摘要 |
A hydraulic suspension strut (30) has a first on-off valve (58) connecting the first and second chambers (42 and 44), and a second on-off valve (62) connected to chamber (42) only. Suspension arm (3) of wheel (1) can be retracted beyond normal road travel, or protracted to road travel mode, by use of pump (9) and valves (58 and 62). The space in the strut above port (56) may be used as a hydraulic bump stop. An accumulator (50) may be included, as a hydraulic spring. Alternatively, strut (70) (<cross-reference target="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</cross-reference>; note alternative accumulator position) allows suspension to be raised above normal road travel. Strut (100) (<cross-reference target="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</cross-reference>) may be operated in roadgoing raised, or retracted mode. These struts may be applied to reconfigurable suspensions; particularly for amphibious vehicles, which may require wheels to be withdrawn above the hull water line to reduce drag on water, particularly during cornering.
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