Abstract:
A suspension system for a vehicle includes a damping assembly operatively connected to an actuator; a controller for controlling movement of said actuator whereby a damping rate of said damping assembly is adjusted by movement of the actuator; and a signal generating device remote from said damping assembly, which device, in use, provides an output electric signal representing a desired user adjustment to the damping rate of said damping assembly, said controller adapted to receive said electric signal and control said actuator to adjust said damping rate according to said electric signal, whereby said damping rate may be remotely altered during use of said vehicle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/175,422 filed May 4, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a suspension system and to a vehicle comprising the suspension system. 
         [0003]    Integrated damper/spring vehicle shock absorbers often include a damper body surrounded by a mechanical spring. The damper often consists of a piston and shaft telescopically mounted in a fluid filled cylinder. The mechanical spring may be a helically wound spring that surrounds the damper body. Various integrated shock absorber configurations are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,044,614; 5,803,443; 5,553,836; and 7,293,764; each of which is herein incorporated, in its entirety, by reference. The shock absorber of U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,764 is shown, in exploded view, therein in FIG. 7. As shown, the shock absorber comprises a damper assembly 60 and a helical spring 65. Noteworthy is that the wound wire forming the helical spring 65 includes abrupt ends 70. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,614 (“614 patent”) shows a damper body carrying a thread 42. A helical spring 18 surrounds the damper body. The compression in the helical spring 18 may be pre-set by means of a nut 48 and a lock nut 50. The nut 48 may be translated axially relative to the body (“tube”) 16 and thread 42 by rotating the nut 48 around the threaded sleeve 42. Rotation of the nut 48 in a given direction (e.g. clockwise as viewed from end 44 for a right hand thread 42) will cause the nut to move toward the retainer clip 26 thereby compressing spring 18 between the nut 48 and the retainer clip 26. Once the spring 18 is in a desired state of compression, lock nut 50 is rotated, using a wrench, up against nut 48 and tightened in a binding relation therewith. 
         [0005]    Some shock absorbers utilize gas as a spring medium in place of, or in addition to, mechanical springs. Gas spring type shock absorbers, having integral dampers, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,135,434; 6,360,857 and 6,311,962; each of which is herein incorporated, in its entirety, by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,857 shows a shock absorber having selectively adjustable damping characteristics. U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,222 which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference, describes a gas sprung front shock absorber for a bicycle (a “fork”) having a selective mechanical “lock out” and adjustable mechanical “blow off” function. For purposes herein reference to a shock absorber includes front shock absorbers, or forks, of two (or some three) wheeled vehicles. 
         [0006]    The spring mechanism (gas or mechanical) of some shock absorbers is adjustable so that it can be preset to varying initial states of compression. In some instances the shock spring (gas or mechanical) may comprise different stages having varying spring or damping rates thereby giving the overall shock absorber a compound spring rate depending varying through the stroke length. In that way the shock absorber can be adjusted to accommodate heavier or lighter carried weight, or greater or lesser anticipated impact loads. In vehicle applications including motorcycle and bicycle applications and particularly off-road applications, shock absorbers are pre-adjusted to account for varying terrain and anticipated speeds and jumps. Shocks are also adjusted according to certain rider preferences (e.g. soft—firm). 
         [0007]    A type of integrated spring/damper shock absorber, having a gas spring, is shown in FIG. 28, for example, of U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,028, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference. The shock of FIG. 28 also includes an “adjustable intensifier assembly 510.” That intensifier or “reservoir” accepts damping fluid from chamber 170 as the fluid is displaced from that chamber by the incursion of rod 620 into chamber 170 during a compression stroke of the shock. The intensifier valve assembly regulates flow of damping fluid into and out of the reservoir and an embodiment of the valve assembly is shown in FIG. 17 of that document. 
