FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]
TITLE: “A SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE AND A
VEHICLE THEREOF”
Name and Address of the Applicant: TATA MOTORS PASSENGER
VEHICLES LIMITED, of Floor 3, 4, Plot-18,
Nanavati Mahalaya, Mudhana Shetty Marg,
BSE, Fort, Mumbai, Mumbai City,
Maharashtra, 400001 India
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a shock absorber for a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the shock absorber to mitigate or prevent bottoming.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Automotive suspension systems use shock absorbers to absorb unwanted vibrations which occur during driving, such as when the vehicle travels over a bump or undulations. In order to absorb the unwanted vibrations, the shock absorbers are connected to a chassis and a wheel hub of the vehicle. The shock absorber includes a piston which is positioned within and is movable within an inner tube of the shock absorber [also called as a strut]. The inner tube is connected to one of the chassis or the wheel of the vehicle. Further, the piston is connected to the other end of the body or the wheel of the vehicle. The piston divides the inner tube into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber both of which are filled with a hydraulic fluid or in some shock absorbers gas. The movement of the piston, in response to the shock absorber being compressed or extended, is restricted by the hydraulic fluid or gas filled in the inner tube. As such, the shock absorber can produce a damping force which counteracts the vibration or vertical movements which would otherwise be transmitted from the wheel to the body of the vehicle.
When the vehicle travels over major bumps, the shock absorber undergoes an extreme bottoming condition or when the wheel articulation is high, the piston is pushed to the extreme end of the inner tube. Such bottoming condition may lead to piston hitting one end of the inner tube. Such hitting may cause damage to the shock absorber and compromise the shock-absorbing capability of the shock absorber, thereby affecting the driving/commuting experience of the users in the vehicle. Furthermore, the compromised shock-absorbing capability of the shock absorber may cause the underbody of the vehicle to continuously contact the ground and may physically damage underbody of the vehicle.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.
The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional
techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a shock absorber assembly and a vehicle as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the shock absorber assembly and the vehicle as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a shock absorber assembly is disclosed. The shock absorber assembly comprises a first tube and a second tube concentrically provided within the first tube. The second tube is defined by a first end and a second end and includes a first aperture to allow a flow of a fluid from the second tube to the first tube. The shock absorber assembly includes a piston connected to a piston rod and slidably disposed between the first end and the second end of the second tube. The piston is configured to displace between the first end and the second end. The displacement of the piston causes the fluid to move from the first tube to the second tube. A collar is disposed in the second tube and comprises a second aperture. The collar is adapted to displace to an aligned position and a deviated position. In the aligned position, the second aperture is aligned with the first aperture to allow the fluid to flow to the first tube. in the deviated position, the second aperture is away from the first aperture. The shock

absorber assembly further includes a biasing member exerting a biasing force on the collar to bias the collar in the aligned position. The biasing force is overcome when a velocity of the piston increases beyond a threshold value.
In an embodiment, the biasing member is a coil spring.
In an embodiment, each of the first aperture and the second aperture include a pair of apertures defined on a lateral portion of the second tube and the collar respectively.
In an embodiment, each pair of apertures are defined diametrically opposite to each other on the lateral portion of the second tube and the collar respectively.
In an embodiment, the shock absorber assembly comprises a base valve defined within the second tube and positioned at the second end.
In an embodiment, the biasing member is supported on a portion of the base valve and/or at the second end of the second tube.
In an embodiment, the biasing member, the collar and the base valve are coaxially provided within the second tube.
In an embodiment, the collar is adapted to displace between the aligned position and the deviated position to a partially aligned position..
In an embodiment, the collar displaces to the partially aligned position when the velocity of the piston increases over a second threshold value but less than the threshold value.
In another non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a chassis, a wheel hub, and a shock absorber assembly connected between the chassis and the wheel hub.
The shock absorber assembly comprises a first tube and a second tube concentrically provided within the first tube. The second tube is defined by a first

