disc (22), at least one valve disc, at least one preload disc, at least one backup preload disc. Similarly, the second set of discs comprises at least one bleed disc (22), at least one valve disc, at least one preload disc, at least one backup preload disc. In the embodiment, the valve disc and the preload disc are separated by a spacer.

[0047] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap.

[0048] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap with the same dimensions of bleed orifice.

[0049] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap with at least one dimensions of bleed orifice including but not limited to width, angle of inclination being different.

[0050] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap and where the width of the bleed orifice is different.

[0051] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap and where the width of the bleed orifice is different. The bleeds are assembled in decreasing orifice width, starting from the valve body.

[0052] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap and where the width of the bleed orifice is different. The bleeds are assembled in a specific order of orifice width.

[0053] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap and where the width of the bleed/bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) is different.

[0054] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap and where the thickness of the bleed discs is different.

[0055] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises at least two bleed discs (22) arranged on top of each other and aligned so that the bleed orifices overlap and where the width of the bleed and thickness of the bleed discs is different.

[0056] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the bleed disc (22) in the first and second set is designed with a plurality of lobes, and these lobes are arranged in a manner where they maintain a uniform distance from the centre of the disc, resulting in a symmetrical arrangement.

[0057] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the bleed disc (22) in the first and second set is designed with a plurality of lobes, and these lobes are arranged in a manner where they maintain a nonuniform distance from the centre of the disc, resulting in asymmetrical arrangement.

[0058] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the bleed disc (22) in the first and second set is provided with a bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe by means of an opening such that this opening can practically provide a larger flow path for the fluid after exiting the bleed orifice and before coming into contact with a structure when passing therethrough. This bleed fluid passage (26) helps to avoid direct hitting of the hydraulic fluid on inner tube of the shock absorber by reducing the transfer of energy between the oil yet and a component of the shock absorber. This benefits in reduction of oil flow noise inside the shock absorber by shifting the radial flow direction in current shock absorber system to a direction having at least some tangential component, hence orienting it sideways. In this present invention, the sideways orientation can be directed towards the opening between the lobes.

[0059] The at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on the at least one lobe positioned on an edge of the lobe with at least some tangential component in the normal vector of the edge OR positioned in a specific location on the edge of the lobe. The bleed fluid passage (26) may be positioned away from the curved edge of each of the lobes in the bleed disc (22), preferably towards a side thereof. This results in a sideways fluid flow that keeps more distance from the pressure tube, improving NVH. Also, this arrangement induces a swirling motion, and mixing the fluid better to allow better heat distribution and dissipation.

[0060] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the bleed fluid passage (26) on each of the bleed disc (22) is arranged at one side of each of the lobes thereon. This provides a passage for the hydraulic fluid and results in a larger flow path after the bleed thereby.

[0061] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the bleed fluid passage (26) is configured on same side edges, left hand side or right hand side edges of the lobes such that the individual fluid jets together may create a bigger swirl motion inside the shock absorber tube.

[0062] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the bleed disc (22) is configured with a plurality of lobes and with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) in the disc at a consistent radial dimension.

[0063] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the edges of the non-circular discs with at least some radial component, forming shapes resembling clover structure, may have symmetric orientations.

[0064] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the edges of the non-circular discs with at least some radial component, forming shapes resembling clover structure, may have asymmetric orientations.

[0065] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the individual discs (22) in the disc assembly are made in identical dimensions.

[0066] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the individual discs (22) in the disc assembly are made in varying dimensions. In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc (22) with largest dimension in both first and second set of discs are arranged close to the valve body (10) on a casting provided thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the bleed disc (22) has the largest diameter and is made in close contact with the flat surface of the valve body in both tension and the compression side.

[0067] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the valve body (10) is structured with a raised platform (11) on both tension and the compression sides, in a shape similar to the bleed disc (22) that is configured in a closest position. This provides a base for the discs in the first and the second set of discs in disc assembly to be aligned closer to the valve body (10).