         [0008]    It is desirable to “lock” the suspension, thereby rendering it substantially rigid, on certain vehicles at certain times. Such a lock may be particularly desirable on bicycles to reduce or eliminate so called “pedal bob” or “chain squat” (the cyclic compression and extension of suspension caused by the cyclic tension of the drive chain and the cyclic motion of the pedals, cranks and power input generally), often caused when cycling uphill. Once the period of pedal bob has finished it is desirable to “unlock” the suspension, so that a flat or downhill section can be negotiated at higher speed. It is noteworthy that the valve assembly of FIG. 17 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,028 may be replaced with any suitable valve assembly depending on the desired result. For example, when the valve is configured (as will be further described herein) with a selectable and correspondingly selected “lock out” (i.e. functionally absolute valve closure) damping fluid is excluded from entering the reservoir and, the damping fluid being a relatively incompressible liquid, such exclusion prevents the volume of chamber 170 from being reduced and thereby prevents the shock absorber from compressing telescopically. Such “lock out” is selectively provided via an external direct mechanical manual adjuster, such as for example knob 512 of FIG. 17 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,028. 
         [0009]    One particular problem with direct adjust selective lock out functionality on bicycles is that it is very difficult (in some cases impossible) for a rider to lock and unlock the damping function of the front and/or rear damper whilst riding the bicycle. It is difficult and dangerous to release grip on the handlebars particularly when the terrain is changing but that is often precisely the time when locking or locking of suspension would be desirable. Usually the rider has to stop, possibly dismount, and then lock or unlock the damper. 
         [0010]    A similar problem also exists on other vehicles such as trucks, ATVs, off-road motorcycles, etc. Any such vehicle that is capable of driving both on road and off road (i.e. on one type of terrain that is relatively smooth compared to another type of surface that can be relatively rough) usually has suspension with a larger range of travel than a vehicle intended exclusively for on road use. When moving from off-road to on road and vice versa there is no way, absent stopping and dismounting or exiting the vehicle, for the driver to lock and unlock the suspension to provide for better ride and handling according to the terrain. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a suspension system for a vehicle, which suspension system comprises: 
         [0012]    a damping assembly operatively connected to an actuator; 
         [0013]    a controller for controlling movement of said actuator whereby a damping rate of said damping assembly is adjusted by movement of the actuator; and 
         [0014]    a signal generating device remote from said damping assembly, which device, in use, provides an output signal representing a desired adjustment to the damping rate of said damping assembly, said controller adapted to receive said signal and control said actuator to adjust said damping rate according to said signal, whereby said damping rate may be remotely altered during use of said vehicle. In some embodiments the controller may be a microcontroller or other processing device e.g. ASIC. In some aspects the controller may be of a simpler form and might be integrated with the actuator; for example the controller can be a circuit that controls the actuator in response to ‘high’ and ‘low’ voltage from the device. In some embodiments the device is a user operable device such as a manual switch or lever triggering a circuit to send an electrical signal. In some embodiments the device comprises an accelerometer for sensing changes in the terrain being traversed and sending a damping change signal to the controller in response to such changes. In some embodiments the device comprises both a sensor (e.g. accelerometer) or sensors and a manually operable switch in parallel where the sensor may signal the controller or the manual switch may be operated to signal the controller. 
         [0015]    In certain aspects said controller is arranged to control said actuator so that said damping assembly is either locked or unlocked, whereby in use, operation of said signal generating device switches said damping assembly rate only between a desired damping rate and a minimum damping rate. In this way the user of the vehicle may very easily lock (minimum) and unlock (regular or desired damping) the damping assembly, and there may be no intermediate adjustment positions of the damping rate based on the signals from the device(s) (i.e. the adjustment of the damping assembly is either locked or unlocked). The signal generating device may comprise a button that toggles the damping assembly between locked and unlocked. For vehicles having multiple wheels, each individual wheel suspension may be controlled based on a discreet signal generated by the device where the device includes, in addition to the signal generating trigger switch, a selector switch for designating a channel or mode corresponding to the immediately desired suspension unit or units. As an example a bicycle may include a signal generating switch having a toggle for selecting between the front and rear shock absorbers or for selecting “both” (thereby allowing the signal to trigger the actuator in each with only one operation of the switch). These easy-to-operate arrangements are particularly advantageous in off-road conditions where the user (e.g. a rider to a trail bike, mountain bike or other ATB or vehicle) must keep full concentration (and both hands engaged) on steering the vehicle. 
