BACKGROUND

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the art of pressurized gas damping systems and, more particularly, to pressurized gas damper- pump assemblies that are operative to dissipate kinetic energy acting on an associated system while also generating quantities of compressed gas, such as for storage and/or consumption by other pressurized gas systems. Pressurized gas generation systems can include a plurality of pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies. In some cases, the plurality of pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies can be arranged in stages to generate quantities of compressed gas at one or more elevated gas pressure levels. Additionally, vehicle suspension systems including a plurality of such pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies are included.

[0002] The subject matter of the present disclosure may find particular application and use in conjunction with suspension systems of wheeled vehicles, and may be described herein with specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the subject matter of the present disclosure is also amenable to use in a wide variety of other applications and environments, and that the specific uses shown and described herein are merely exemplary. For example, the subject matter of the present disclosure could be used in connection with gas springs associated with support structures, height adjusting systems and/or actuators associated with industrial machinery, components thereof and/or other such equipment.

[0003] Wheeled motor vehicles of most types and kinds include a sprung mass, such as a body or chassis, for example, and an unsprung mass, such as two or more axles or other wheel-engaging members, for example, with a suspension system disposed therebetween. Typically, a suspension system will include a plurality of spring devices as well as a plurality of damping devices that together permit the sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle to move in a somewhat controlled manner relative to one another. Movement of the sprung and unsprung masses toward one another is normally referred to in the art as jounce motion while movement of the sprung and unsprung masses away from one another is commonly referred to in the art as rebound motion. [0004] In some cases, the spring devices and/or damping devices of vehicle suspension systems will include springs and/or dampers that utilize pressurized gas as the working medium of the devices. Such so-called gas suspension systems, which are commonly used in various vehicle applications, are known to provide the capability of adjusting the height and/or alignment (e.g., leveling) of a sprung mass (e.g., a body or chassis of a vehicle) relative to an unsprung mass thereof (e.g., a wheel-engaging member or axle housing of the vehicle). As such, known gas suspension systems commonly transfer pressurized gas into and out of gas spring assemblies that are operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses. In this manner, the gas suspension system can alter or otherwise adjust the height, alignment and/or other control the movement of the sprung mass relative to the unsprung mass.

[0005] In conventional suspension systems, pressurized gas is routinely transferred out of one or more gas spring assemblies to thereby reduce the height of the same and achieve a desired leveling or height adjustment action, such as for leveling (i.e., adjusting the height of one portion of a vehicle body or chassis relative to another portion) or lowering a vehicle body or chassis, for example. Normally, the pressurized gas that is transferred out of the one or more gas spring assemblies is simply discharged into the external atmosphere, such as the ambient atmosphere surrounding the vehicle, for example. Recognizing that ambient atmospheric pressure is within a range of from approximately 12 psi to approximately 15 psi, depending upon elevation and other factors, the discharge of a quantity of gas having a pressure of approximately 60 psi or greater into the external atmosphere represents an uncontrolled release or loss of potential energy. From the perspective of efficiency and energy conservation, such regular and ongoing releases of stored energy may be deemed undesirable.

