Vehicle suspension spring system
US7779974B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2800/912
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle suspension spring system for a vehicle wheel station includes a hydraulic cylinder or strut having a piston which divides the cylinder volume into a main oil volume and an annular oil volume. The main oil volume communicates via a first oil passage with a first accumulator having a main gas volume. The annular oil volume communicates via a second oil passage with a second accumulator having an auxiliary gas volume. The oil in each accumulator is separated from the gas by a separator piston or diaphragm. A third oil passage with an isolating valve interconnects said first and second oil passages. Operation of the isolating valve is regulated by a controller. At least one sensor for sensing a parameter associated with vehicle attitude is connected to the controller. The controller is operable for switching the isolating valve between open and closed positions for altering spring stiffness of the strut in response to said sensed vehicle attitude parameter when the vehicle is in motion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.