         [0016]    In some aspects said controller (e.g. circuit  65 ) is arranged to control said actuator so that said damping assembly may be moved to at least one position between a locked position and an unlocked position, whereby said signal generating device (such as manual override switch  50 ) may be used to set said damping rate at values between a maximum (or regular/desired) and a minimum. In these embodiments, the user has more fine control over the damping rate of the damping assembly, and may choose to position the damping assembly somewhere between unlocked and locked positions. The signal generating device may comprise an analogue or digital interface for achieving this functionality. For example, the signal generating device may comprise a lever whose position between two limits corresponds to the position of the damping assembly. Alternatively, the signal generating device may comprise a digital display indicating the amount that the damping assembly is open/closed, with ‘up’ and ‘down’ buttons (e.g. on touch screen display, or physical buttons) for changing the damping rate. 
         [0017]    In certain aspects said at least one position comprises a number of indexed positions between said locked and unlocked positions. Thus the rider may have a number of preset positions and the signal generating device may switch the damping assembly between these positions in a similar way to index shift gears. 
         [0018]    In other embodiments said damping assembly may be moved to substantially any position between said locked and fully unlocked positions. In this way the damping rate may be ‘infinitely’ adjustable between the fully open and closed positions. This may be achieved with an analogue or digital user-operable switch as described above. 
         [0019]    In some aspects the signal generating device comprises a sensor for providing a movement signal indicating movement of one part of the vehicle relative to another part during movement across terrain, said controller configured to receive said movement signal and to automatically control said damping rate in response thereto. In certain embodiments, the sensor comprises one or more vibration or impact sensor (or sensors such as sensor  5 , sensor  35 , pedal force sensor or any suitable combination), such as a single axis accelerometer, although accelerometers with more than one axis are useable. The automatic control may be to lock or unlock the damping assembly in response to sensed movement. For example, it may be provided automatically in response to some predetermined and sensed vehicle operation condition (e.g. smooth terrain). Alternatively, a “lock out” condition may be the default mode for the suspension whereby the suspension becomes active only upon some predetermined and sensed vehicle operation condition (e.g. rough terrain). In other embodiments the automatic control may adjust the damping rate either between indexed positions or anywhere between (‘infinitely’ variable) the unlocked and locked conditions as described above. 
         [0020]    In certain aspects said automatic control may be overridden and/or adjusted by a user-operable device (e.g. manual override switch  50 ) remote from said signal generating device. 
         [0021]    In some aspects said signal generating device comprises a user-operable device reachable during use of the vehicle. 
         [0022]    In some aspects said signal generating device comprises a wireless device for transmitting said output signal (e.g. as an electromagnetic signal) and said controller comprises a wireless receiver for receiving said output signal. 
         [0023]    In some aspects the suspension system comprises a wired connection between said signal generating device and said controller, said wired connection useable to transmit said output signal therebetween. 
         [0024]    In certain embodiments said damping assembly comprises an intensifier and said actuator is moveable to adjust the effect of said intensifier on said damping rate. 
         [0025]    In some aspects said actuator comprises a coil and a winding for moving a member, the position of said member controlling rate of fluid flow during compression/expansion of said damping assembly. The controller may cause a current to be passed through the winding in response to the output electric signal from the user-operable switch, thereby locking or unlocking the damping assembly (or setting its damping rate somewhere between), 
         [0026]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a suspension system as set out above. 
         [0027]    In some aspects said vehicle comprises a bicycle, such as a trail bike, mountain bike or ATB, and said signal generating device is located in a position on said bicycle reachable by the rider during use. 
         [0028]    The application of the invention is not limited to bicycles, but may also find application in other off road vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, 4WD dune buggies, watercraft, snowmobiles, etc. 
         [0029]    According some other aspects of the invention there is provided a vehicle suspension lock out system comprising: 
         [0030]    a suspension having an outer tube and an inner shaft, or tube, the outer and inner tubes disposed telescopically relative to each other; 
         [0031]    a locking mechanism operatively connected to one of the outer and inner tubes and having a first position wherein the outer and inner tubes are relatively movable and a second position wherein the outer and inner tubes are substantially immovable relatively; 
         [0032]    an actuator configured to move the locking mechanism between the first and second positions in at least one direction; 
         [0033]    a signal generator remote from the actuator wherein an output from the signal generator is receivable by the a receiving portion of the actuator and the actuator moves the locking mechanism in response to receipt of the output; and 
         [0034]    a power source for providing power to the actuator. In certain aspects the power source may comprise a power generating mechanism that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy during use of the vehicle, e.g. bicycle. 