end and a second end and includes a first aperture to allow the flow of a fluid from the second tube to the first tube. The shock absorber assembly includes a piston connected to a piston rod and slidably disposed between the first end and the second end of the second tube. The piston is configured to displace between the first end and the second end. The displacement of the piston causes the fluid to move from the first tube to the second tube. The collar is disposed in the second tube and comprising a second aperture and the collar is adapted to displace to an aligned position and a deviated position. In the aligned position, the second aperture is aligned with the first aperture to allow the fluid to flow to the first tube and in the deviated position, the second aperture is away from the first aperture. The shock absorber assembly includes a biasing member exerting a biasing force on the collar to bias the collar in the aligned position, the biasing force is overcome when a velocity of the piston increases beyond a threshold value.
In an embodiment, the biasing member, the collar and the base valve are coaxially provided within the second tube.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1a is a perspective view of the shock absorber assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1b is a perspective view of a second tube of the shock absorber assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the shock absorber assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3a is a sectional view of the shock absorber assembly of Figure 1a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3b is a magnified sectional view of the shock absorber assembly of Figure 3a depicting an aligned position of the collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3c is a magnified sectional view of the shock absorber assembly of Figure 3a depicting a deviated position of the collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3d is a magnified sectional view of the shock absorber assembly of Figure 3a depicting a partially aligned position of the collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that

it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, and a vehicle that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a shock absorber assembly. The shock absorber assembly comprises a first tube and a second tube concentrically provided within the first tube. The second tube is defined by a first end and a second end and includes a first aperture to allow flow of a fluid from the second tube to the first tube. The shock absorber assembly includes a piston connected to a piston rod and is slidably disposed between the first end and the second end of the second tube. The piston is configured to selectively displace between the first end and the second end. The displacement of the piston causes the fluid to move from the first tube to the second tube. The collar is disposed in the second tube and comprising a second aperture and the collar is adapted to displace to an aligned position and a deviated position. In the aligned position, the second aperture is aligned with the first aperture to allow the fluid to flow to the first tube and in the deviated position, the second aperture is away from the first aperture. The shock absorber assembly includes a biasing member exerting a biasing force on the collar to bias the collar in the aligned position, the biasing force is overcome when a velocity of the piston increases beyond a threshold value. With such configuration, the bottoming of the shock absorbers in the vehicle during encountering a large bumper may minimized or eliminated.

The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1a to 3d. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the shock absorber assembly as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in any vehicle including but not liming to commercial vehicles, and passenger vehicles, and the like. The shock absorber assembly of the present disclosure may also be implemented in vehicles having a wheel hub for suitably absorbing shocks in the vehicle without deviating from the principles of the present disclosure.
Figures 1a and 1b refer to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a shock absorber assembly (100) for a vehicle [not shown explicitly in figures]. The vehicle may be, for example, a passenger vehicle, such as a car, or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck. The vehicle may include a chassis [not shown explicitly in figures] structured to accommodate components of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a plurality of wheel assemblies, where each wheel assembly includes a wheel hub. The vehicle includes a shock absorber assembly (100) that is connected between the chassis and each wheel hub to absorb shocks while the vehicle is in motion.
The shock absorber assembly (100) includes a first tube (1) structured to accommodate components of the shock absorber assembly (100). The first tube (1) is structured as a hollow tube to accommodate the components of the shock absorber assembly (100). A bracket (10) may be coupled to a portion of the first tube (1). The bracket (10) radially extends from the first tube (1) and is defined with a plurality of provisions (10a) to allow mounting of the first tube (1) to the wheel hub. In an embodiment, the plurality of provisions (10a) include, but not limited to through holes, slots and the like. The provisions (10a) are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to rigidly fasten the shock absorber assembly (100) to the wheel hub. In an embodiment, the first tube (1) may be made of a rigid material, such as a metal, an alloy, and the like.

