A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to detect load applied to a vehicle suspension. An example apparatus includes a vehicle spring positioned between a first spring seat and a second spring seat. A cap is coupled to the first spring seat to define a cavity. A force sensor is positioned in the cavity adjacent a surface of the first spring seat.

A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.

A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.

A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.

A shock assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a damper chamber having an outer wall with a first inner diameter (ID). A secondary chamber within the damper chamber, the secondary chamber comprising an exterior wall with an external diameter (ED) less than the ID of the outer wall to form an annular region therebetween. A damping piston coupled to a piston rod, the damping piston disposed in the secondary chamber and axially movable relative to the secondary chamber, the damping piston to bifurcate the secondary chamber into a compression side and a rebound side. A valve to control a flow of a working fluid between the annular region and the secondary chamber.

A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.

A shock assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a damper chamber having an outer wall with a first inner diameter (ID). A secondary chamber within the damper chamber, the secondary chamber comprising an exterior wall with an external diameter (ED) less than the ID of the outer wall to form an annular region therebetween. A damping piston coupled to a piston rod, the damping piston disposed in the secondary chamber and axially movable relative to the secondary chamber, the damping piston to bifurcate the secondary chamber into a compression side and a rebound side. A valve to control a flow of a working fluid between the annular region and the secondary chamber.

A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.

An electroactive elastomer converter is described comprising at least one electroactive elastomer layer (3) with a top side and underside and an electrically conductive electrode body (1) that is two-dimensionally connected to the top side at least in regions. An electrically conductive electrode body (1) is dimensionally connected in at least two regions to the underside. At least one electrode body (1) in each case has an electrode surface facing the elastomer layer (3). At least one opening (2) is present to which an a two-dimensional region in which there is no two-dimensional bond between the elastomer layer (3) and the electrode body (1). A compressible medium is provided in the area of the opening.