         [0035]    In certain aspects the signal generator comprises a manually operable control mounted in proximity to an operator of the vehicle. 
         [0036]    In some aspects the locking mechanism comprises a damping fluid valve. 
         [0037]    In some aspects the damping fluid valve separates a damping fluid compression chamber and a damping fluid reservoir. 
         [0038]    In some aspects the damping fluid valve separates a damping fluid compression chamber and a damping fluid rebound chamber. 
         [0039]    In some aspects a movable piston within the damping fluid chamber comprises the damping fluid valve 
         [0040]    In certain embodiments the actuator comprises a magnet and a winding. 
         [0041]    In other aspects the signal generator comprises an accelerometer. 
         [0042]    In some aspects the signal generator comprises at least one sensor and at least one manually operable control. 
         [0043]    In some aspects the manually operable control comprises a selector for directing a channel or mode of operation of the control. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments the operative connection comprises a damping fluid flow tube. 
         [0045]    According to some other aspects of the invention there is provided a vehicle suspension system comprising: 
         [0046]    at least one damper for metering fluid; 
         [0047]    at least one remotely operable valve adjacent to and in fluid communication with the damper, the valve movable between open and closed positions for affecting the operation of the damper; 
         [0048]    at least one device for operating the valve from a remote location on the vehicle, the device constructed and arranged to communicate with the valve via at least one electronic signal based upon a condition at the device. 
         [0049]    In certain aspects the device is a switch and the condition includes manual manipulation of the switch by a user. 
         [0050]    In other aspects the device is a sensor and the condition is a road condition acting upon the suspension system. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments the sensor is an accelerometer and the condition is an impact force on the suspension system. 
         [0052]    In some aspects a first valve operates in conjunction with a rear shock and a second valve operates in conjunction with a front shock of the vehicle. 
         [0053]    According to certain aspects of the invention there is provided a vehicle suspension comprising: 
         [0054]    a terrain sensor; 
         [0055]    an adjustable damping assembly; and 
         [0056]    a processor directing a position of the damping assembly in response to input from the terrain sensor. 
         [0057]    According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for adjusting a vehicle suspension comprising: 
         [0058]    manually adjusting a suspension adjuster; 
         [0059]    wirelessly sending a signal from the adjuster to a processor; and 
         [0060]    directing a power source to alter a power output to the suspension. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0061]    For a better understanding of how the invention may be put into practice, preferred embodiments of the invention applied to a bicycle will be described, by of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0062]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of a bicycle comprising a damper according to the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 2A  is a side view in cross section of one embodiment of a damper according to the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 2B  is an enlarged view of part of the damper of  FIG. 2A ; and 
           [0065]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of components of one embodiment of an electric lock out apparatus according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a bicycle generally identified by reference numeral  101  comprises a frame  40  and front forks  80 . In this embodiment the frame  40  has a suspension system comprising a swing arm assembly  10  that, in use, is able to move relative to the rest of the frame; this movement is permitted by inter alia a rear shock absorber or damping assembly  25 . The front forks  80  also provide a suspension function via a damping assembly in each fork leg; as such the bicycle  101  is a full suspension bicycle (such as an ATB or mountain bike), although the invention is not limited to use on full suspension bicycles. In particular the term ‘suspension system’ is intended to include bicycles having front suspension or rear suspension only, or both. 
         [0067]    A sensor  5  is positioned proximate a rear axle  15  of a bicycle  101  for sensing changes in terrain. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sensor  5  is mounted on the swing arm assembly  10  proximate the rear axle  15  of the bicycle  101 . The angular orientation of the sensor  5  is movable through range  20  (and is shown in each of two possible limit positions), thereby allowing alteration of a force component sensed by the sensor in relation to a force (vector) input into the swing arm assembly  10 . A preferred value for the range  20  is approximately 120°, and more preferably 100°. It is understood that the sensor  5  may be moved or mounted in any suitable configuration and allowing for any suitable range of adjustment as may be desirable. That is useful for adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor to various anticipated terrain and bicycle speed conditions (the bicycle speed affects the vector magnitude of a force input to the bicycle wheel for constant amplitude terrain disparity or “bump/dip.” Varying size bumps and dips also affect the vector input angle to the wheel for constant bicycle speed). 
