Patent ID: 6648109
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A shock absorber assembly comprising:a first cylinder having an outer wall; a second cylinder mounted within said first cylinder and having an inner wall enclosing a chamber, said inner wall being spaced apart from said outer wall to define a gap extending longitudinally between said first and second cylinders; a piston mounted within said second cylinder to separate said chamber into a rebound side and a compression side, said piston being movable along a longitudinal path relative to said inner wall to dampen vibrations; a plurality of ports formed within said inner wall to define a sealed fluid path wherein fluid flows bi-directionally within said gap and into and out of said rebound and compression sides of said chamber via said ports in response to said piston moving back and forth within said chamber; and an actuator for selectively adjusting the damping force by axially translating said outer wall relative to said inner wall in a direction parallel to said longitudinal path to vary the size of said gap.