Patent ID: 10156280

Abstract:
A controller adjusts the damping characteristics of a vehicle shock absorber that includes a shock absorber housing and a shock absorber fluid contained within the shock absorber housing. The controller includes a controller housing having a fluid passageway therein. The housing includes a shock coupler for coupling the housing for the shock absorber and for placing the shock absorber housing in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. A reservoir stores shock absorber fluid in the controller and a first valve is disposed in the fluid passageway between the shock coupler and the reservoir. Shock absorber fluid can pass between the shock coupler and the reservoir. The first valve includes a first valve controller that is configured for controlling the rate of flow through the first valve to achieve a first damping rate. A second valve includes a second valve controller for controlling the flow of shock absorber fluid through the second valve to achieve a second damping rate. A flow director directs the flow of shock absorber fluid to either the first valve or the second valve to achieve one of the first or second damping rates. The flow controller of the first valve controls the flow of shock absorber fluid to achieve the first damping rate independently of the second valve's control of the flow of shock absorber fluid to achieve the second damping rate.