         [0068]    The sensor  5  (and sensor  35  and pedal force sensor) may be any suitable force or acceleration transducer (e.g. strain gage, wheatstone bridge, accelerometer, hydraulic, interferometer based, optical, thermal or any suitable combination thereof). The sensor  5  may utilize solid state electronics, electro-mechanical principles or MEMS, or any other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment the sensor  5  comprises a single axis self powered accelerometer, such as for example ENDEVCO® model 2229C. The 2229C is a comparatively small device with overall dimensions of approximately 15 mm height by 10 mm diameter, and weighs 4.9 g. Its power is self-generated and therefore the total power requirements for the bicycle  101  are reduced; this is an important advantage, at least for some types of bicycle, where overall weight is a concern. An alternative single axis accelerometer is the ENDEVCO® 12M1A, which is of the surface-mount type. The 12M1A is a single axis accelerometer comprising a bimorph sending element which operates in the bender mode. This accelerometer is particularly small and light, measuring about 4.5 mm by 3.8 mm by 0.85 mm, and weighs 0.12 g. In other embodiments, the sensor  5  may be a triaxial accelerometer such as the ENDEVCO® 67-100. This device has overall dimensions of about 23 mm length and 15 mm width, and weighs 14 g. 
         [0069]    The sensor  5  may be attached to the swing arm assembly  10  directly, to any link thereof, to an intermediate mounting member (not shown) or to any other portion or portions of the bicycle  101  as may be useful. In one embodiment a sensor  5  is fixed to an unsprung portion of the bicycle  101 , such as for example the swing arm assembly  10 , and another sensor  35  (such as an accelerometer as described above) is fixed to a sprung portion of the bicycle  101 , such as the frame  40 . Sensors may be integrated with the vehicle structure and data processing system as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,863,291; 4,773,671; 4,984,819; 5,390,949; 5,105,918; 6,427,812; 6,244,398; 5,027,303 and 6,935,157; each of which is herein incorporated, in its entirety, by reference. Sensors and valve actuators (e.g. electric solenoid or linear motor type—note that a rotary motor may also be used with a rotary actuated valve) may be integrated herein utilizing principles outlined in SP-861-Vehicle Dynamics and Electronic Controlled Suspensions SAE Technical Paper Series no. 910661 by Shiozaki et. al. for the International Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Mich., Feb. 25-Mar. 1, 1991 which paper is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference. Further, sensors and valves, or principles, of patents and other documents incorporated herein by reference, may be integrated into embodiments hereof, individually or in combination, as disclosed herein. 
         [0070]    As mentioned above, the rear shock absorber  25  is operatively mounted between an unsprung portion of the bicycle  101 , such as the swing arm assembly  10  and rear axle  15 , and a sprung portion of the bicycle  101  such as the frame  40 . A representative example embodiment of shock absorber  25  derives from a modification, as disclosed herein, of the shock absorber shown in FIG. 28 of, and elsewhere in, U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,028 (the “&#39;028” patent) which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 2A  herein (from the &#39;028 patent), intensifier assembly  510  is shown in conjunction with damper assembly  630 .  FIG. 2B  shows an embodiment of an intensifier valve  511  for use with the principles disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG. 2A  the intensifier valve  511  of  FIG. 2B  replaces the assembly  510 , as shown in FIGS. 15, 17 and elsewhere in the &#39;028 patent. The intensifier valve  511  is operable in response to electric signal and is capable of being modulated or throttled for selective full opening, closing and intermediate opening or “throttle” positions. The intensifier valve  511  comprises a valve portion  110  and an actuator portion  120 . The valve portion  110  may include a cylinder  112  with one or more variable orifices  114  and a member (e.g. piston)  116  that moves within the cylinder  112  to control the opening of the orifice(s)  114 . The valve  100  is in a closed position when the piston  116  is covering the orifice(s)  114 . The valve  100  is in an open position when the piston  116  moves away from the orifice(s)  114  such that at least a portion of the orifice(s)  114  is opened. In the open position, fluid may flow into the valve portion  110  and may flow out of the valve portion  110 . The position of the piston  116  relative to the orifice(s)  114  varies the orifice opening and the flow through the valve portion  110 . The valve  100  may thus provide an output pressure in response to an input flow. 