The shock absorber assembly (100) includes a piston rod (9) receivable in the first tube (1) as can be seen in Figure 1a. In an embodiment, the first tube (1) is defined with a cover member (11) coupled at a top end and defined with an opening to receive the piston rod (9) as can be seen in Figure 1a. The piston rod (9) may be connected to the chassis of the vehicle. The shock absorber assembly (100) includes a second tube (2) concentrically provided within the first tube (1). The second tube (2) may be defined by a first end (2a) and a second end (2b). Referring now to Figures 1b and 2, the shock absorber assembly (100) includes a base valve (5) defined within the second tube (2) and positioned at the second end (2b) as can be seen in Figure 2. The base valve (5) is configured to selectively allow flow of the fluid from the second tube (2) to the first tube (1). The second tube (2) includes a first aperture (3) as can be seen in Figure 1b. The first aperture (3) may be provided on a wall of the second tube (2). The first aperture (3) may be closer to the second end (2b) than to the first end (2a). For the sake of explanation, the second tube (2) is depicted as a hollow cylindrical tube concentrically disposed within the first tube (1). Further, the second tube (2) defines a hollow space to accommodate a fluid and a portion of the piston rod (9). In an embodiment, both the first tube (1) and the second tube (2) are filled with fluid including, but not limited to, a hydraulic fluid, Shock absorbing oil and the like.
Referring to Fig. 2, the shock absorber assembly (100) includes a piston (4) connected to an end of the piston rod (9) and slidably disposed in the second tube (2). The piston (4) is slidably disposed between the first end (2a) and the second end (2b) of the second tube (2). The displacement of the piston (4) causes the fluid to move from the first tube (1) to the second tube (2). In the illustrative embodiment, the first end (2a) is an open end configured that is configured to receive the piston (4) and a portion of the piston rod (9), while the second end (2b) is a closed or sealed end as can be seen in Figure 1b.
When the wheel hub undergoes a vertical travel due to a bump and/or any obstacle on a road such as, but not limited to, a speed-breaker or road undulation, the piston

rod (9) is displaced relative to the first tube (1) and the second tube (2). A level of displacement and a velocity of the piston (4) may depend on the size of the obstacle and/or speed of the vehicle. During such displacement, the piston (4) is displaced from the first end (2a) to the second end (2b), causing compression of the fluid in the second tube (2) between the piston (4) and the second end (2b). The first aperture (3) allows a flow of a fluid from the second tube (2) to the first tube (1) based on displacement of the piston (4). In addition to flowing through the first aperture (3), the fluid also flows through the base valve (5).
The shock absorber assembly (100) includes a collar (7) disposed in the second tube (2) and comprising a second aperture (8). The collar (7) may have the shape of a ring. Further, the collar (7) may be coaxial to the second tube (2) and may have a diameter substantially same as the inner diameter of the second tube (2). The collar (7) may be structured in one of an inverted U-shape, an inverted V-shape, and the like having a cavity (12) as can be seen in Figure 2. For the sake of explanation, the collar (7) is depicted in an inverted U-shaped profile as can be clearly seen in Figure 2 with the cavity (12) at a centre portion to allow flow of fluid partially through the cavity (12) within the second tube (2). In an embodiment, the diameter of the cavity (12) may be varied based on requirement. Further, a second aperture (8) is defined on a lateral portion of the collar (7) corresponding to lateral portion of the second tube (2) as can be seen in Figure 1b.
The shock absorber assembly (100) includes a biasing member (6). The biasing member (6) may be supported on a portion of the base valve (5) or at the second end (2b). In an embodiment, the biasing member (6) includes a coil spring such as but not limited to a compression spring, tension spring and the like. In the illustrative embodiment, the biasing member (6) is depicted as a compression spring and the stiffness of the compression spring may be varied based on the vehicle requirements. Although a single coil spring is shown as the biasing member (6), in an embodiment, a plurality of coil springs that are circumferentially distributed on the base valve (5) may be utilized as the biasing member (6) based on requirement.

