Fluid damper having a damping profile favorable for absorbing the full range of compression forces, including low- and high-speed compression forces
AssigneeFox Factory, Inc.
InventorDennis K. WOOTTEN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fluid damper is provided that has a compression damping profile that is favorable for damping the full range of compression forces, including low- and high-speed compression forces. While achieving this compression damping profile, the damper has a mode that does not require: (1) both low- and high-speed compression circuits; (2) the rider or a complicated control system to make adjustments to the compression circuit to achieve the different compression damping curves/profiles; and/or (3) the use of an inertia valve. The damping curve should be at least non-increasing and may be regressive across substantially the entire high-speed operating range of the damper.
Claims1
A fluid damper for absorbing compression forces associated with low and high shaft speeds, comprising:
- a compression damping circuit including a control valve for controlling fluid flow through at least one flow port and creating compression damping forces;
- the control valve including a spring for biasing the control valve towards its closed position;
- and
- the spring causing the compression damping circuit to produce a damping curve favorable for absorbing the full range of shaft speeds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.