         [0072]    The valve portion  110  may also include a spring  118  that applies a force against the piston  116  to bias the piston  116  toward the closed position. Fluid pressure against the piston  116  may result in a force that exceeds the spring force causing the piston  116  to move and open the orifice(s)  114 . 
         [0073]    The actuator portion  120  may also apply a force to the piston  116 . The actuator portion  120  may advantageously be back drivable to permit the pressure term to push open the valve, for example, during the onset of a high shock event. One embodiment of the actuator portion  120  is a voice coil type linear actuator including a voice coil  122 , a magnet  124 , and a back iron  126 . The back iron  126  is coupled to the piston  116  such that linear movement of the back iron  126  causes linear movement of the piston  116 . 
         [0074]    The actuator portion  120  may be controlled using a command such as a voltage command, for example, provided by drive electronics (not shown). A voltage command or signal to the actuator portion  120  causes current to flow through the coil  122 , creating a magnetic field that applies a force to the magnet  124  and back iron  126 . Different voltage commands may thus correspond to different amounts of force applied to the piston  116  in the valve  100 . In one embodiment the signals and actuator are configured to move the valve completely between a full open (‘unlocked’) and a full closed position (‘locked’) thereby allowing the damper to move or substantially locking it, i.e. adjusting the damping rate of the damping assembly  630  between minimum and maximum respectively. 
         [0075]    Although one exemplary valve is shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of pressure relief valves may be used. Although the exemplary actuator  120  is a voice coil type linear actuator, those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of actuator technologies may be used. For example, the sensors, switches, controllers, actuators and other operative elements hereof may comprise optical circuitry and as such the power source may comprises an optical (or other electromagnetic) generator such as a “LASER” and wiring and circuits used herein may comprises fiber optic and optic circuitry including Bragg grating technology and other suitable “electrical equivalents.” The elements hereof may be operable in whole or in part based on sonic wave or microwave transmission and suitable waveguide technology may be employed. 
         [0076]    It should also be noted that  122  and  124  are interchangeable such that the voice coil may be either  122  or  124  and the magnet may be the other of  122  and  124  respectively. The voice coil  122  or  124  responds to input current from the power circuit (e.g. position control circuit or other suitable electrical input as described herein). As such input wiring is desirable. The input wiring and terminals for the  122  version of the voice coil is shown at  150 . The input wiring and terminals for the  124  version of the voice coil is shown at  151  and includes windings  152  to accommodate extension and contraction of the throughput wires  152  during operation of the valve  100   
         [0077]    The valve  100  is shown in a closed, or downward  156 , position. As such, piston  116  fully obstructs orifices  114  thereby preventing fluid from flowing from damper assembly  630 , through channel  636 , into upper chamber  153 , through orifice  114 , through valve outlet  157  and into floating piston compensator chamber  154 . When current of an appropriate magnitude is applied to the voice coil  122  or  124 , the magnet electromagnet combination of  122  and  124  causes the back iron  126 , and correspondingly the valve piston  116 , to move upward  155  in an amount proportional to the voice coil input. Such upward  155  movement is against spring  118 , which biases the valve piston  116  downward  156  (i.e. toward closed), and therefore when the voice coil input balances with the force of spring  118 , movement of the piston  116  will stop and the valve  100  will be correspondingly throttled. 
         [0078]    In operation, the sensor  5  (and/or  35 ) outputs a voltage change corresponding to an input force (for example the outputs from both sensors may be reconciled in a controller (described in greater detail below), such as a microprocessor, having an algorithm for weighting their respective inputs and generating a resulting singular command or signal based on a predetermined logic). In one embodiment the sensor  5  senses input force along a prescribed axis  20 . A bump in the terrain  45  typically exerts a force  55  on a bicycle wheel. The angle of the resolved force  55  relative to the tire/wheel  60  is typically normal (substantially) to the tire/wheel  60  at the point of impact. That force  55  then imparts a component of the impact  55  to the axle  15  as dictated by the swing arm assembly  10 . That component can be sensed by the sensor  5  at a magnitude corresponding to the orientation of the sensor axis  20 . The sensor axis orientation can be adjusted by the user and/or bicycle manufacturer to make the sensor more or less sensitive (by imparting more or less of the impact  55  to the axis  20 ) to bumps and dips in the terrain. 
