Temperature compensating system for fluid-damped suspension systems

Abstract

A temperature compensating system for a closed system, such as a damping system, in which fluid is subject to temperature increases and accompanying volume increases. The temperature compensating system provides a compressible member within a temperature compensation volume, and a barrier restricting the entry of fluid to the volume. When the fluid volume increases as a result of temperature increases, fluid seeps past the barrier into the temperature compensation volume to compress the compressible member and thus increase the total volume available to the fluid in the closed system. The increased volume reduces pressure buildup that would otherwise occur, and thereby tends to maintain a steady pressure within the closed system. Dynamic or high speed fluid flows are restricted by the barrier or other restriction, inhibiting such flows from passing into the volume. The barrier or other restriction thus tends to prevent the temperature compensating system from interfering with normal functioning of the system while maintaining a steady internal pressure therein.