SHOCK ABSORBER WITH AIR PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE DAMPING

摘要

A vehicle suspension assembly includes a shock absorber that provides variable damping dependent on the load conditions of the vehicle. A central rod of the shock absorber includes a central bore that is fluidly coupled with air pressure within air springs of the suspension assembly. As the vehicle load increases and the pressure within the air springs increases, a damping adjustment assembly within the shock absorber increases the stiffness or damping of the shock absorber. In one example, a plunger moves within the central bore in the rod between a first position where less damping is provided and a second position where increased damping is achieved. A unique adapter member facilitates using a rod of appropriate siz e to achieve the desired air pressure conditions within the rod, while at the sam e time supporting conventional piston and disc valve components and providing enoug h material strength to withstand the tensile loads experienced under full extension. The adapter also includes a check valve to control fluid flow and provides a hydraulic cushion feature.