For example, two coil springs may be employed that are disposed at diametrically opposite ends of the base valve (5).
The biasing member (6) may be connected to one side of the collar (7) facing the base valve (5), while the other side of the collar (7) may be facing the piston (4). The biasing member (6) may be supporting the collar (7). Further, the biasing member (6) may exert biasing force on the collar (7). In an embodiment, the biasing member (6), the collar (7), the base valve (5), and the second tube (2) may be coaxial to each other. In an embodiment, the biasing member (6) is fitted to the base valve (5) by interference fit, where the biasing member (6) may be smaller in size compared to the base valve (5) and the collar (7). The biasing member (6) may be fixedly coupled to the collar (7) by an adhesive, fasteners and the like. Such configuration provides a shock absorber assembly (100) to be simple in construction.
Referring now to Figures 3a to 3d, the second tube (2) and the collar (7) are depicted with a pair of apertures (3, 8) defined on a lateral portion of the second tube (2) and the collar (7) respectively. For sake of explanation, the first aperture (3) and the second aperture (8) are depicted to include the pair of apertures (3, 8) defined diametrically opposite to each other on the lateral portion of the second tube (2) and the collar (7) respectively, where the first aperture (3) and the second aperture (8) are aligned with each other in Figure 3b. The number of apertures (3, 8) and the profile of the apertures (3, 8) may be varied based on the amount of fluid required to flow to the first tube (1) and the same shall not be construed as a limitation. The collar (7) is adapted to displace within the second tube (2) due to displacement of the piston (4) and compression of the fluid in the second tube (2). The relative position of the first apertures (3) and the second apertures (8) is varied based on the displacement of the collar (7), where the first apertures (3) and the second apertures (8) may fully coincide, or partially coincide and/or misalign from each other to allow, restrict and block flow of fluid from the second tube (2) to the first tube (1) respectively. In an embodiment, the collar (7) is adapted to displace to an aligned position (AP) and a deviated position (DP) depending on the velocity of the piston

(4). The aligned position (AP) of the collar (7) refers to a position at which the second apertures (8) are aligned with the first apertures (3), thereby allowing fluid to flow from the second tube (2) to the first tube (1) through the first and the second apertures (8). The aligned position (AP) may include both a fully aligned position, where the first and second apertures (8) are completely aligned with each other, and a partially aligned position (PAP), wherein the apertures (3) are partially aligned with each other as can be seen in Figure 3d. As will be understood, flow of fluid in the partially aligned position (PAP) is less as compared to that of the fully aligned position. The deviated position (DP) refers to a position at which the second apertures (8) are misaligned from the first apertures (3), causing obstruction to flow of fluid from the second tube (2) to the first tube (1) through the first and the second apertures (8).
Further, the collar (7) may be disposed at the aligned position (AP) if a force exerted on the collar (7) by the fluid does not exceed the biasing force exerted on the collar (7) by the biasing member (6). If the force exerted on the collar (7) by the fluid exceeds the biasing force, the collar (7) is displaced to the deviated position (DP). The force exerted on the collar (7) by the fluid depends on a velocity of the piston (4). For instance, the exerted force increases with an increased velocity of the piston (4). Accordingly, for a velocity of the piston (4) over a a threshold velocity, the collar (7) is displaced to the deviated position (DP).
Lastly, the velocity of the piston (4) may depend on the speed of the vehicle and a size of the obstacle that the vehicle traverses on. For example, if the vehicle travels at a high speed over a large-sized obstacle, the velocity of the piston (4) may exceed the threshold value. Accordingly, if the vehicle travels over the obstacle such that the piston (4) velocity increases beyond the threshold velocity, the collar (7) displaces to the deviated position (DP).
For sake of explanation, the piston (4) is illustrated to traverse at two velocities i.e., a first velocity and a second velocity within the second tube (2). In an embodiment, the first velocity is a low velocity movement of the piston (4) compared to the