[0006] Additionally, in conventional suspension systems, air is regularly drawn in from the external atmosphere and compressed to a desired pressure level, such as by using an electrically-operated compressor, for example. This pressurized air can then be transferred into one or more gas spring assemblies, such as to increase the height of the same, or can be stored in a suitable reservoir or tank for use at a later time. In addition to the undesirable nature of wasting potential energy by simply discharging pressurized gas into an external atmosphere, such as has been described above, the aforementioned process of generating pressurized gas for use in the gas spring assemblies (i.e., by taking in and subsequently pressurizing gas at nominal atmospheric pressure), can result in significant energy consumption associated with the generation of pressurized gas.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, it is believed desirable to develop pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies, as well as pressurized gas generation systems and suspension systems that are capable of assisting in the generation of pressurized gas, and can provide improved efficiencies, reduced energy consumption and/or otherwise advance the art of pressurized gas generation systems and/or vehicle suspension systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] One example of a pressurized gas damper-pump system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can be operatively disposed between an associated sprung mass and an associated unsprung mass. The pressurized gas damper-pump system can include a first gas damper-pump can be assembly operatively connected between the associated sprung mass and the associated unsprung mass. The first gas damper-pump assembly can include first and second chambers configured such that during a first dynamic condition of use an increase in volume of the first chamber corresponds to a decrease in volume of the second chamber and such that during a second dynamic condition of use a decrease in volume of the first chamber corresponds to an increase in volume of the second chamber. The first chamber can be disposed in selective fluid communication with a gas inlet. The second chamber can be disposed in selective fluid communication with a gas outlet. A second gas damper-pump assembly can be operatively connected between the associated sprung mass and the associated unsprung mass. The second gas damper- pump assembly can include first and second chambers configured such that during a first dynamic condition of use an increase in volume of the first chamber corresponds to a decrease in volume of the second chamber and such that during a second dynamic condition of use a decrease in volume of the first chamber corresponds to an increase in volume of the second chamber. The first and second chambers can be disposed in fluid communication with one another during one of the first and second dynamic conditions of use and disposed in substantial fluid isolation with one another during the other of the one of the first and second dynamic condition of use. The first chamber of the second gas damper-pump assembly can be disposed in selective fluid communication with the second chamber of the first gas damper-pump assembly. The second chamber of the second gas damper-pump assembly can be disposed in selective fluid communication with the first chamber of the first gas damper-pump assembly. Upon relative displacement of the associated sprung and unsprung masses toward one another, the first and second damper-pump assemblies can be operative to dissipate kinetic energy acting on at least one of the associated sprung and unsprung masses while also generating quantities of pressurized gas output having an increased pressure level with respect to quantities of pressurized gas entering through the gas inlet.

[0009] One example of a suspension system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include at least one pressurized gas damper-pump system according to the foregoing paragraph. The suspension system can also include one or more of a pressurized gas reservoir and a control device disposed in fluid communication with the at least one pressurized gas damper-pump system. A control system can be communicatively coupled with the control device, if provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one example of a vehicle including a suspension system with a pressurized gas system and a plurality of pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is schematic representation of one example of a pressurized gas system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure that includes a plurality of pressurized gas generation systems and a pressurized gas supply system.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the suspension system in FIG. 1 illustrating a plurality of pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies and a gas spring assembly in an installed condition between structural components of a vehicle. [0013] FIG. 4 is schematic representation of a plurality of pressurized gas damper- pump assemblies of a pressurized gas generation system shown in a neutral position.

[0014] FIG. 5 is schematic representation of the plurality of pressurized gas damper- pump assemblies shown in an extended or rebound position.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the plurality of pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies shown in a collapsed or jounce position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Turning now to the drawings, it is to be understood that the showings are for purposes of illustrating examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the drawings are not to scale and that portions of certain features and/or elements may be exaggerated for purposes of clarity and/or ease of understanding.

[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one example of a suspension system 100 in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 , suspension system 100 is operatively disposed between a sprung mass, such as an associated vehicle body BDY, for example, and an unsprung mass, such as an associated wheel WHL or an associated wheel-engaging member or axle, for example, of an associated vehicle VHC. It will be appreciated that any such suspension system can include any number of one or more systems, components and/or devices and that the same can be operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the associated vehicle in any suitable manner.

[0018] For example a suspension system can include a plurality of gas spring assemblies 102 that are supported between the sprung and unsprung masses of associated vehicle VHC. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, suspension system 100 includes six gas spring assemblies, one or more of which is disposed toward each corner of the associated vehicle adjacent a corresponding wheel WHL thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that any other suitable number of gas spring assemblies could alternately be used and/or that such gas spring assemblies can be disposed in any other suitable configuration and/or arrangement. [0019] In the exemplary arrangement schematically represented in FIG. 1 , the plurality of gas spring assemblies are operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle with two of gas spring assemblies 102 operatively associated with front wheel-engaging members 104 of vehicle VHC and the remaining gas spring assemblies operatively associated with rear wheel-engaging members 106 of vehicle VHC. In particular, rear wheel-engaging members 106 are shown as being operatively connected to the vehicle by way of trailing arms 108. Gas spring assemblies 102 are operatively disposed between a trailing arm and the sprung mass (e.g., body BDY) of the vehicle. It will be appreciated, however, that other suitable arrangements and/or configurations could alternately be used.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, suspension system 100 can also include one or more pressurized gas generation systems 110 that are operative to damp or otherwise dissipate kinetic energy acting on the vehicle or another associated system while also generating quantities of compressed gas, which can be stored and/or consumed by other pressurized gas systems. Pressurized gas generation systems 110 can include one or more pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies, which are represented in FIG. 1 by item numbers 112, that are operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle in a suitable manner. Depending on desired performance characteristics and/or other factors, the suspension system may, in some cases, also include one or more damping members (not shown) of a typical construction that are provided separately from assemblies 112 and secured between the sprung and unsprung masses in a conventional manner. In a preferred arrangement, however, pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies 112 will be sized, configured and operative to provide the desired performance characteristics for the suspension system without the use of additional damping members (e.g., conventional struts or shock absorbers) that are separately provided.