[0068] In other exemplary embodiments of this invention, the novel aspects of this invention, illustrated by exemplary embodiments of the piston valve, are applicable to the base valve. Such embodiments can be made by a person skilled in the art.

[0069] In other exemplary embodiments of this invention, the bleed disc (22) is provided with an orifice configured away from the curved outer edges of each of the lobes. This orifice is made away from a perpendicular alignment with the edge of the lobes in the bleed disc (22).

[0070] Further, in the embodiment, the orifice having inclined structure, the orifice inclined structure angled with respect to perpendicular to the plane of the lobe of the bleed disc may create more distance between the fluid jet and the surface of the cylinder. In a design of the embodiment, the exit direction of the fluid from the orifice is kept perpendicular to the line forming the exit of the orifice. In another design of the embodiment, the exit direction of the fluid from the orifice is kept angled to a perpendicular to the line forming the exit of the orifice.

[0071] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the disc assembly comprises a plurality of bleed discs (22) stacked on top of each other so that the bleeds overlap with varying width and thickness combinations, which enhances tunability of the shock absorber.

[0072] In other exemplary embodiments of this invention, the disc assembly comprises at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) arranged straight with respect to the radial edges of the lobes.

[0073] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the bleed discs (22) are designed with bleed fluid passage (26) in an outward direction away from the radial line of each lobe.

[0074] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the bleed discs (22) are designed with bleed fluid passage (26) in an inward direction away from the radial line of each lobe.

[0075] In other exemplary embodiments of this invention, the disc assembly comprises at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) arranged in an inclined fashion with respect to the normal of the edge of the lobe where the orifice ends on / interfaces with where the orifice flow exits. In this arrangement, multiple bleed disc (22)s are oriented with respect to each other so that the orifice openings may overlap, creating a larger combined orifice opening. This eliminates inherent trade-off between standardization and unique part count compared to the conventional disc assembly. This also helps in reduction in unique orifice discs while keeping or improving the tuning granularity, based on the feature that needs to be optimized.

[0076] In one other exemplary embodiment of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber comprises at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) arranged in a perpendicular fashion with respect to the normal of the edge of the lobe the orifice ends on / interfaces with

[0077] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the disc assembly is comprising of a plurality of stacked bleed discs (22) oriented such that said bleeds of said plurality of bleed discs at least partly overlap at least one of said bleeds in said plurality of bleed discs. The disc assembly is comprising of a plurality of bleed discs with different disc thicknesses. The disc assembly is comprising of a plurality of bleed discs with different bleed widths in each disc. Further, in an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the disc assembly is comprising of bleed disc with different bleed widths.

[0078] Further, the sealing assembly comprises a plurality of seals and O-rings that are configured at various positions and are responsible for maintaining hydraulic fluid integrity within the shock absorber cylinder, facilitating the piston's smooth movement. They prevent leaks and uphold the hydraulic system's efficiency.

[0079] The bump stop includes a rubber or foam component that prevents the shock absorber from bottoming out or becoming fully compressed when the shock absorber is under heavy load or encounters a large impact.

[0080] The rod guide along with bushes are configured to keep the piston rod centred within the cylinder and allow for smooth and aligned movement. Furthermore, the hydraulic fluid is the fluid inside the shock absorber system that provides resistance and dampening, which flows through the valving and passages to control the movement of the piston (10).