         [0079]    It is envisaged that there are various ways the remote lock/unlock function of the rear shock absorber  25  and/or front shock absorber  80  may be provided on the bicycle  101 . In particular, remote lock/unlock may be entirely automatically controlled by a controller  65  in response to the input from the sensor  5  when the bicycle  101  is in use. Optionally, the user may be able override and/or adjust this automatic control using a device  50 . In another embodiment, the remote lock/unlock of the rear shock absorber  25  (and/or front shock absorber  80 ) may be entirely controlled at the user&#39;s discretion using the device  50 ; in such an embodiment the sensor  5  need not be provided on the bicycle  101  and the user locks and unlocks the suspension system according to his or her own preferences at the time. 
         [0080]    Referring additionally to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram shows components of embodiments used to implement fully automatic control with optional manual override. In use, when the sensor  5  puts out, for example, a voltage corresponding to a bump (and/or optionally a dip) that voltage is transmitted to the controller  65  (e.g. comprising a memory and a processor/microprocessor, or an ASIC). In one embodiment the rear shock absorber  25  (comprising damper  630  and intensifier  510 ) of  FIG. 2 , including valve  511 , is responsive to signals and power transmitted from the controller  65 . The valve  511  is default in the closed position and will throttle open corresponding to power input received at terminals  150 . The controller  65  compares the output voltage of sensor  5  to a preset (by means of threshold adjuster  75  such as, for example, a potentiometer) voltage value and if that value is exceeded, the controller  65  routes a predetermined amount of power from the power source  70  (e.g. suitable battery, capacitor, photovoltaic generator or other suitable mechanism or combination thereof) to the valve  511 . Optionally the controller  65  compares the output voltage to a magnitude comparator value over time (the time constant is also user adjustable). In that option the magnitude of the output voltage must remain above a given threshold value for a predetermined amount of time before the controller  65  will route power to the valve  511 . When the output voltage falls below the threshold value, power to the valve  511  is shut off. Optionally, the controller  65  may taper power off over a selectable period of time as part of the shut off function. Optionally, multiple threshold values may be set in the controller  65 . At each threshold value may direct a differing amount of power from the source  70  to the valve  511 . If, for example, only a lower threshold is met, the controller  65  may direct an amount of power only corresponding to a partial opening of the valve  511 . If a higher threshold is met the directed amount of power may correspond to a full open valve  511 . Multiple time constants may also (independently or additionally) be preset for different corresponding valve  511  function levels. Optionally the valve  511  may be of a type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,736. Optionally, the valve control/power circuit may be configured and operable in a manner such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,971,116 and 6,073,736 each of which is herein incorporated, in its entirety, by reference, or by any other means or method disclosed herein or any suitable combinations or portions thereof. 
         [0081]    In one embodiment, a manual lock (or unlock or both) device is provided in a location convenient for user manipulation during vehicle operation. In one embodiment such a signal generating device  50  is provided on the handlebar of a bicycle  101  (or other part of the bicycle  101  that is reachable during use). Optionally the signal generating device  50  includes the functions of locking and unlocking valve  511 , and (if applicable) adjusting threshold(s)  75  and adjusting time constant(s) all as shown in  FIG. 3 . Thus at its simplest, the device  50  allows the user to remotely lock/unlock the rear shock  25  (and/or the front shock  80 ) at will. The signal generating device  50  may cause both front and rear shocks to lock/unlock together, or it may permit the user to lock/unlock each shock independently. 
         [0082]    In one embodiment the signal generating device  50  comprises a lever that is shiftable by the user of the vehicle. The lever may shift between first and second positions (each corresponding to a ‘lock’ and ‘unlock’ command to the damping assembly). Alternatively the lever may move away from a first position and then back to that position to switch between locked and unlocked; such movement may be similar to the way indexed gear shifters operate. 
         [0083]    In one embodiment, the signal generating device  50  comprises a digital device provided with buttons and/or a touchscreen enabling the user to lock and unlock the damping assembly at will. The functionality of the signal generating device  50  may be incorporated into performance recording devices, such as, but not limited to, the GARMIN EDGE® series of devices. 
