Method of controlling pressure variation in working fluids in a fluid circuit undergoing working pressure variations

A method of controlling pressure variation in working fluids in a fluid circuit undergoing working pressure variation, the method comprising:

• selecting a fluid circuit device, wherein the fluid circuit device is configured to be integrated into an energy absorption apparatus, and wherein the fluid circuit device comprises
• at least one first fluid volume and at least one second fluid volume;
• and
• at least one pressure balancing valve in a valve housing, wherein the fluid circuit device is used about a piston comprising opposing sides;
• wherein when the piston moves in a cylinder a pressure change occurs with fluid on one side of the opposing sides of the piston having a higher pressure than fluid on a second side of the opposing sides of the piston;
• and
• wherein the at least one first fluid volume and the at least one second fluid volume are on either side of the at least one pressure balancing valve operatively linked via a pressure varying relationship, wherein the at least one pressure balancing valve fluidly links the at least one first fluid volume and the at least one second fluid volume with a common third fluid volume;
• in use, when there is a pressure difference between the at least one first fluid volume and the at least one second fluid volume caused by piston movement of the piston, the at least one pressure balancing valve changes position in the valve housing to
• provide a fluid flow path between the common third fluid volume and a lower pressure of either the at least one first fluid volume or the at least one second fluid volume;
• and
• restrict or close a fluid flow path between the common third fluid volume and the higher pressure of either the at least one first fluid volume or the at least one second fluid volume;
• wherein, in an event of a low or no pressure gradient between the at least one first fluid volume and the at least one second fluid volume, the at least one pressure balancing valve permits connection between the at least one first fluid volume and the at least one second fluid volume via the common third fluid volume, thereby allowing equilibration of pressure across all volumes in the fluid circuit device;
• and
• wherein the at least one pressure balancing valve comprises an elongated pin element with pin ends, either pin end of said pin ends of said elongated pin element contacting a seal that restricts or closes the fluid flow path;
• and
• integrating the fluid circuit device into an apparatus configured to undergo pressure variation;
• wherein the elongated pin element is located in said valve housing and, in an event of a pressure differential between the at least one first fluid volume and the at least one second fluid volume, the elongated pin element travels within the valve housing to either end of the valve housing causing the pin ends to contact a first seal and a second seal located at either end of the valve housing, the first seal being in fluid communication with the at least one first fluid volume and the second seal being in fluid communication with the at least one second fluid volume thereby opening access between the at least one first fluid volume or the at least one second fluid volume and the common third fluid volume;
• and,
• approximately in unison, restricting or closing fluid communication between an alternate of the at least one first fluid volume or the at least one second fluid volume and the common third fluid volume;
• wherein the at least one pressure balancing valve is located across the opposing sides of the piston.