[0081] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber comprises a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a first set of discs secured at the tension side of the valve body (10) and a second set of discs secured at the compression side of the valve body (10). The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of each sets of discs containing at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size and/or shape and/or thickness, each configured with a hole at the centre to receive a piston rod there through. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a plurality of washers each configured with an orifice at the centre to receive a piston rod there through. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one disc (22) comprising at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one disc (22) having at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a centre hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations, each of the bleed disc (22) having at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe, the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on the at least one lobe positioned on an edge of the lobe other than the circular edge of the lobe with at least some tangential component in the normal vector of the edge or positioned on the curved outer edge of the lobe or positioned in a specific location on the edge of the lobe other than the circular edge of the lobe in the bleed disc (22). In an alternative configuration, the at least one bleed is positioned on another edge than the outer edge of the bleed disc. In an alternative configuration, the at least one bleed is positioned on a sideways edge of the bleed disc. In one configuration the at least one bleed fluid passage is positioned perpendicular to the edge of the disc. In an alternative configuration, the at least one bleed fluid passage is positioned angled or inclined with respect to the perpendicular direction of the edge of disc.

[0082] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber comprises a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a first set of discs secured at the tension side of the valve body (10) and a second set of discs secured at the compression side of the valve body (10). The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of each sets of discs containing at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size and/or shape and/or thickness, each configured with a hole at the center to receive a piston rod there through. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one disc (22) comprising at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one disc (22) having at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a center hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations, each of the bleed disc (22) having at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe, the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc, the bleed fluid passage (26) angled /inclined structure having inclination extending outward from a first edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) to a second edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) with respect to a perpendicular to the plane of the bleed disc or a perpendicular to the edge of the bleed disc.

[0083] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber comprises at least one bleed fluid passage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc having angle of inclination with respect to a perpendicular to the plane of the bleed disc or a perpendicular to the edge of the bleed disc ranging between 1 degree (1o) to 89 degrees (89o).

[0084] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc is comprising if a first edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) aligned at a first planner surface of the bleed disc and a second edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) aligned at other planner surface that is a second planner surface of the bleed disc.

[0085] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc on at least one lobe, is positioned on an edge of the lobe other than the circular edge of the lobe, or positioned in a specific location on the edge of the lobe.

[0086] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the bleed fluid passage (26) is essentially small orifice or channel which allow for controlled fluid flow.

[0087] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber by adjusting size, number and placement of these bleeds/ bleed fluid passages (26) on a lobe of a bleed disc the damping characteristics of a shock absorber can be fine-tuned.

[0088] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on each of the lobes is positioned on selected side of the lobe for all the lobes of a bleed disc.

[0089] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber comprises a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a first set of discs secured at the tension side of the valve body (10) and a second set of discs secured at the compression side of the valve body (10). The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of each sets of discs containing at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size and/or shape and/or thickness, each configured with a hole at the center to receive a piston rod there through. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one disc (22) comprising at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one disc (22) having at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a center hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations, each of the bleed disc (22) having at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least two bleed discs (22), the at least two bleed discs arranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack comprising the plurality of bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) of the stacked bleed discs overlapped to each other forming larger bleed path for controlled fluid flow.

[0090] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the at least two bleed discs arranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack having the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) of the stacked bleed discs overlapped with the same dimensions of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) forming larger bleed path for controlled fluid flow.

[0091] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the at least two bleed discs arranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack having the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) of one of the stacked bleed discs overlapped with the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) the one of the other stacked bleed discs having at least one of the dimensions of said bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) different.

[0092] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber, the at least two bleed discs are arranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack with the aligned bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) of the stacked bleed discs having different width of the bleed orifices.

[0093] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber, the at least two bleed discs having different width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) are arranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack comprises the bleed discs assembled in decreasing width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26), starting from the valve body or the bleed discs assembled in a specific order of width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26).

[0094] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the at least two bleed discs are arranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack so that the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) overlaps forming larger bleed path for controlled fluid flow wherein width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) is different or the thickness of the stacked bleed discs is different, or width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) and the thickness of the stacked bleed discs is different.

[0095] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) has inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc. The bleed fluid passage (26) inclined structure is comprising of inclination extending outward from a first edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) aligned at a first planner surface of the bleed disc to a second edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) aligned at other planner surface that is a second planner surface of the bleed disc with respect to a perpendicular to the plane of the bleed disc or a perpendicular to the edge of the bleed disc.

