Vehicle suspension arrangements

US4830398A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Group Lotus Public Limited Company · GB

Inventors

• David A. Williams · Corvallis, US
• Peter G. Wright · Wymondham, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 4, 1985
• Grant date: May 16, 1989
• Expiry date: Jun 4, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2400/50
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle wheel suspension system includes a suspension device having a double acting hydraulic actuator, of which the piston position is adjustable in response to forces acting on the piston and/or to a selective control input, and a load bearing strut operable in response to the actuator piston experience to minimize the actuator load. The device comprises an inner member having a portion slidable within an outer member with the piston on the inner member and slidably engaging the outer member and a fluid body operative between the members, the volume of which is selectively adjustable to alter and strut pre-load and load deflection characteristics. The fluid body may be a body of oil or a gas.