Suspension element

A suspension element, comprising:

• a main body having an internal volume configured to contain a liquid therein;
• a tubular element extending at least partially within the main body, wherein the tubular element has an internal volume that defines a first fluid chamber configured to contain a compressible gas therein, and wherein the main body and the tubular element each include a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface;
• a first piston separating the internal volume of the main body into a second fluid chamber and a third fluid chamber, the third fluid chamber defined by at least the outer surface of the tubular element, the inner surface of the main body, and a surface of the first piston;
• a second piston positioned to separate the first fluid chamber from the second fluid chamber;
• and
• at least one flow control element disposed along a flow path between the second fluid chamber and the third fluid chamber and configured to permit flow therethrough in both a first direction and an opposing second direction, wherein the sidewall of the main body defines an aperture therethrough that forms a portion of the flow path, wherein an extension and a contraction of the tubular element generates a flow of the liquid through the at least one flow control element to produce a damping force and changes the pressure of the compressible gas to produce a spring force, and wherein the first piston is configured to prevent direct fluid communication between the second fluid chamber and the third fluid chamber during the extension and the contraction of the tubular element.