[0021] In some cases, pressurized gas generation systems 110 can also, optionally, include one or more storage and control systems 114 that can be disposed in fluid communication with one or more of pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies 112. It will be appreciated that storage and control systems 114 can include any suitable number or combination of storage vessels and/or control devices for selectively permitting and/or inhibiting pressurized gas transfer into and/or out of the one or more storage vessels. Additionally, assemblies 112 and systems 114 can be operatively connected or otherwise in fluid communication with one another in any suitable manner, such as by way of one or more pressurized gas lines 116, for example.

[0022] Suspension system 100 can also, optionally, include a pressurized gas supply system 118 that can be operatively associated with one or more of the gas spring assemblies and/or the pressurized gas generation systems for selectively supplying pressurized gas (e.g., air) thereto and/or selectively transferring pressurized gas therefrom. It will be appreciated that pressurized gas supply system 118 can be operatively connected or otherwise in fluid communication gas spring assemblies 102 and/or pressurized gas generation systems 110 (or one or more components thereof) in any suitable manner. For example, pressurized gas supply system 118 is shown in FIG. 1 as being in fluid communication with gas spring assemblies 102 by way of pressurized gas lines 120 and with pressurized gas generation systems 110 by way of pressurized gas lines 122. It will be appreciated, however, that other configurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , suspension system 100 can also, optionally, include a control system 124 that is capable of communication with any one or more other systems and/or components (not shown) of suspension system 100 and/or of vehicle VHC, and is capable of selective operation and control of such one or more systems and/or components of the suspension system and/or vehicle. Control system 124 can include a controller or electronic control unit (ECU) 126 in communication with one or more components of pressurized gas generation systems 110, such as through a suitable conductor or lead 128, for example, for selective operation and control thereof, including storing and/or transferring pressurized gas generated by the one or more pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies, for example. Additionally, controller 126 can be in communication with pressurized gas supply system 118, such as through a suitable conductor or lead 130, for example, including supplying and exhausting pressurized gas to and from any number of one or more gas spring assemblies, such as gas spring assemblies 102, for example. Additionally, it will be appreciated that controller 126 can be of any suitable type, kind and/or configuration, and can include one or more processors, one or more memory stores and programming instructions.

[0024] Control system 124 can also optionally include one or more height or distance sensing devices 132 as well as any other desired systems and/or components. Such height sensors, if provided, are preferably capable of generating or otherwise outputting a signal having a relation to a height or distance, such as between spaced components of the vehicle, for example. It will be appreciated that any such optional height sensors or any other distance-determining devices, if provided, can be of any suitable type, kind, construction and/or configuration, such as mechanical linkage sensors or non-contact sensors (e.g., ultrasonic wave sensors and electromagnetic wave sensors, such as may respectively operate using ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves), for example. Additionally, devices 132 can be communicatively coupled with controller 126 or one or more other systems in any suitable manner, such as through a suitable conductor or lead 134, for example.

[0025] In some cases, systems 110, 114, 118 and/or 124 and/or one or more of assemblies 102 and/or 112 can include one or more additional devices and/or components, such as one or more sensors or sensing devices capable of outputting or otherwise generating data, information and/or signals corresponding to one or more conditions, properties and/or characteristics of or associated with the corresponding systems, assemblies, suspension system and/or vehicle. Non-limiting examples of such sensors can include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, acceleration sensors, and orientation sensors. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, systems 110 can include pressure sensors 136 that are communicatively coupled with controller 126 in a suitable manner, such as through a suitable conductor or lead 138, for example.

