Pneumatically augmented elastomeric damper for improved spring rate tuning

摘要

A system and method to change a spring rate of a damper in real time. The damper includes a housing having an inner surface that forms a cavity. An elastomeric material is disposed within the cavity and fixedly attached to the inner surface of the housing. A first chamber is formed by a first end of the elastomeric material and the inner surface of the housing. The method includes restricting movement of the elastomeric material by regulating the pressure within the first chamber, which in turn changes the spring rate of the damper.

主权项

1. A damper system, comprising:
a damper, having:
a housing having an inner surface that forms a cavity;an elastomeric material disposed within the cavity and attached at an outer surface to the inner surface of the housing, the elastomeric material being configured to receive an attachment rod end;a first chamber formed by a first end of the elastomeric material and the inner surface of the housing, the first chamber being configured to restrict movement of the elastomeric material by regulating the pressure therein; anda first port in gaseous communication with the first chamber, the first port being configured to extend through a thickness of the housing; an external gas reservoir in gaseous communication with the first chamber via the first port; and a control system operably associated with the damper and the external reservoir, the control system being configured to regulate the pressure in the first chamber;
wherein restricting movement of the elastomeric material changes a spring rate of the damper.