[0096] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another. The disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of a first set of discs secured at the tension side of the valve body (10) and a second set of discs secured at the compression side of the valve body (10). The each sets of discs is containing of at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size and/or shape and/or thickness, each configured with a hole at the center to receive a piston rod there through. The at least one disc (22) is comprising of at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube. The at least one disc (22) have at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a center hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations. The each of the bleed disc (22) have at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe. The at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe have angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc. The different bleed fluid passage (26)/ orifices / bleeds have different dimensions (widths) between each of the lobe resembling clovers. The bleed fluid passages (26)/bleeds are positioned on the similar edges of the lobe resembling clover (left / right or radial outward), or are positioned on the different edge positions. The bleed fluid passages (26)/bleeds have different bleed angle between different bleed fluid passages (26)/bleeds on the same lobe resembling clover or on different lobes resembling clovers.

[0097] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the each of the bleed disc (22) is comprising of a plurality of bleed fluid passages (26)/bleeds having different dimensions, angle of inclinations positioned on a plurality of lobes resembling clovers in symmetric or asymmetric configuration at varied locations differently on the same or all the different lobes resembling clovers of the bleed disc (22).

[0098] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is configured in a valve assembly comprising of a valve body (10), a sealing assembly, a bump stop, and a rod guide. The valve body (10) is having a construction as a cylindrical component with two opposite sides forming a tension side and a compression side and each of the tension side and the compression side configured to receive the disc assembly that regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid as the shock absorber moves. The valve body is comprising of a plurality of ports (25) configured in the valve body to provide fluid flow passages defined to generate different pressure drop characteristics inside the shock absorber.

[0099] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe is provided by means of an opening that provide a larger flow path for the fluid after exiting the bleed orifice, therethrough reducing the transfer of energy between the oil yet and a componentof the shock absorber reducing oil flow noise inside the shock absorber. The bleed fluid passage (26) on each of the bleed disc (22) is arranged at one side of each of the lobes thereon to provide a passage for the hydraulic fluid resulting in a larger flow path after the bleed thereby.

[00100] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the disc (22) with largest dimension in both first and second set of discs is arranged close to the valve body (10) on a casting provided thereon. The bleed disc (22) has the largest diameter, and the bleed disc (22) is made in close contact with the flat surface of the valve body in both tension and the compression side. The at least one bleed fluid passage (26) of the bleed disc (22) have an orifice configured away from the curved outer edges of each of the lobes and made away from a perpendicular alignment with the edge of the lobes. The exit direction of the fluid from the orifice is angled to a perpendicular to the line forming the exit of the orifice.

[00101] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the bleed fluid passage (26) is configured on similar side edges, either left hand side or right hand side edges of the lobes to create a bigger swirl motion by the individual fluid jets together inside the shock absorber tube.

[00102] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber comprises at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) arranged in an inclined fashion with respect to the normal of the edge of the lobe where the orifice ends on / interfaces with where the orifice flow exits. The disc assembly system is comprising of a plurality of bleed discs (22) arranged in layered configuration with varying width and thickness combinations. The disc assembly system is comprising of at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) configured straight with respect to the radial edges of the lobes and in a direction away from the radial line of each lobe.

[00103] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber is comprising of at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) arranged in a perpendicular fashion with respect to the normal of the edge of the lobe the orifice ends on / interfaces with

[00104] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the disc assembly is comprising of a plurality of stacked bleed discs (22) oriented such that said bleeds of said plurality of bleed discs at least partly overlap at least one of said bleeds in said plurality of bleed discs. The disc assembly is comprising of a plurality of bleed discs with different disc thicknesses. The disc assembly is comprising of a plurality of bleed discs with different bleed widths in each disc. Further, in an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the disc assembly is comprising of bleed disc with different bleed widths.

