초록 ▼

A hydraulic activator operable to change a suspension characteristic in response to changes in the velocity of damping fluid flowing through a flow passage provided in flow control valving within the shock absorber. The hydraulic activator comprising a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber ope

A hydraulic activator operable to change a suspension characteristic in response to changes in the velocity of damping fluid flowing through a flow passage provided in flow control valving within the shock absorber. The hydraulic activator comprising a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber operable to store damping fluid and a reservoir cylinder coaxial therewith. A piston is disposed within the pressure cylinder defining an upper and lower portion of the working chamber. The activator further comprises a first transducer for emitting ultrasonic waves across the flow passage. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first transducer are received by a second transducer. A frequency detection circuit determines the difference in frequency between the emitted and received ultrasonic waves and generates an output in response thereto. A central processor calculates the fluid velocity and causes a control circuit to change a suspension characteristic of the shock absorber.

대표청구항 ▼

A hydraulic actuator connecting the sprung and unsprung portions of a vehicle, said hydraulic actuator operable to selectively change a suspension parameter in response to changes in the velocity of damping fluid flowing within said hydraulic actuator, comprising: a first cylinder forming a working

A hydraulic actuator connecting the sprung and unsprung portions of a vehicle, said hydraulic actuator operable to selectively change a suspension parameter in response to changes in the velocity of damping fluid flowing within said hydraulic actuator, comprising: a first cylinder forming a working chamber operable to store damping fluid; a piston disposed within said first cylinder defining a first and a second portion of said working chamber, said piston being movable within said first cylinder; valve means for metering the flow of damping fluid within said hydraulic actuator, said valve means having at least one flow passage; transducer means for emitting and receiving sound waves propagating through said damping fluid flowing through said flow passage of said valve means; means for driving said first transducer means so as to cause said first transducer means to emit sound waves; measuring means for determining the change in frequency between said sound waves emitted and received by said transducer means and generating an output in response thereto; and means for calculating the velocity of said damping fluid flowing through said valve means in response to said output from said measuring means.