[0026] It will be appreciated that the pressurized gas supply system can include any combination and/or configuration of components suitable for supplying, venting and/or transferring pressurized gas to and/or from the components and/or systems connected thereto. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, pressurized gas supply system 118 can include a pressurized gas source, such as a compressor 140, for example, for generating pressurized air or other gases. In some cases, compressor 140 can draw in ambient air directly from the surrounding atmosphere. In other cases, however, one or more components can be fluidically connected upstream of the compressor. For example, system 118 is shown as an intake port (not numbered) having a filter 142 through which ambient air can be drawn into the system. The filter can include one or more filter elements (not shown) suitable for inhibiting the entry of debris and foreign particles into the system. In some cases, a dryer 144 can, optionally, be disposed in fluid communication between filter 142 and compressor 140 to remove moisture from the ambient air prior to entering compressor 140. Additionally, a one-way or check valve 146 can, optionally be disposed upstream from the compressor, such as to reduce pressurized gas loss through the intake port, for example.

[0027] The pressurized gas system can also include any number of one or more control devices of any suitable type, kind and/or construction that may be capable of affecting the selective transfer of pressurized gas into, out of and/or otherwise through pressurized gas supply system 118. For example, the system can include a control device, such as a valve assembly 148, for example, in communication with compressor 140. It will be appreciated that the valve assembly can be of any suitable type, kind, configuration and/or arrangement. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 2, valve assembly 148 includes a valve block 150 with a plurality of valves 152 supported thereon. Valve assembly 148 can also optionally include a suitable exhaust, such as a muffler 154, for example, for venting pressurized gas from the system. Optionally, pressurized gas supply system 118 can also include a reservoir 156 in fluid communication with valve assembly 148 and suitable for storing pressurized gas.

[0028] As discussed above, the one or more control devices, such as valve assembly 148, for example, can be in communication with gas spring assemblies 102 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, through gas transfer lines 120. As such, pressurized gas can be selectively transferred to and/or from the gas springs assemblies through valve assembly 148, such as to alter or maintain vehicle height at one or more corners of the vehicle, for example.

[0029] As discussed above, a pressurized gas generation system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as systems 110, for example, can include one or more pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies that are operative to harvest kinetic energy acting on the suspension system, vehicle or other construction to generate pressurized gas that might otherwise be generated by an electrically operated compressor or other similar device. In addition to conserving electrical energy by converting undesirable kinetic energy inputs into potential energy in the form of compressed gas, the one or more pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies also favorably influence the performance of the system by dissipating or otherwise damping the kinetic energy acting on the suspension system, vehicle or other construction.

[0030] As discussed above, pressurized gas generation systems 100 include pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies 112 and storage and control systems 114. Assemblies 112 can have a gas inlet operative to permit ambient air or other low pressure gas into the one or more assemblies and a gas outlet operative to discharge gas having an increased pressure relative to the pressure at the gas inlet. It will be appreciated that such gas inlets and outlets can be provided in any suitable manner. For example, assemblies 112 can include an intake port (not numbered) having a filter 158 through which ambient air can be drawn into the system. A one-way or check valve 160 can be provided in fluid communication between the filter and assemblies 112 to inhibit or at least reduce pressurized gas transfer out of the intake port. Additionally, assemblies 112 can include a one-way or check valve 162 disposed in fluid communication with the gas outlet to inhibit or at least reduce the transfer of discharged gas back into the assemblies.

[0031] In some cases, pressurized gas discharged from assemblies 112 through pressurized gas line 116 can be delivered directly to pressurized gas supply system 118 for storage of further distribution to other pressurized gas systems. In other cases, however, such as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, pressurized gas generation systems 110 can utilize storage and control systems 114 that can accumulate or otherwise store quantities of gas to incrementally increase the pressure of the stored gas. As such, systems 114 are shown as including reservoirs 164 that can be optionally provided and which are shown as being disposed in fluid communication with pressurized gas lines 116 to receive and store gas discharged from assemblies 112.

[0032] To permit the pressurized gas to be selectively accumulated within the reservoirs and selectively transferred out of the reservoirs, one or more control devices can be disposed in fluid communication with the reservoirs. As one example, systems 114 are also shown as including valve assemblies 166 that can include a valve body 168 and one or more valves 170 with at least one of the valves disposed in fluid communication with reservoir 164. If a plurality of valves is provided on the valve body, it will be appreciated that the additional valves can be in fluid communication with any one or more other components and/or systems in any suitable manner. For example, some of valves 170 are shown as being in fluid communication with pressurized gas supply system 118 by way of pressurized gas lines 122. In such case, pressurized gas can be transferred from reservoirs 164 to valve assembly 148 for storage in reservoir 156, discharged from the system through muffler 154, or distributed to one or more of the gas spring assemblies through pressurized gas lines 120, for example.

