Patent ID: 6679504
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
A vibration control system for a structure having a first structural member and a second structural member, the vibration control system comprising:a liquid spring having a first volume of compressible liquid in a first chamber operably interposed between the first structural member and the second structural member, the liquid spring using a compressible liquid to generate both spring and damping forces in response to relative displacement between the first structural member and the second structural member; a second volume of compressible liquid in a second chamber, the second volume remotely connected to the liquid spring by a fluid passage; at least one valve coupled to the fluid passage, the at least one valve selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring; and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one valve, the controller emitting a control signal to control the at least one valve; wherein the controller alters the control signal to modulate the at least one valve to adjust at least one of the group consisting of a pressure, a volume, and a rate of flow of compressible liquid in the liquid spring to vary smoothly in between minimum and maximum attainable values to alter at least one of the stiffness and the damping of the liquid spring.