Abstract: A rotary damper for use in motor vehicle suspensions comprising a rotor disposed within damping fluid in a fluid chamber of a casing to form inner fluid volume and outer fluid volume, with first valve and second valve for controlling flow between the inner fluid volume and the outer fluid volume, and an accumulator using closed cell foam as a compressible material for fluid fill variation and thermal expansion. First valve controls flow from the outer fluid volume to the inner fluid volume for one direction of rotation of the rotor, while second valve controls flow from the inner fluid volume to the outer fluid volume for the opposite rotation of the rotor. Thus, the valves are configured to provide independent control of damping for each direction of rotation. A valve holder supporting the valves and providing flow passages is designed for powdered metallurgy fabrication.

Abstract: A mount for a powertrain component of a motor vehicle comprises first and second plates, and a controller. The first plate is connected to one of the powertrain component or a frame of the motor vehicle. The second plate is connected to the other of the powertrain component or the frame of the motor vehicle. The controller measures the capacitance between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount control system for a vehicle including at least one hydraulic mount, each mount including a hollow body defining a fluid-filled chamber. A pressure sensor is positioned to sense the fluid pressure in the chamber and generate a pressure signal. A control unit is electrically connected to the pressure sensor. The control unit is adapted to generate an electric control signal in response to the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and a control device is responsive to the electric control signal for controlling the hydraulic mount.

Abstract: A rotary damper for use in motor vehicle suspensions comprising a rotor disposed within damping fluid in a fluid chamber of a casing to form inner fluid volume and outer fluid volume, with first valve and second valve for controlling flow between the inner fluid volume and the outer fluid volume, and an accumulator using closed cell foam as a compressible material for fluid fill variation and thermal expansion. First valve controls flow from the outer fluid volume to the inner fluid volume for one direction of rotation of the rotor, while second valve controls flow from the inner fluid volume to the outer fluid volume for the opposite rotation of the rotor. Thus, the valves are configured to provide independent control of damping for each direction of rotation. A valve holder supporting the valves and providing flow passages is designed for powdered metallurgy fabrication.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount for an automotive vehicle or machine includes opposed mounting members secured to an elastomeric body and a base, respectively. An orifice plate assembly is interposed the body and the base to define a pumping chamber and a reservoir for fluid to flow therebetween through an orifice track of the orifice plate assembly. An electroactive polymer decoupler member is secured in a cavity formed between two orifice plates of the orifice plate assembly. The decoupler member is operably connected to a controller for imposing an electric field on the decoupler member to change its shape and thereby selectively vary the dynamic stiffness of the mount.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine mount includes opposed mounting members secured to an elastomeric body and a base, respectively, and an orifice plate assembly interposed the body and the base to define a pumping chamber and a reservoir or opposed pumping chambers for fluid to flow therebetween through an orifice track formed by the orifice plate assembly. One or two elastomeric decoupler discs may be secured in recesses between two orifice plates of the orifice plate assembly and form spaces which are operable to be in communication with a vacuum source to impose vacuum pressure on the decouplers at selected frequencies as controlled by solenoid operated valves and a controller. The mount may be operated at a substantially reduced dynamic stiffness lower than the static stiffness of the mount to provide improved low amplitude vibration isolation, in particular.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount for an automotive vehicle or machine includes opposed mounting members secured to an elastomeric body and a base, respectively. An orifice plate assembly is interposed the body and the base to define a pumping chamber and a reservoir for fluid to flow therebetween through an orifice track of the orifice plate assembly. An electroactive polymer decoupler member is secured in a cavity formed between two orifice plates of the orifice plate assembly. The decoupler member is operably connected to a controller for imposing an electric field on the decoupler member to change its shape and thereby selectively vary the dynamic stiffness of the mount.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine mount includes opposed mounting members secured to an elastomeric body and a base, respectively, and an orifice plate assembly interposed the body and the base to define a pumping chamber and a reservoir or opposed pumping chambers for fluid to flow therebetween through an orifice track formed by the orifice plate assembly. One or two elastomeric decoupler discs may be secured in recesses between two orifice plates of the orifice plate assembly and form spaces which are operable to be in communication with a vacuum source to impose vacuum pressure on the decouplers at selected frequencies as controlled by solenoid operated valves and a controller. The mount may be operated at a substantially reduced dynamic stiffness lower than the static stiffness of the mount to provide improved low amplitude vibration isolation, in particular.