B60G15/12

Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment

A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.

Adjustable gas spring system
11648811 · 2023-05-16 · ·

A spring-damper assembly includes a damper and an adjustable gas spring system coupled to the damper. The spring-damper assembly can be coupled to a vehicle as part of a suspension thereof. The adjustable gas spring system maintains the ride height of the vehicle while absorbing forces from changes in the terrain. The dampers control unwanted movement of the coil spring and dissipate forces from the suspension.

Adjustable gas spring system
11648811 · 2023-05-16 · ·

A spring-damper assembly includes a damper and an adjustable gas spring system coupled to the damper. The spring-damper assembly can be coupled to a vehicle as part of a suspension thereof. The adjustable gas spring system maintains the ride height of the vehicle while absorbing forces from changes in the terrain. The dampers control unwanted movement of the coil spring and dissipate forces from the suspension.

Multi-mode air shock
11644079 · 2023-05-09 · ·

A multi-mode air shock is disclosed herein. The air shock includes an air spring having a primary air chamber, and a damper having an insertion end to telescope within the primary air chamber and a coupler to couple with a portion of a vehicle. An adjuster housing is fixedly coupled to an end of the air spring opposite of the damper, the adjuster housing having a secondary air chamber in communication with the primary air chamber and a mounting structure to couple with a different portion of the vehicle. There is a bulkhead with a valve to open or close the fluid communication between the primary air chamber and the secondary air chamber. The air shock also includes a tertiary air chamber in fluid communication with the secondary air chamber but not in fluid communication with the primary air chamber except via the secondary air chamber.

Load dependent damper for a vehicle suspension system

A valve assembly includes a valve body defining an inner volume, a flow controller positioned within the inner volume, a plug positioned within the inner volume, and a biasing element. The plug is spaced from the flow controller such that an intermediate chamber is defined between the plug and the flow controller. The biasing element is positioned in the intermediate chamber between the plug and the flow controller. The plug is repositionable within the inner volume. As the plug moves within the inner volume, the plug interacts with the biasing element such that the biasing element provides a biasing force to the flow controller.

Load dependent damper for a vehicle suspension system

A valve assembly includes a valve body defining an inner volume, a flow controller positioned within the inner volume, a plug positioned within the inner volume, and a biasing element. The plug is spaced from the flow controller such that an intermediate chamber is defined between the plug and the flow controller. The biasing element is positioned in the intermediate chamber between the plug and the flow controller. The plug is repositionable within the inner volume. As the plug moves within the inner volume, the plug interacts with the biasing element such that the biasing element provides a biasing force to the flow controller.

Gas spring and damper assemblies as well as suspension systems including same

End members are supportable along a damper housing and dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member. The end members include a wall with a first wall portion having an outer surface portion dimensioned to receivingly engage the flexible spring member. A second wall portion includes an inner surface portion dimensioned to receivingly engage a torsional isolator supported on the damper housing. A third wall portion extends radially outward beyond the second wall portion and includes a passage surface at least partially defining a passage extending axially through the third wall portion. The passage is dimensioned to receive a projection of the torsional isolator. End member assemblies including such an end member as well as gas spring and damper assemblies and suspension systems are also included.

Gas spring and damper assemblies as well as suspension systems including same

End members are supportable along a damper housing and dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member. The end members include a wall with a first wall portion having an outer surface portion dimensioned to receivingly engage the flexible spring member. A second wall portion includes an inner surface portion dimensioned to receivingly engage a torsional isolator supported on the damper housing. A third wall portion extends radially outward beyond the second wall portion and includes a passage surface at least partially defining a passage extending axially through the third wall portion. The passage is dimensioned to receive a projection of the torsional isolator. End member assemblies including such an end member as well as gas spring and damper assemblies and suspension systems are also included.

Adjustable blow-off suspension
11679641 · 2023-06-20 · ·

Altering the damping rate of a vehicle suspension damper. A pressure of a damping fluid is exerted against a second valve mechanism connected to the vehicle suspension damper. The pressure of the damping fluid is increased beyond a threshold of the second valve mechanism that is adjustable by an adjustment member. The adjustment member is exposed through a high pressure side of the vehicle suspension damper. The second valve mechanism is then opened.

Adjustable blow-off suspension
11679641 · 2023-06-20 · ·

Altering the damping rate of a vehicle suspension damper. A pressure of a damping fluid is exerted against a second valve mechanism connected to the vehicle suspension damper. The pressure of the damping fluid is increased beyond a threshold of the second valve mechanism that is adjustable by an adjustment member. The adjustment member is exposed through a high pressure side of the vehicle suspension damper. The second valve mechanism is then opened.