Abstract: A temperature compensation method for controlling a damping force of a magnetorheological (MR) damper is disclosed. First, a base operating current as a function of a desired force level of a damping force of the MR damper is determined, and a temperature compensation as a function of an operating temperature of the MR damper is determined. Finally, the temperature compensation is applied to the base operating current to generate a compensated operating current as a function of the desired force level of the damping force and the operating temperature of the MR damper. To refine the compensated operating current, the temperature compensation can be determined as both a function of the operating temperature of the MR damper and a relative velocity of the MR damper.

Abstract: A temperature compensation method for controlling a damping force of a magnetorheological (MR) damper is disclosed. First, a base operating current as a function of a desired force level of a damping force of the MR damper is determined, and a temperature compensation as a function of an operating temperature of the MR damper is determined. Finally, the temperature compensation is applied to the base operating current to generate a compensated operating current as a function of the desired force level of the damping force and the operating temperature of the MR damper. To refine the compensated operating current, the temperature compensation can be determined as both a function of the operating temperature of the MR damper and a relative velocity of the MR damper.

Abstract: An active vibration control (AVC) system is disclosed for attenuating vibrational frequency components generated by an engine and transferred through an engine mounting unit to vibrate a motor vehicle body. The motor vehicle is characterized by sprung mass and unsprung mass natural resonant frequencies at which the body also vibrates when the vehicle is driven over an undulating road surface. The AVC system operates by generating input signals representing different vibrational frequency components generated by the engine based upon sensed changes in engine rotation. Each input signal is filtered by an adaptive filter to produce a respective output signal. The output signals are summed to produce a canceling signal for driving an inertial mass shaker mounted on the body. The shaker inversely vibrates the body with respect to the different vibrational frequency components transferred to the body from the engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly includes a pair of mounting members connected together through a hollow elastomeric body. This hollow body is closed by a resilient diaphragm so as to form a cavity for a damping liquid. A partition divides the cavity into a primary chamber formed between the partition and the hollow body and a secondary chamber formed between the partition and the diaphragm. The partition also includes a primary (damping) track and a secondary (dynamic rate reducing) track providing fluid communication between the chambers. A decoupler is held for limited reciprocating movement in an annular groove in the secondary track. In operation, high amplitude vibratory inputs seat the decoupler forcing damping fluid to flow between the primary and secondary chambers through the damping track. The resulting high level of damping and high dynamic rate serve to suppress the vibrations and control engine movement/noise.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly includes an elastomeric hollow body connected to a pair of opposed mounting members. A resilient diaphragm closes the hollow body and forms therewith a closed cavity that is filled with a damping liquid. A partition plate is provided in the hollow body to divide the cavity into a primary chamber and a secondary chamber. The secondary chamber is enclosed by the diaphragm. An orifice track is provided in the partition plate. The orifice track provides communication between the primary and secondary chambers so as to effect damping. Three decouplers are provided in the partition plate centered relative to distinctive dome areas in the primary chamber; two recessed domes and a center projecting dome. The decouplers respond independently to localized dynamic pressure variations.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle seat construction and method of utilization of the same. The inventive vehicle seat construction alternately supports the vehicle seat occupant upon different portions of the vehicle occupant's body. The above massaging effect relieves the vehicle seat occupant of possible discomfort realized after extended driving periods. Additionally, the inventive seat structure provides the alternating support feature while allowing the vehicle seat to function normally in the absence of the power to the pneumatic system which energizes the alternating suport feature.