[00105] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the first set of discs is comprising of at least one bleed disc (22), at least one valve disc, at least one preload disc, at least one backup preload disc. The second set of discs is comprising of at least one bleed disc (22), at least one valve disc, at least one preload disc, at least one backup preload disc. The valve disc and the preload disc of the disc assembly are separated by a spacer. The individual discs (22) in the first and the second set of discs in the disc assembly provides a passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber cylinder from one end of the valve body to the other, specifically between the tension side and a compression side. The first and/or second set of discs are arranged with at least one clover shaped disc as bleed disc (22) in symmetric configurations. Alternatively, the first and/or second set of discs are arranged with at least one clover shaped disc as bleed disc (22) in asymmetric configurations.

[00106] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the individual elements in the first and/or the second set of discs are layered to manage the hydraulic fluid 's flow, enabling precise adjustments to the shock absorber's performance in accordance with the application. The discs (22) are configured to provide varying levels of resistance to the movement of the fluid flowing therethrough based on the speed and intensity of the suspension's motion. The first set of discs and second set of discs comprises identical set of discs arranged in tension side and compression side of the valve body (10)

[00107] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the individual discs (22) in the disc assembly are made in identical dimensions.

[00108] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention a disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber the individual discs (22) in the disc assembly are made in varying dimensions.

[00109] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention Variable valve body port areas are provided to facilitate the different pressure drop characteristics than uniform flow areas. It is providing the better tunning range during the valve tuning of the shock absorbers. Valves of same shapes that of valve body lands are provided to attain the sequential and smooth opening of the valves. It is attained in combination of variable valve body ports and clover shaped discs.

[00110] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention Alignment of the disc is provided by protrusion on outer periphery of the disc surface. Alignment of the disc facilitates consistency in performance of assembly. Protrusions can be made in different forms such as convex, concave, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal in shapes. The protrusions are formed on the disc surface. Alignment feature is essential for ensuring the positioning of the bleed disc. Alternative to external alignment mentioned above, another means is internal alignment, where parts mounted on the piston post are directly aligned with the piston post by means of a specific shape or feature, like, but not limited to a D-cut or at least partly polygon shapes. Aligning all parts with the piston post implies the parts are also aligned with respect to each other. To be able to mount parts on the piston post, a minimum clearance is needed, this makes internal alignment generally less performant than external alignment.

[00111] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention the sealing assembly of the valve assembly is comprising of a plurality of seals and O-rings configured at various positions to maintain hydraulic fluid integrity within the shock absorber cylinder, facilitating the piston's smooth movement.

[00112] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention the bump stop of the valve assembly includes a rubber or foam component configured to prevent the shock absorber from bottoming out or becoming fully compressed when the shock absorber is under heavy load or encounters a large impact.

[00113] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention the rod guide along with bushes of the valve assembly is configured to keep the piston rod centred within the cylinder and allow for smooth and aligned movement.

[00114] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the individual components in the valve assembly are designed in such a way that angular or tangential alignment between at least two components is made possible by design features.

[00115] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the individual components in the valve assembly are designed in such a way that angular or tangential alignment between at least two components is made possible by the process.

[00116] According to one of the embodiments of the present invention the non-circular disc arrangement in the disc assembly which has symmetric/asymmetric features helps to control the pressure drop characteristics in shock absorbers. Furthermore, proper alignment between the valve components is essential to enhance the asymmetric characteristics within a valve stack. These features contribute to improved ride comfort and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) control.

[00117] According to one of the embodiments of the present invention one of the advantages of asymmetric clover shaped valve discs is the possibility to have more control over the opening of the valve discs in the disc assembly.

[00118] According to one of the embodiments of the present invention in the valve assembly (100), a smooth opening of disc (22) is provided by means of non-circular shaped valve disc arrangement. In this, one, two or multiple lobes are provided to form a clover shaped disc arrangement and preloaded to avoid the leakage of oil during initial velocities of shock absorber.

