Gas spring assembly

Abstract

A gas spring assembly (200) that is suitable for use on a vehicle suspension system includes a first end member (208) and a second end member (210) that is spaced from the first end member. A flexiblewall (212) is secured between the first and second end members and at least partially defines a first gas chamber (214) therebetween. A confinement (204) at least partially forms a second gas chamber(232, 236) that is in communication with the first gas chamber. A porous flow restrictor (206A-D) is operatively disposed between the gas chambers. A suspension system including such a gas spring assembly as well as a method is also included.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 930,919, filed May 18, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field

[0002] This disclosure relates broadly to the art of vehicle suspension systems, and more particularly, to a gas spring assembly suitable for use on a vehicle suspension system. The gas spring assembly includes a porous flow restrictor capable of maintaining laminar airflow between two air chambers interconnected by the porous flow restrictor. Background technique

[0003] Vehicle suspension systems typically include a plurality of spring elements for accommodating the forces and loads associated with the operation and use of the vehicle. In such vehicle suspension applications, it is often considered desirable to select the spring element with the lowest appropriate spring rate, since this favorably affects ride quality and comfort. That is, it is well understood in the art that using a...

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