IP Library Granted Patent US 12,110,943
Granted Patent B2
US 12,110,943 · App. 17/071,750 · Granted Oct 8, 2024

Modular active valve system having a reduced footprint for use in a smaller shock platform

Inventor: Connor Randall (Salida, CA)
Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
F16F9/34F16F9/19F16F9/50F16K31/406B60G13/08B60G17/08B60G2202/24B60G2206/41B60G2500/114B60G2600/182B60G2800/162F16F2222/12F16F2228/066F16F2230/00F16F2230/18F16F2230/38F16F2232/08F16F2234/02
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,110,943
App. No.
17/071,750
Granted
Oct 8, 2024
Kind
B2
Abstract

A modular active valve system having a reduced footprint for use in a smaller shock platform is disclosed. The modular active valve system includes a multi-stage valve having a first stage and at least a second stage, wherein at least the first stage includes a semi-active valve for electronic damping control.

Claims (35)

1. A multi-stage valve comprising:

a first stage; and

at least a second stage,

wherein at least the first stage comprises a semi-active valve for electronic damping control, and

wherein:

the first stage comprises a pilot valve;

the second stage comprises a main relief valve;

the pilot valve configured to provide an electronically adjustable fluid pressure to the main relief valve;

the main relief valve configured to modify a firmness of a damper based on the electronically adjustable fluid pressure received from the pilot valve; and

a third stage comprising a boost cylinder, the boost cylinder configured to modify said firmness of said damper based on the electronically adjustable fluid pressure received from the pilot valve, said boost cylinder further comprising:

a shim stack comprised of a plurality of shims; and

a clamp configured to contact at least one of said plurality of shims, wherein a damping range of said boost cylinder is adjusted by modifying which of said plurality of shims is in contact with said clamp.

2. A multi-stage base valve comprising:

a first stage; and

at least a second stage,

wherein at least the first stage comprises a semi-active valve for electronic damping control, and the second stage comprises a boost cylinder;

the first stage configured to provide an electronically adjustable fluid pressure to the boost cylinder; and

the boost cylinder configured to modify a firmness of a damper based on the electronically adjustable fluid pressure received from the first stage, said boost cylinder further comprising:

a shim stack comprised of a plurality of shims; and

a clamp configured to contact at least one of said plurality of shims, wherein a damping range of said boost cylinder is adjusted by modifying which of said plurality of shims is in contact with said clamp.

3. The multi-stage base valve of claim 2 wherein the first stage is a spool type pilot valve.

4. The multi-stage base valve of claim 2 wherein the first stage is a poppet type pilot valve.

5. A multi-stage valve comprising:

a first stage; and

at least a second stage,

wherein at least the first stage comprises a semi-active valve for electronic damping control, and

wherein:

the first stage comprises a pilot valve;

the second stage comprises a boost cylinder;

the pilot valve configured to provide an electronically adjustable fluid pressure to the boost cylinder; and

the boost cylinder configured to modify a firmness of a damper based on the electronically adjustable fluid pressure received from the pilot valve, said boost cylinder further comprising:

a shim stack comprised of a plurality of shims; and

a clamp configured to contact at least one of said plurality of shims, wherein a damping range of said boost cylinder is adjusted by modifying which of said plurality of shims is in contact with said clamp.

6. The multi-stage valve of claim 5 , further comprising:

a third stage comprising a main relief valve, the main relief valve configured to modify said firmness of said damper based on the electronically adjustable fluid pressure received from the pilot valve.

Assignments (3)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 27, 2025
From: FOX FACTORY, INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 073270/0027 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 5, 2022
From: FOX FACTORY, INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 059616/0435 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 15, 2020
From: RANDALL, CONNOR
To: FOX FACTORY, INC.
Reel/Frame 054070/0664 →