Air spring shock absorber module with internal load-based damping adjustment
US6715744B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F9/5123
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A suspension assembly is provided that includes a shock absorber having a housing filled with hydraulic fluid. An air spring is supported on the shock absorber, and the air spring includes a bladder filled with air. A valve assembly is surrounded by the fluid housing and the bladder. The valve assembly is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid and air. The air manipulates the valve and adjusts flow of hydraulic fluid through the shock absorber to adjust damping based upon vehicle load experienced at the air spring. Preferably the valve assembly is located within the inner cylinder head arranged between the piston rod and the outer cylindrical wall of the shock absorber. The valve assembly may include a teeter-totter valve that cooperates with other valves plungers and springs to provide variable damping throughout the vehicle load experienced by the inner spring. Alternatively, a linear two positioned valve may be used to change the damping in response to a predetermined pressure within the air spring corresponding to a particular vehicle load.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.