Suspension strut
US6446944B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F9/48
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A suspension strut having a piston tube containing a floating piston, slidable within a cylinder tube. A collar is fixed to the inner surface of the cylinder tube and contains a tapered wear ring. As the strut expands by extending the piston tube relative to the cylinder tube, the tapered wear band slides over valve orifices in the outer surface of the piston tube, gradually cutting off fluid flow from the annular space between the two tubes into an end cavity of the strut, thus increasing damping and reducing the likelihood of metal to metal contact at full strut extension. This reduces shock loads on the strut for smoother vehicle operation and increased component life.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.