[00119] According to one of the embodiments of the present invention the plurality of lobes in the bleed discs (22) particularly the clover shape of the discs helps a smooth opening at different time intervals once the oil pressure is cracked/exceeded the preloading pressure of valve disc. This makes a reduced possibility of generating erratic results in damping operation.

[00120] According to one of the embodiments of the present invention the inclination made to the bleed fluid passage (26) in the bleed disc (22) while arranging the disc assembly inside the shock absorber cylinder may define fluid swirling path which upon helps to get a better heat dissipation. A radially inward arrangement of the bleed fluid passage (26) may result a larger oil fluid flow path. Thus, oil flow noise is reduced by avoiding the direct hitting of oil on inner tube surface.

[00121] According to one of the embodiments of the present invention the bleed fluid passage (26) serves the purpose of preventing direct impact of hydraulic fluid on the inner tube of the shock absorber, resulting in a reduction of noise caused by oil flow within the shock absorber.

[00122] According to one of the embodiments of the present invention in the valve assembly (100), the ports (12) configured on the valve body provides a plurality of oil flow passages that are defined to generate different pressure drop characteristics. Further, the clover shaped valve disc arrangement aligns with the inflow and outflow opening in said connected valve body ports.

[00123] According to one of the embodiments of the present invention in the valve assembly (100), the sequential opening of the noncircular discs (22) motivates smooth transition of fluid flow from laminar to turbulent regime during pre and post blow-off condition. It provides the smooth changes in pressure drop characteristics and fluid flow velocities in blow-off regime. This helps in reduction of NVH issues generated due to shock absorber and provides smooth ride of the vehicle on different road irregularities.

[00124] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber, the disc assembly sys-tem comprises:
a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another;
a first set of discs secured at the tension side of the valve body (10);
a second set of discs secured at the compression side of the valve body (10);
each set of discs containing at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size and or shape and or thickness, each configured with a hole at the center to receive a piston rod there through;
at least one disc (22) comprises at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube; and
at least one disc (22) having at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a center hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations, each of the bleed disc (22) having at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe, the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on the at least one lobe positioned on an edge of the lobe with at least some tangential component in the normal vector of the edge or positioned in a specific location on the edge of the lobe.

2. A disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber, the disc assembly sys-tem comprises:
a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another;
a first set of discs secured at the tension side of the valve body (10);
a second set of discs secured at the compression side of the valve body (10);
each set of discs containing at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size and/or shape and/or thickness, each configured with a hole at the center to receive a piston rod there through;
at least one disc (22) comprises at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube; and
at least one disc (22) having at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a center hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations, each of the bleed disc (22) having at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe, the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc, the bleed fluid passage (26) angled /inclined structure having inclination extending outward from a first edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) to a second edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) with respect to a perpendicular to the plane of the bleed disc or a perpendicular to the edge of the bleed disc.

3. A disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber, the disc assembly sys-tem comprises:
a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another;
a first set of discs secured at the tension side of the valve body (10);
a second set of discs secured at the compression side of the valve body (10);
each set of discs containing at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size and/or shape and/or thickness, each configured with a hole at the center to receive a piston rod there through;
at least one disc (22) comprises at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube; and
at least one disc (22) having at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a center hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations, each of the bleed disc (22) having at least one bleed fluid passage/bleed orifice (26) on at least one lobe; and
at least two bleed discs (22), the at least two bleed discs arranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack comprising the plurality of bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) of the stacked bleed discs overlapped to each other forming larger bleed path for controlled fluid flow.

