Damper and valve

US6427812B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Active Control Experts, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Edward F. Crawley · Cambridge, US
• Kenneth B. Lazarus · Boston, US
• Jeffrey W. Moore · Appleton, US
• Douglas A. Simpson · Cambridge, US
• Gerald F. Caron · Andover, US
• Farla M. Russo · Brookline, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 23, 2001
• Grant date: Aug 6, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 23, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F2224/0283
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A valve regulates fluid displacement in a damper assembly, for example, displacement of hydraulic fluid in a sealed shock absorber. The valve is placed between a portion of fluid at one pressure and regulates the passage of fluid through an aperture or passage to a portion of fluid at a lower pressure by a blocking member which moves to obstruct the aperture in accordance with a desired level of damping. The blocking member is, or is driven by, an electroactive device, such as a bimorph actuator formed of ferroelectric material.