[0033] Additionally, or in the alternative, some of valves 170 are shown as being disposed in direct fluid communication with gas spring assemblies by way of pressurized gas lines 172. It will be recognized and appreciated that in such cases, pressurized gas from reservoirs 164 can be directly distributed into the spring chamber of one or more of gas spring assemblies 102.

[0034] In some cases, it may be desirable to avoid the intake of ambient air into pressurized gas generation systems. In some cases, this may be in an effort to avoid the ingress of contaminants and/or moisture into the system. In other cases, it may be desirable to increase the overall performance and/or responsiveness of the pressurized gas generation systems. In either case, air or other gas can be available for intake into systems 110 from any other suitable system and/or source. As one example, pressurized gas supply system 118 can, optionally, include a pressure regulator 174 that can supply gas having a reduced pressure in comparison with the pressure within reservoir 156 to one or more of systems 110, such as by way of a pressurized gas transfer line 176, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the gas inlets of assemblies 112 are disposed in fluid communication with gas transfer line 176 such that the pressurized gas can be delivered to and utilized by assemblies 112.

[0035] It will be appreciated that in such an arrangement, clean and dry gas having a pressure greater than ambient atmospheric pressure can be supplied to systems 110. In such cases, a reduced amount of harvested energy may be required to step the pressurized gas up to a pressure level suitable for use with other components and/or systems (e.g., gas spring assemblies 102). In some cases, a low pressure reservoir 178 can, optionally, be included for storing a quantity of the clean and dry air for delivery along gas transfer line 176. It will be appreciated, however, that other configurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 -3, a system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure (e.g., suspension system 100) can, optionally, include one or more gas spring assemblies. It will be appreciated that such one or more gas spring assemblies can be of any suitable type, kind construction and/or configuration. As one example, gas spring assemblies 102 are shown as including an end member 180, such as top cap or bead plate, for example, and an end member 182, such as rolling-lobe piston, for example, that are disposed in spaced relation to one another such that a longitudinal axis extends therebetween. A flexible wall 184, such as a flexible sleeve, for example, is secured between the end members and at least partially forms a spring chamber 186 therebetween. During use, a rolling lobe 188 will be displaced along an outer surface 190 of gas spring assemblies 102 as the gas spring assemblies are extended and collapsed, such as during rebound and jounce conditions, for example. It will be appreciated, however, that other configurations and/or constructions of gas spring assemblies could alternately be used.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a construction in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure in which one of gas spring assemblies 102 and damping members 192 and 194 of one of pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies 112 are shown secured between associated structural components, such as an upper structural component USC (e.g., body BDY of vehicle VHC) and a lower structural component LSC (e.g., trailing arm 108 of suspension system 100). It will be appreciated that lower structural component LSC is pivotally attached to upper structural component USC such that the structural components can move relative to one another about joint 196, as is represented by arrow PVT, for example. During use, lower structural component LSC is displaced in a direction identified by arrow JNC, which corresponds to a dynamic condition of use in the compressed or jounce direction. And, lower structural component LSC is displaced in a direction identified by arrow RBD, which corresponds to a dynamic condition of use in the extended or rebound direction. As the associated structural components are displaced relative to one another in a jounce direction, it will be recognized and appreciated that gas spring assembly 102 and damping members 192 and 194 are compressed. Conversely, as the associated structural components are displaced relative to one another in a rebound direction the gas spring assembly and damping members are extended. It will be appreciated, that such relative movement of the associated structural components relative to one another can be due to variations in load conditions and/or result from road inputs and/or other impact conditions (e.g., jounce conditions), as is well understood by those of skill in the art.

