Patent ID: 6416061
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
A suspension system for a vehicle comprising a plurality of suspension struts, each mounted between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, each comprising:a cylinder having a substantially closed end and an inner bore; a piston rod slideable within said inner bore and having a proximal end which terminates within said inner bore and a distal end which extends from said inner bore; an oil seal between said inner bore and said piston rod which thereby seals a strut volume such that axial movement of said piston rod towards said closed end of said cylinder reduces said strut volume and axial movement of said piston rod away from said closed end of said cylinder increases said strut volume; a compressible mass of gas and hydraulic fluid contained within said strut volume; a hydrostatic bearing, located within said strut volume between said piston rod and said inner bore, mounted to either said piston rod or said inner bore, and venting into said strut volume; and a hydraulic circuit and associated control system adapted to control flow of said hydraulic fluid between said strut volume and a reservoir thereby providing control of at least the time-averaged axial position of said piston rod relative to its corresponding inner bore.