The University of Texas System

Don A Bresie

Joseph H Beno

William F Weldon

Damon A Weeks

Joseph Strubhar

Andreas M Guenin

Actuators suited for use with, for example, vehicular suspension systems. In some embodiments, the present actuators include a reversible hydraulic pump configured to produce variable hydraulic pressure; a hydraulic cylinder assembly having a cylinder bore, and a piston positioned within the cylinder bore that is axially movable relative to the cylinder bore; and a hydraulic circuit hydraulically coupling the reversible hydraulic pump to the hydraulic cylinder assembly. In these embodiments, actuated axial motion of the piston relative to the cylinder bore is accomplished without the use of check valves, pressure regulating valves, or actively controlled valves.

Actuators

In some embodiments, the present systems include, consist of, or consist essentially of a roadarm having a first end, a second end, and an opening near the first end; where the second end is configured for attachment to a passive spring (e.g., an air spring, a coil spring, a compressible fluid spring, or a leaf spring), and the opening is configured for interchangeable use with any of: (a) a passive suspension system damping element, (b) a semi-active suspension system damping element, and (c) an active suspension system actuator. Other systems are included, such as those with common control systems for the active and semi-active suspension systems. Methods relating to such systems.

Suspension-related systems and methods

The method and apparatus of the present invention provide constant force suspension and near constant force Suspension and associated control algorithms, all of which may be utilized in vehicle suspension systems. By using the apparatus of the present invention, a vehicle may be isolated from the motion of a wheel as it follows rough terrain, thereby improving ride quality.

Growing community of inventors

Round Rock, TX, United States of America

Don A Bresie