ACE Controls Main Catalog - ACE - #10

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8 ACE Controls Inc. · 800-521-3320 · (248) 476-0213 · Fax (248) 476-2470 · www.acecontrols.com · email: shocks@acecontrols.com Force Stroke Force Stroke Force Stroke Force Stroke b d c a Self-Compensating Shock Absorbers In cases where non-adjustability is beneficial but the features of an adjustable shock absorber are required, self-compensating shocks meet both needs. With a range of effective weight, a self-compensating shock absorber will provide acceptable deceleration under changing energy conditions. The orifice profile, designed by a computer that constantly arranges the size and location of each orifice while inputting changing effective weights, neutralizes the effect of changing fluid coefficients, weight, velocity, temperature and fluid compressibility. Figure A A linear decelerator by definition decelerates a moving weight at a linear or constant rate of deceleration. The adjustable shock absorber is able to provide linear deceleration when operated within its energy capacity and effective weight range by dialing in the required orifice area. The resulting force-stroke curve (Figure A) shows optimum (lowest) stopping force. Figure B Figure B shows the force-stroke of a self-compensating shock absorber stopping a weight at the low end of its effective weight range. Note how the reaction forces are no longer constant but are still acceptable. The curve is skewed slightly higher at the beginning of the stroke and dips lower at the end. Figure C Figure C is a force-stroke curve of the same self-compensating shock absorber in Figure B but at the high end of its effective weight range. The energy curve is now skewed upward at the end of stroke and still yields acceptable deceleration. Figure D Figure D is a family of force-stroke curves: a. Adjustable shock absorber properly tuned, or hydro shock perfectly matched. b. Self-compensating shock absorber at the low end of its effective weight range. c. Self-compensating shock absorber at the high end of its effective weight range. d. Adjustable closed down, or hydro shock not matched (dashpot effect). Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Self-Compensation