초록 ▼

A vehicle suspension system in which a computer controls damping and spring forces to optimize ride and handling characteristics under a wide range of driving conditions. A combined shock absorber/air spring unit is connected between the wheel and frame of a vehicle. The shock absorber includes a hy

A vehicle suspension system in which a computer controls damping and spring forces to optimize ride and handling characteristics under a wide range of driving conditions. A combined shock absorber/air spring unit is connected between the wheel and frame of a vehicle. The shock absorber includes a hydraulic sensor which provides signals to the computer which are representative of the position of the piston within the shock absorber. The computer utilizes these signals to control compression and rebound hydraulic pressure regulators to produce preprogrammed compression and rebound damping forces that will yield the desired ride and handling. The air spring may be connected in series with the shock absorber for compression and rebound along the same axis. Pressure sensors and air pressure inlet and outlet valves are connected to the computer for adjusting the pressure within the air spring to provide the desired spring rate.

대표청구항 ▼

A suspension unit for connecting a sprung portion of a vehicle with an unsprung portion, said suspension unit comprising: spring means; shock absorber means comprising a first cylinder, a quantity of hydraulic fluid within said first cylinder, and a first piston dividing said first cylinder into upp

A suspension unit for connecting a sprung portion of a vehicle with an unsprung portion, said suspension unit comprising: spring means; shock absorber means comprising a first cylinder, a quantity of hydraulic fluid within said first cylinder, and a first piston dividing said first cylinder into upper and lower chambers; means operatively connecting said spring means and said shock absorber means; hydraulic sensor means in communication with said first cylinder for generating first signals representative of the position of said first piston within said first cylinder; compression pressure regulator means coupled to said upper chamber for adjusting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in said upper chamber during upward movement of said first piston in response to predetermined second signals applied thereto; and rebound pressure regulator means coupled to said lower chamber for adjusting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in said lower chamber during downward movement of said first piston in response to predetermined third signals applied thereto.