[0038] Pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies 112 can include one or more damping members that are operative to harvest kinetic energy acting on the suspension system, vehicle or other construction to generate pressurized gas that might otherwise be generated by an electrically operated compressor or other similar device. In addition to conserving electrical energy by converting undesirable kinetic energy inputs into potential energy in the form of compressed gas, the one or more damping members can also favorably influence the performance of the system by dissipating or otherwise damping the kinetic energy acting on the suspension system, vehicle or other construction. As such, it will be appreciated that damping members of any suitable type, kind, configuration and/or construction can be used.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies 112 include damping members 192 and 194 that are operatively connected between opposing structural components (e.g., upper and lower structural components USC and LSC) such that the damping members are displaced in parallel (rather than in series) with one another. It will be appreciated that the damping members can be operatively connected on, along and/or otherwise between the opposing structural components in any suitable manner. For example, the damping members could be directly secured to the opposing structural components in a suitable manner, such as is shown in FIGS. 3- 6, for example. Alternately, one or more of the damping members could be indirectly secured to the opposing structural components. As one example, one or more of the damping members could be disposed within another component that is secured between the opposing structural components. In FIG. 3, for example, damping members 192' and 194' are shown as being disposed within gas spring assembly 102, which can be optionally provided, and operatively connected to the end members thereof in a suitable manner. It will be appreciated, however, that such a construction is merely exemplary and that other configurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used without departing from the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0040] Damping member 192 is shown as including a housing 198 formed from a housing wall 200 that at least partially defines a damping chamber 202. Damping member 192 also includes a damping rod assembly 204 that includes a damper rod 206 and a damper piston 208 received within damping chamber 202 that separates the damping chamber into chamber portions 202A and 202B. Similarly, damping member 194 includes a housing 210 formed from a housing wall 212 that at least partially defines a damping chamber 214. Damping member 194 also includes a damping rod assembly 216 that includes a damper rod 218 and a damper piston 220 received within damping chamber 214 that separates the damping chamber into chamber portions 214A and 214B.

[0041] Damper housings 198 and 210 can be pivotally secured on upper structural component USC by way of pivot mounts 222. Additionally, damper rods 206 and 218 can be pivotally secured on lower structural component LSC by way of pivot mounts 224. It will be appreciated, however, that other configurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used. As the associated structural components are displaced relative to one another, damping members 192 and 194 will extend and compress. Under such conditions of use, damper pistons 208 and 220 are displaced along an inside surface 226 of housing walls 200 and 212 such that the corresponding chamber portions increase and decrease in size (i.e., volume). It will be appreciated that such increases and decreases in the volume of the chamber portions can permit damping members 192 and/or 194 to function as damping-pumps, such as have been described above.

[0042] Additionally, it will be appreciated that such performance may be increased or otherwise improved by compressing the gas in stages, such as by transferring pressurized gas between two or more damping members such that the gas flows in series from one damping chamber portion to another. As one example, a gas inlet (not numbered) can extend through housing wall 212 and can be in fluid communication with filter 158 and/or check valve 160 such that the gas inlet can permit ambient or low pressure gas to be drawn into damping chamber portion 214A. Additionally, a gas outlet (not numbered) can extend through housing wall 212 and can be in fluid communication with check valve 162 such that the gas outlet can permit increased pressure gas to be discharged from damping chamber portion 214B.

[0043] Damping chamber portions 214A and 202B are in fluid communication with one another by way of gas transfer line 228. A one-way or check valve 230 can be operatively disposed in fluid communication along gas transfer line 228 or otherwise between damping chamber portions 214A and 202B such that gas transfer direction is from damping chamber portion 214A into damping chamber portion 202B, as will be discussed hereinafter. Additionally, damping chamber portions 202A and 214B are in fluid communication with one another by way of gas transfer line 232. A one-way or check valve 234 can be operatively disposed in fluid communication along gas transfer line 232 or otherwise between damping chamber portions 202A and 214B such that gas transfer direction is from damping chamber portion 202A into damping chamber portion 214B, as will be discussed hereinafter. Additionally, damper piston 208 includes a oneway or check valve 236 that permits pressurized gas transfer from damping chamber portion 202B into damping chamber portion 202A but substantially inhibits pressurized gas transfer in the opposite direction.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates damping members 192 and 194 in a neutral or centered position from which the damping members could be extended or compressed as a result of the direction in which dynamic inputs act on the damping members. In FIG. 5, damping members 192 and 194 are shown as undergoing extension, such as may occur during a rebound condition of use. In FIG. 6, damping members 192 and 194 are shown as undergoing compression, such as may occur during a jounce condition of use.

