Patent ID: 6695102
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A twin-tube damping device, comprising:an outer member containing an outer volume of magnetorheological fluid; an inner member containing an inner volume of magnetorheological fluid; a stationary, controllable fluid valve device disposed within the outer member having a first annular body having controllable passageways formed within the fluid valve device operable for magnetorheological fluid flow control, and a second body in contact with the first annular body, wherein the second body comprises a magnetic field generating means contained therein capable of generating a magnetic field that is directed to act upon the magnetorheological fluid in the controllable passageways to provide controllable flow through the controllable passageways; a piston rod mounted for movement with respect to the inner and outer members; a piston assembly attached to the piston rod, wherein the piston assembly divides the inner volume of magnetorheological fluid into a first fluid-containing chamber and a second fluid-containing chamber; and at least one volumetric compliance means; wherein the controllable fluid valve device is operable for permitting magnetorheological fluid to flow from the first fluid-containing chamber to the second fluid-containing chamber, and from the second fluid-containing chamber to the first fluid-containing chamber wherein the piston assembly comprises two independent pressurized volumetric compliance means.