second velocity. Further, the first velocity may be less than the threshold value, while the second velocity is greater than the threshold value.
Referring now to Figure 3b, in the aligned position (AP), the second aperture (8) is aligned with the first aperture (3) to allow the fluid to flow to the first tube (1) from the second tube (2) upon displacement of the piston (4) at the first velocity, i.e., a velocity less than the threshold value. In such a case, as explained above, the biasing force exerted by the biasing member (6) retains the collar (7) in the aligned position (AP). Due to the alignment between the apertures (3), the fluid flows from the first tube (1) to the second tube (2) through the apertures (3), in addition to flowing through the base valve (5).
Referring again to Figure 3c, when the vehicle passes over a large obstacle, , or traverses the obstacle at a high speed, the piston (4) is displaced at the second velocity i.e., the velocity is greater than the threshold value. Accordingly, the force exerted by fluid on the collar (7) exceeds the biasing force of the biasing member (6) on the collar (7), causing displacement of the collar (7) from the aligned position (AP) to the deviated position (DP). As can be seen in Figure 3c, in the deviated position (DP), the second aperture (8) is away from the first aperture (3). In an embodiment, as illustrated, the collar (7) may be closer to the second end (2b) in the deviated position (DP) as compared to a case in which the collar (7) is in the aligned position (AP).
In an embodiment, the misalignment between the apertures (3) prevents or reduces the fluid flow to the first tube (1) from the second tube (2) through the apertures (3). In such a case, the fluid flows only through the base valve (5) . Since the fluid flows through a reduced area, a higher resistance is imparted to the movement of the piston (4) in the second tube (2). The higher resistance translates into a larger damping force. The larger damping force reduces or avoids bottoming of the shock absorber assembly (100).

In an embodiment, due to a high velocity movement of the piston (4), the collar (7) moves such that the apertures (3) move from a fully aligned position (AP) to a partially aligned position (PAP) defined between the aligned position (AP) and the deviated position (DP), and subsequently from the partially aligned position (PAP) to the deviated position (DP). As will be understood, the fluid flow occurs progressively and reduces from the fully aligned position to the partially aligned position (PAP) and then to the deviated position (DP) as illustrated in Figure 3b. Accordingly, the damping force progressively increases. Further, in some cases, the piston (4) velocity may increase over a second threshold value that is less than the threshold value of the piston (4) velocity, such that the collar (7) displaces from the fully aligned position (AP) to the partially aligned position (PAP), but not to the deviated position (DP). In such a case, the fluid flow reduces proportional to the reduction in the overlap between the two pairs of apertures (3).
In an embodiment, the first aperture (3) is defined at a predetermined length from the second end (2b) of the second tube (2). The predetermined length may correspond to the position of the second aperture (8) from the second end (2b) in the aligned position (AP). In an embodiment, the predetermined length may be proximal to the length of the biasing member (6) from the second end (2b) as can be seen in Figure 3b. Further, the distance of the first aperture (3) and the second aperture (8) from the second end (2b) are variable based on the resistance required to oppose displacement of the piston (4) at a velocity beyond the threshold value.
In an embodiment, the biasing member (6), the collar (7) and the base valve (5) are concentrically provided within the second tube (2), where such configuration provides for a simpler shock absorber assembly (100) that does not bottom out under high speeds.
As will be appreciated from the above explanation, the velocity at which the collar (7) moves from the aligned position (AP) may be adjusted by adjusting the stiffness of the springs of the biasing member (6). Therefore, the shock absorber assembly (100) of the present subject matter can be utilized for different damping

requirements by simply using springs of different stiffnesses. Further, the damping force exerted may be adjusted by simply varying the profile and number of first apertures (3) and the second apertures (8) corresponding to the threshold value and the second threshold value of the piston (4) velocity. Still further, since the increase in the damping force can be achieved by a small degree of movement of the collar (7), a lesser amount of force is required to cause the increase in the damping force. That is, the piston (4) need not exert a large force for the increase in the damping force. Therefore, the piston (4) need not physically contact and push the collar (7) to increase the damping force. The reduced force requirement ensures that the damping force increase can be achieved with small-sized springs.
In an embodiment, the proposed shock absorber assembly (100) provides adaptive change in damping force provided corresponding to increase in piston (4) velocity.
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as “open” terms. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the

introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an”; the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number. Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numeral:

Component Referral numeral
Shock absorber assembly 100
first tube 1
second tube 2
first end 2a
second end 2b
first aperture 3
piston 4
base valve 5
biasing member 6
collar 7
second aperture 8
piston rod 9
Aligned position AP
Deviated position DP
Cover member 11
Bracket 10
Provisions 10a
Cavity 12

We claim:
1. A shock absorber assembly (100) for a vehicle, the assembly (100)
comprising:
a first tube (1);
a second tube (2) concentrically provided within the first tube (1) and defined by a first end (2a) and a second end (2b), wherein the second tube
(2) includes a first aperture (3) to allow a flow of a fluid from the second
tube (2) to the first tube (1);
a piston (4) connected to a piston rod (9) and slidably disposed between the first end (2a) and the second end (2b) of the second tube (2), the piston (4) is configured to displace between the first end (2a) and the second end (2b), wherein displacement of the piston (4) causes the fluid to move from the first tube (1) to the second tube (2);
a collar (7) disposed in the second tube (2) and comprising a second aperture (8), wherein the collar (7) is adapted to displace to an aligned position (AP) and a deviated position (DP), wherein in the aligned position (AP), the second aperture (8) is aligned with the first aperture to allow the fluid to flow to the first tube (1) and wherein in the deviated position (DP), the second aperture (8) is away from the first aperture; and
a biasing member (6) exerting a biasing force on the collar (7) to bias the collar (7) in the aligned position (AP), wherein the biasing force is overcome when a velocity of the piston (4) increases beyond a threshold value.
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing member (6)
is a coil spring.
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first aperture
(3) and the second aperture (8) include a pair of apertures defined on a lateral
portion of the second tube (2) and the collar (7) respectively.

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each pair of apertures are
defined diametrically opposite to each other on the lateral portion of the second tube (2) and the collar (7) respectively.
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a base valve (5)
defined within the second tube (2) and positioned at the second end (2b).
6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the biasing member (6)
is supported on a portion of the base valve (5) and/or at the second end (2b) of the second tube (2).
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing member (6),
the collar (7) and the base valve (5) are coaxially provided within the second tube (2).
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collar (7) is adapted
to displace between the aligned position (AP) and the deviated position (DP) to a partially aligned position (PAP) when the velocity of the piston (4) increases over a second threshold value but less than the threshold value.
9. A vehicle, comprising:
a chassis; a wheel hub;
a shock absorber assembly (100) connected between the chassis and the wheel hub, the shock absorber assembly (100) comprising:
a first tube (1);
a second tube (2) concentrically provided within the first tube (1) and defined by a first end (2a) and a second end (2b), wherein the second tube (2) includes a first aperture (3) to allow a flow of a fluid from the second tube (2) to the first tube (1);
a piston (4) connected to a piston rod (9) and slidably disposed between the first end (2a) and the second end (2b) of the second tube

(2), the piston (4) is configured to displace between the first end (2a) and the second end (2b), wherein displacement of the piston (4) causes the fluid to move from the first tube (1) to the second tube (2);
a collar (7) disposed in the second tube (2) and comprising a second aperture (8), wherein the collar (7) is adapted to displace to an aligned position (AP) and a deviated position (DP), wherein in the aligned position (AP), the second aperture (8) is aligned with the first aperture to allow the fluid to flow to the first tube (1) and wherein in the deviated position (DP), the second aperture (8) is away from the first aperture; and
a biasing member (6) exerting a biasing force on the collar (7) to bias the collar (7) in the aligned position (AP), wherein the biasing member (6) is such that the biasing force is overcome when a velocity of the piston (4) increases beyond a threshold value.
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the biasing member (6), the collar (7) and the base valve (5) are coaxially provided within the second tube (2).