[0045] Under the condition in FIG. 5, damping chamber portion 214A increases in size. This can result in a low pressure condition that permits ambient air or other source gas to be drawn into chamber portion 214A. In such case, check valve 160 is in an open condition and check valve 230 remains in a closed condition, which prevents gas transfer from chamber portion 202B into chamber portion 214A. Additionally, chamber portion 202B decreases in size, which substantially increases the gas pressure within this chamber portion. Upon reaching a certain predetermined pressure level, check valve 236 is opened which permits gas transfer through damper piston 208 into chamber portion 202A to charge chamber portion 202A with higher pressure gas. Finally, check valve 234 prevents gas transfer from chamber portion 214B into chamber portion 202A. Because chamber portion 214B is decreasing in size, the pressure within the chamber portion is greatly increased, which causes check valve 162 to open and thereby permits the discharge the gas contained in the chamber portion at an increased pressure level, such as for storage or use by other components and/or systems.

[0046] Under the condition in FIG. 6, chamber portion 214A is decreasing in volume and the gas therein is increasing in pressure. Upon reaching a certain predetermined pressure level, check valve 230 is opened and gas is transferred through gas line 228 into chamber portion 202B, which is increasing in size. Chamber portion 202A is also decreasing in volume and the gas therein is increasing in pressure. Upon reaching a certain predetermined pressure level, check valve 234 opens and gas is transferred through gas line 232 into chamber portion 214B, which is increasing in size. The cycles described above in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6 can then be repeated as dynamic operation and use of the assemblies and associated systems continue or otherwise occur.

[0047] It will be appreciated that pressurized gas generation systems, pressurized gas damper-pump assemblies and/or storage and control systems, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, may take any suitable form, configuration, arrangement and/or configuration of components. In some cases, such systems and/or assemblies can take the form of a combination of components and/or systems that are located in spaced-apart relation to one another. In such cases, a single system or assembly may not be physically identifiable. In other cases, however, such systems and/or assemblies can take the form of a combination of components that are packaged together and physically identifiable. [0048] As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, components and/or structures, numerical ordinals (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used to denote different singles of a plurality or otherwise identify certain features, elements, components and/or structures, and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. Additionally, the terms "transverse," and the like, are to be broadly interpreted. As such, the terms "transverse," and the like, can include a wide range of relative angular orientations that include, but are not limited to, an approximately perpendicular angular orientation. Also, the terms "circumferential," "circumferentially," and the like, are to be broadly interpreted and can include, but are not limited to circular shapes and/or configurations. In this regard, the terms "circumferential," "circumferentially," and the like, can be synonymous with terms such as "peripheral," "peripherally," and the like.

[0049] Furthermore, the phrase "flowed-material joint" and the like, if used herein, are to be interpreted to include any joint or connection in which a liquid or otherwise flowable material (e.g., a melted metal or combination of melted metals) is deposited or otherwise presented between adjacent component parts and operative to form a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. Examples of processes that can be used to form such a flowed-material joint include, without limitation, welding processes, brazing processes and soldering processes. In such cases, one or more metal materials and/or alloys can be used to form such a flowed-material joint, in addition to any material from the component parts themselves. Another example of a process that can be used to form a flowed-material joint includes applying, depositing or otherwise presenting an adhesive between adjacent component parts that is operative to form a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. In such case, it will be appreciated that any suitable adhesive material or combination of materials can be used, such as one-part and/or two-part epoxies, for example.

[0050] Further still, the term "gas" is used herein to broadly refer to any gaseous or vaporous fluid. Most commonly, air is used as the working medium of gas spring devices, such as those described herein, as well as suspension systems and other components thereof. However, it will be understood that any suitable gaseous fluid could alternately be used. [0051] It will be recognized that numerous different features and/or components are presented in the embodiments shown and described herein, and that no one embodiment may be specifically shown and described as including all such features and components. As such, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any and all combinations of the different features and components that are shown and described herein, and, without limitation, that any suitable arrangement of features and components, in any combination, can be used. Thus it is to be distinctly understood claims directed to any such combination of features and/or components, whether or not specifically embodied herein, are intended to find support in the present disclosure.

[0052] Thus, while the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the structures and structural interrelationships between the component parts of the embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the principles hereof. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the subject matter of the present disclosure and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended that the subject matter of the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alteration.