         [0084]    In other embodiments, the signal generating device  50  may provide additional functionality to enable to user to remotely control the rear and/or front shock more finely. For example, the signal generating device  50  may permit the user to remotely set a shock (i.e. the amount that the intensifier valve  511  is open/closed) at one of a number of predefined indexed positions between locked and unlocked, or may permit the user set the shock at substantially any position between those two limits. For example the position of the valve  100  may correspond with a position of an indicator on the signal generating device  50 . The indicator may be a visual indication (e.g. digital indicator), or a physical indicator (e.g. position of a lever between two limit positions). 
         [0085]    The default position of the intensifier valve  511  may be either open or closed, or somewhere in between. In one embodiment valve  511  is default set open. In one embodiment the actuator moves the valve in one direction from its default or bias and it returns to bias by means of a spring or other suitable biasing mechanism when the actuator ceases to function. Controller  65  monitors sensor  5  and/or  35  and after a time period of input corresponding to below threshold sensor output the processor direct power to  511  sufficient to close the valve (the electromagnetic or voice coil being reversed by power input and the spring  118  set as a tensile spring to hold the valve  511  open by default). Optionally (or independently and absent the sensors  5  and  35 ) the manual switch  50  communicates a signal to the controller  65  and that causes the controller  65  to direct power from source  70  to valve  511  thereby closing valve  511  completely or partially as desired. Optionally, a rider of the bicycle  101  may manipulate the signal generating device  50  to direct the valve  511  ( 100 ) to close, to open, to throttle at intermediate positions, as desired while operating the bicycle  101  or varying terrain (to eliminate pedal bob or maximize ride comfort or traction). 
         [0086]    Some or all of components of embodiments herein including sensors and switches, controller  65 , shock absorber  25 , and valve  511 / 100  at terminals  150  or  151 , may be interconnected or connected by wire  30 , wireless, WAN, LAN, Bluetooth, WiFi, ANT, GARMIN® low power usage protocol, or any suitable power or signal transmitting mechanism. It is particularly desirable in certain embodiments that the signal generating device  50  can communicate wirelessly with the controller  65 . An output electric signal from the signal generating device  50  is transmitted to the controller  65 . The controller  65  responds to that signal by adjusting the damping rate of the damping assembly to lock or unlock, and/or set at some intermediate level according to the output electric signal. 
         [0087]    In one embodiment the rear shock absorber  25  further operates with mechanically variable damping and/or spring features when the valve  511  is open or partially open. In one embodiment the “lock out” valve  511  is positioned in series with the intensifier valve  510  of U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,028 so that fluid must traverse both valves between the damper channel  636  and the compensator chamber  154 . In operation, the damping function of the shock absorber  25  is consistent with the operation of the intensifier valve  510  when the lock valve  511  is open. Other mechanical shock absorber functions may also be integrated with the present disclosure such that the shock absorber  25  is highly versatile and functional when valve  511  is open. Such features are disclosed for example in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/157,541 and any individual or combination of the features disclosed therein is suitable for combination with embodiments of this present disclosure. In one embodiment of operation it is desirable to have the features of a highly versatile yet robust mechanically adjustable shock absorber in combination with the electric lock out presently disclosed. 
         [0088]    In one embodiment, the controller  65  takes a derivative of the acceleration for forecasting and implementing adjustment of valve  511  (rebound issue is a big deal). 
         [0089]    For example, if a bump is encountered followed immediately by a dip, it may be desirable to have the rebound of the tire into the dip (terrain following for traction advantage) occur very rapidly. If the valve  511  were opened to an intermediate state as determined by the controller  65 , for the bump an immediately following large magnitude reversal of the derivative of the acceleration (as input from the sensor  5 ) may indicate that the processor direct the power source to full opening of the valve  511  to allow maximum rebound velocity. The controller  65  may also compare input from sensor  35  and sensor  5  to determine optimum setting position for valve  511 . For example, if input from sensor  35  is relatively low in magnitude the processor may open valve  511  gradually until some increase in  35  is noted and then close  511  back slightly from that. In one embodiment if input from sensor  35  is consistent in frequency with input from a pedal force sensor (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,303 which is incorporated herein by reference), the controller  65  may direct a closure of valve  511  until such synchronization is eliminated or reduced. 
         [0090]    It is noted that embodiments herein of shock absorber  25  and related systems are equally applicable to vehicle, such as bicycle, front forks  80 . Further, it is contemplated that a bicycle  101  may include both shock absorber  25  and fork  80 , both of which having some or all of the features disclosed herein. 
         [0091]    While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow