Electronic adaptive ride control system

Claim 1

An electronic adaptive ride control system for an automotive vehicle having sprung and unsprung masses, said system comprising an adjustable shock absorber for resisting the relative motion of said sprung and unsprung masses of said vehicle, said shock absorber comprising a pair of variable-volume chambers between which fluid is communicated in response to relative motion of said sprung and unsprung masses, variable fluid flow resistance means for adjusting the motion resistance of said shock absorber by interrupting said fluid communication independent of the relative position of said masses, in response to control signals generated by a control unit of said system; said variable fluid flow resistance means comprising valve means for opening and closing said fluid communication between said pair of chambers, and servo means operatively coupled to said valve means for controlling the opening and closing of the valve means in response to said control signals; said shock absorber also comprising pumping means defining said pair of variable-volume chambers for pumping viscous fluid through the valve means in response to relative motion of the masses; a housing connected to one of the masses; a rod connected to the other of the masses; a piston connected to the rod and cooperating with the housing to define said pair of chambers for containing viscous fluid therewithin, the piston being movable relative to the housing to transfer fluid between said chambers and through said valve means in response to relative movement of the masses; said housing, said rod, and said piston cooperating to define said pumping means; and said shock absorber further comprising a passage disposed outwardly of the housing and communicating said pair of chambers with each other, said passage receiving said valve means whereby fluid communication through said passage is varied in response to said control signals.