The Boeing Company

Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation

Colin P Gatehouse

Alan C Kernik

A computer-controlled shock strut for a vehicle suspension system includes an infinitely adjustable damping valve connecting two internal fluid-filled chambers within the strut, such that compression and extension of the strut piston causes fluid to pass between the chambers through the damping valve. A microprocessor-based controller continuously and actively controls the position of the damping valve in response to input signals from various sensors associated with the strut, with the vehicle, and/or with the suspension system, so as to vary the damping rate of the strut to control piston position and motion. The strut also includes fluid supply and return valves which couple the two chambers to a pressurized fluid supply and a fluid return, respectively, to permit fluid to be added to or discharged from the strut. The supply and return valves are also controlled by the controller so that strut length can be controlled.

Shock strut with managed damping and force characteristics

A hydraulic strut having a damping rate that is variable includes a bypass valve which is operated to open and close by a gas spring supported within the piston of the strut. A main orifice plate divides an oil-filled cavity within the strut into first and second oil chambers, the orifice plate defining a primary orifice for passage of oil between the chambers. The gas spring includes an inner cylinder member affixed to the end wall of the piston, and a diaphragm slidably mounted within the cylinder member, the cylinder member and diaphragm defining a pressurized gas-filled cavity. The diaphragm supports a valve pin which is slidable within a passage in a tubular valve body, the valve body being fixed with respect to the piston, and the passage extending between the first and second oil chambers. Secondary orifices in the valve body communicate with oil in the first oil chamber. The valve pin includes openings which are alignable with the secondary orifices, the openings extending into an axial hole in the valve pin, the axial hole being in communication with the passage in the valve body. Compression of the strut causes compression of the gas spring, which causes movement of the diaphragm so as to move the valve pin within the valve body and thereby bring the openings in the valve pin into alignment with the secondary orifices in the valve body. Oil is thereby allowed to bypass the primary orifice and flow through the bypass valve between the oil chambers.

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Long Beach, CA, United States of America

Colin P Gatehouse