4. A disc assembly system for hydraulic shock absorber, the disc assembly sys-tem comprises:
a plurality of valve discs configured to allow a flow path for the hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber tube from one side to another;
a first set of discs secured at the tension side of the valve body (10);
a second set of discs secured at the compression side of the valve body (10);
each set of discs containing at least one slender metal disc (22) of same or varying size and/or shape and/or thickness, each configured with a hole at the center to receive a piston rod there through;
at least one disc (22) comprises at least one lobe arranged to allow a flow passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber tube; and
at least one disc (22) having at least one lobe resembling a clover shaped design with a center hole to receive a piston therethrough arranged as bleed disc (22) in symmetric or asymmetric configurations, each of the bleed disc (22) having at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one lobe, the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc, the different bleed fluid passage (26)/ orifices / bleeds having different dimensions between each of the lobe resembling clovers, the bleed fluid passages (26)/bleeds positioned on the similar edges of the lobe resembling clover or positioned on the different edge positions, the bleed fluid passages (26)/bleeds having different bleed angle between different bleed fluid passages (26)/bleeds on the same lobe resembling clover or on different lobes resembling clovers.

5. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least one bleed fluid pas-sage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc have angle of inclination with respect to a perpendicular to the plane of the bleed disc or a perpendicular to the edge of the bleed disc ranging be-tween 1 degree (1o) to 89 degrees (89o).

6. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least one bleed fluid pas-sage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc comprises the first edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) aligned at a first planner surface of the bleed disc and a second edge of the bleed fluid pas-sage (26) aligned at other planner surface that is a second planner surface of the bleed disc.

7. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least one bleed fluid pas-sage (26) having angled/inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc on at least one lobe is positioned on an edge of the lobe other than the circular edge of the lobe, or positioned in a specific location on the edge of the lobe.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the bleed fluid passage (26) is essentially small orifice or channel which allow for controlled fluid flow.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein by adjusting size, number and placement of these bleeds/ bleed fluid passages (26) on a lobe of a bleed disc the damping characteristics of a shock absorber can be fine-tuned.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on each of the lobes is positioned on selected side of the lobe for all the lobes of a bleed disc.

11. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least two bleed discs ar-ranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack having the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) of the stacked bleed discs overlapped with the same dimensions of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) forming larger bleed path for controlled fluid flow.

12. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least two bleed discs ar-ranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack having the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) of one of the stacked bleed discs over-lapped with the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) the one of the other stacked bleed discs having at least one of the dimensions of said bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) different.

13. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least two bleed discs ar-ranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack with the aligned bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) of the stacked bleed discs having different width of the bleed orifices.

14. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least two bleed discs having different width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) arranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack comprises the bleed discs as-sembled in decreasing width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26), starting from the valve body or the bleed discs assembled in a specific order of width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26).

15. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least two bleed discs ar-ranged on top of each other and aligned forming a stack so that the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) overlaps forming larger bleed path for controlled fluid flow wherein width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orific-es (26) is different or the thickness of the stacked bleed discs is different, or width of the bleed fluid passages/bleed orifices (26) and the thickness of the stacked bleed discs is different.

16. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least one bleed fluid pas-sage (26) have inclined structure across the thickness of the bleed disc, the bleed fluid passage (26) inclined structure comprising of inclination extend-ing outward from a first edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) aligned at a first planner surface of the bleed disc to a second edge of the bleed fluid passage (26) aligned at other planner surface that is a second planner surface of the bleed disc with respect to a perpendicular to the plane of the bleed disc or a perpendicular to the edge of the bleed disc.

17. The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the each of the bleed disc (22) comprises of a plurality of bleed fluid passages (26)/bleeds having different dimensions, angle of inclinations positioned on a plurality of lobes resem-bling clovers in symmetric or asymmetric configuration at varied locations differently on the same or all the different lobes resembling clovers of the bleed disc (22).

18. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein
the disc assembly system is configured in a valve assembly comprising of a valve body (10), a sealing assembly, a bump stop, and a rod guide;
the valve body (10) having construction as a cylindrical component with two opposite sides forming a tension side and a compression side and each of the tension side and the compression side configured to receive the disc assembly that regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid as the shock absorber moves;
a plurality of ports configured in the valve body providing fluid flow passages defined to generate different pressure drop characteristics inside the shock absorber

19. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) on at least one of the lobes is pro-vided by means of an opening that provide a larger flow path for the fluid after exiting the bleed orifice, therethrough to reducing the transfer of ener-gy between the oil yet and a component of the shock absorber reducing oil flow noise inside the shock absorber.

20. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the bleed fluid passage (26) on each of the bleed disc (22) is arranged at one side of each of the lobes thereon to provide a passage for the hydraulic fluid resulting in a larger flow path after the bleed thereby.

21. The disc assembly of the system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein
the at least one bleed fluid passage (26) of the bleed disc (22) have an orifice configured away from the curved outer edges of each of the lobes and made away from a perpendicular alignment with the edge of the lobes;
the exit direction of the fluid from the orifice is perpendicular to the line from the exit to the center of the disc assembly.

22. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the bleed fluid passage (26) is configured on similar side, left hand side or right hand side edges of the lobes to create a bigger swirl motion by the in-dividual fluid jets together inside the shock absorber tube.

23. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the disc assembly comprises at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) arranged in an inclined fashion with respect to the normal of the edge of the lobe the orifice ends on / interfaces with.

24. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the disc assembly comprises at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) arranged in a perpendicular fashion with respect to the normal of the edge of the lobe the orifice ends on / interfaces with.

25. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the disc assembly comprises a plurality of stacked bleed discs (22) oriented such that said bleeds of said plurality of bleed discs at least partly overlap at least one of said bleeds in said plurality of bleed discs.

26. The system as claimed in claim 25 wherein the disc assembly comprises a plurality of bleed discs with different disc thicknesses.

27. The system as claimed in claim 25 wherein the disc assembly comprises a plurality of bleed discs with different bleed widths in each disc.

28. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the disc assembly comprises bleed disc with different bleed widths.

29. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the disc assembly comprises at least one bleed disc (22) with at least one bleed fluid passage (26) configured straight with respect to the radial edges of the lobes and in a direction away from the radial line of each lobe.

30. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein
the first set of discs comprises at least one bleed disc (22), at least one valve disc, at least one preload disc, at least one backup preload.

31. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the individual discs (22) in the first and the second set of discs in the disc assembly provides a passage for the fluid inside the shock absorber cylinder from one end of the valve body to the other, specifically between the tension side and a compression side.

32. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the first and / or second set of discs are arranged with at least one clover shaped disc as bleed disc (22) in symmetric configurations.

33. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the first and / or second set of discs are arranged with at least one clover shaped disc as bleed disc (22) in asymmetric configurations.

34. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the individual elements in the first and or the second set of discs are layered to manage the hydraulic fluid's flow, enabling precise adjustments to the shock absorber's performance in accordance with the application

35. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the discs (22) are configured to provide varying levels of resistance to the movement of the fluid flowing therethrough based on the speed and intensi-ty of the suspension's motion.

36. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein each of the discs (22) is comprising of protrusion on outer periphery of the disc surface configured for the alignment of the disc ensuring the position-ing of the discs, the protrusion made in different forms such as convex, con-cave, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal in shapes.

37. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the individual discs (22) in the disc assembly are made in identical dimen-sions.

38. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the individual discs (22) in the disc assembly are made in varying dimen-sions.

39. The system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the sealing assembly of the valve assembly comprises a plurality of seals and O-rings configured at var-ious positions to maintain hydraulic fluid integrity within the shock absorb-er cylinder, facilitating the piston's smooth movement.

40. The system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the bump stop of the valve as-sembly includes a rubber or foam component configured to prevent the shock absorber from bottoming out or becoming fully compressed when the shock absorber is under heavy load or encounters a large impact.

41. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the rod guide along with bushes of the valve assembly configured to keep the piston rod centered within the cylinder and allow for smooth and aligned movement.
Dated this on 26th March, 2025
Prafulla Wange
(Agent for Applicant)
(IN-PA-2058)