Patent ID: 6152272
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
An automobile suspension system comprising:a) an automobile body;b) a wheel hub;c) a suspension arm movably connected between said automobile body and said wheel hub allowing translational motion of said wheel hub relative to said body;d) a magnetic particle damper apparatus having a first conductor member connected to said body by a first connecting member and a second conductor member connected to said suspension arm by a second connecting member;said conductor members having confronting surfaces defining a gap therebetween;said gap being filled with magnetic particles; andsaid damper having a magnetic element producing a magnetic flux path through said first conductor, said magnetic particles in said gap, and said second conductor, thereby influencing said magnetic particles to adhere to one another and to said first and second conductor members to produce a force opposing relative motion between said wheel hub and said automobile body, thereby dissipating energy and providing damping.