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Method for controlling the damping force of a damper

  • US 6,543,589 B2
  • Filed: 05/25/2001
  • Issued: 04/08/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/26/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling the damping force of a damper, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

  • A. providing a vehicle with a damper having a movable object located within a magneto-rheological fluid, wherein the damping force of the damper is controlled by the viscosity of such fluid;

    B. providing a controller which is in communication with the damper, wherein the controller controls the provision of electrical energy to an electromagnetic coil in the damper;

    C. utilizing the controller to provide electrical energy to the electromagnetic coil, wherein a positive voltage produces a magnetic field as the magneto-rheological fluid flows through a passageway in the damper to increase the viscosity of the fluid and thereby increase the damping force of the damper; and

    D. utilizing the controller to reverse the polarity of the electrical energy provided to the electromagnetic coil, wherein a reduced negative voltage reduces the magnetic field in the magneto-rheological fluid to decrease the viscosity of the fluid and thereby decrease the damping force of the damper.

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