Abstract: The hydraulic mount assembly is disclosed having a partition forming two hydraulic chambers. A primary chamber is formed by an elastomeric member and a second chamber by a resilient diaphragm. The partition is formed by a pair of plates that define an intermediate cell between the chambers. The partition plates are both formed of conductive material and are connected by a conductor to ground potential. An intermediate plate of conducting material is mounted between the plates within the cell on spaced insulating pads. Preferably, the intermediate plate includes a peripheral skirt extending toward a cooperating continuous channel formed in one of the partition plates so as to form a dome with increased surface area and a tortuous pathway for the flow of fluid through the cell between the primary and secondary chambers. The plates are connected to a control circuit including a system controller with transducers that sense the operating conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly is disclosed having a partition forming two hydraulic chambers and including a damping decoupler. A primary chamber is formed by an elastomeric member and a secondary chamber by a resilient diaphragm. During dynamic loading of the mount, fluid passes through an orifice between the two chambers of the mount causing expansion and contraction of the diaphragm. An expandable, pneumatic bellows is mounted within the primary chamber. A vent tube provides controlled fluid communication between the bellows and the atmosphere to provide a relatively soft mount for engine isolation. Air entry into the bellows is induced by the built-in spring memory of the bellows causing expansion. Air may be removed or partially removed from the bellows by an external vacuum source, causing a negative pressure and contraction.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly is disclosed having expandable primary and secondary fluid chambers, an orifice track for damping action and a damping decoupler. During low level dynamic loading of the mount, hydraulic pressure activates the decoupler. At higher level loading, fluid passes through the orifice track between the two chambers providing the damping action. An expandable pneumatic bladder is mounted within the primary chamber. A control system including two one-way valves governs ingress and egress of outside air to the pneumatic bladder, thereby selectively reducing the overall damping and dynamic rate characteristics in response to sensed vehicle operating conditions. This reduction is accomplished by allowing the bladder to inflate with air providing a relatively soft, engine isolating mount. Alternatively, the control system allows controlled bladder deflation, selectively returning the mount to relatively hard characteristics.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly includes a pair of mounting members connected to each other through a hollow elastomeric body. The body is closed by a resilient diaphragm so as to form a cavity for hydraulic damping fluid. A partition or plate is provided to divide the fluid filled cavity into two distinct chambers and the partition may include a decoupler. A primary chamber is formed between the partition and the interior wall of the hollow body. An expandable pneumatic bladder is mounted within the primary chamber. A secondary chamber is formed between the partition and the interior wall of the diaphragm. A pumping chamber is formed by the diaphragm and a sealed base plate. Hydraulic fluid passes through the orifice track between the two chambers providing the damping action. As the fluid enters the secondary chamber, the diaphragm expands. Expansion/contraction of the diaphragm within the sealed pumping chamber creates a supply of positive/negative pressure air.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly includes a pair of mounting members connected to each other through a hollow elastomeric body. The body is closed by a resilient diaphragm so as to form a cavity for damping liquid. A partition or plate is provided to divide the fluid filled cavity into two distinct chambers. A primary chamber is formed between the partition and the interior wall of the body. A secondary chamber is formed between the partition and the interior wall of the diaphragm. The partition includes at least two flow passages connecting the two chambers. A sliding gate extends across the opening to one of the passages. This gate is displaceable to direct an infinitely variable flow of liquid between the primary and secondary chambers to provide an infinitely variable damping effect. The gate is actuated by a linear solenoid providing this desired proportional operation. The other passage opening remains fully open at all times. In another embodiment, a rotary valve extends across the passage entry.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly is disclosed having a partition including a damping decoupler between two hydraulic chambers. One chamber is formed by an elastomeric member and the other by a resilient diaphragm. During dynamic loading of the mount, fluid passes between the two chambers of the mount by moving around an orifice track and/or by bypass around the decoupler causing expansion and contraction of the diaphragm. A magnetic coil is provided adjacent the diaphragm in alignment with the decoupler to supply a controlling magnetic field. The decoupler is made of a magnetic material and is positionally responsive to the variations in the intensity and direction of the controlling magnetic field. By actively controlling the decoupler position in this manner, the dynamic characteristics of the mount are varied. A control circuit with on-board transducers is provided to monitor vehicle operating and road response conditions and modulate the voltage to the magnetic coil for maximum damping effect.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly includes a pair of mounting members connected to each other through a hollow elastomeric body of natural or synthetic rubber. The body is closed by a resiliant diaphragm so as to form a cavity for damping liquid. A partition or plate is provided to divide the fluid filled cavity into two distinct chambers. A primary chamber is formed between the partition and the interior wall of the hollow body. A secondary chamber is formed between the partition and the interior wall of the diaphragm. A decoupler is mounted for reciprocal movement in the partition in response to low level alternating pressures in the chambers. At certain small vibratory amplitudes and high frequencies the decoupler eliminates undesirable hydraulic damping. The partition also includes at least two passages connecting the two chambers.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly includes a pair of mounting members connected to each other through a hollow elastomeric body of natural or synthetic rubber. The body is closed by a resilient diaphragm so as to form a cavity for damping liquid. A partition or plate is provided to divide the fluid filled cavity into two distinct chambers. A primary chamber is formed between the partition and the interior wall of the hollow body. A secondary chamber is formed between the partition and the interior wall of the diaphragm. The partition includes at least two passages connecting the two chambers. A sliding gate extends across the entry to the passages. This gate is displaceable to direct the flow of fluid between the primary and secondary chambers through a selected passage or passages in the partition. A solenoid actuator mounted on the partition includes multiple electric coils that allow the positive positioning of the gate.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly is disclosed having a partition including a damping decoupler between two hydraulic chambers. One chamber is formed by an elastomeric member and the other by a resilient diaphragm. During dynamic loading of the mount, fluid passes between the two chambers of the mount by moving around an orifice track and/or by bypass around the decoupler causing expansion and contraction of the diaphragm. A magnetic coil is provided adjacent the diaphragm in alignment with the decoupler to supply a controlling magnetic field. The decoupler is made of a magnetic material and is positionally responsive to the variations in the intensity and direction of the controlling magnetic field. By actively controlling the decoupler position in this manner, the dynamic characteristics of the mount are varied. A control circuit with on-board transducers is provided to monitor vehicle operating and road response conditions and modulate the voltage to the magnetic coil for maximum damping effect.