Shock Absorbers Overview

Study Notes

Single Acting Shock Absorber

Designed to check rebound only, utilizing a cam operated mechanism.
Comprises a housing with an oil-filled reservoir and an inner cylinder housing a piston.
Piston is actuated by a cam attached to an operating arm, which is connected to an operating lever.
A coil spring keeps the piston pressed against the cam, while an intake valve inside the piston permits fluid flow from the reservoir.
As a vehicle encounters an obstacle, the cam moves backward, allowing oil to flow through small holes, minimizing impact on occupants.
Post-obstacle, the operating lever moves downward, pushing the piston, compressing the fluid, and allowing it to exit through a relief valve to absorb shock.

Double Acting Shock Absorber

Functions similarly to the single acting absorber, but allows damping in both directions.
Features two interconnected pistons within a housing containing an oil reservoir.
Cam positioned between the two pistons moves in response to vehicle action over obstacles, enabling oil flow from either chamber.
Compression occurs when the cam forces the compression piston into a dedicated cylinder, opening a compression relief valve to expel oil slowly to the reservoir.
The rebound mechanism is activated when the vehicle spring moves downward, causing the cam to rotate and push the rebound piston, allowing fluid to flow towards the rebound valve, effectively absorbing shocks.

Direct Acting Shock Absorber

Composed of an inner cylinder filled with oil, divided into upper and lower chambers by a double acting piston.
Mounted via eyes on both ends, functioning under the influence of vehicle springs.
Oil movement is regulated by compression and rebound valves present in both chambers, facilitating shock absorption.
During compression, the vehicle spring forces the lower chamber upward, activating the compression valves, allowing oil flow to absorb shocks.
In rebound, the lower chamber descends under pressure, opening relief valves, permitting fluid flow to absorb downward jolt effectively.

Description

This quiz explores the mechanisms and functions of single and double acting shock absorbers. It covers their designs, operations, and how they contribute to vehicle comfort by reducing impact during encounters with obstacles.