VARIABLE RATE BOUND STOPPERS AND VARIABLE RATE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS CONTAINING VARIABLE RATE BOUND STOPPERS

摘要

A variable rate bound stopper includes a bound stopper in the form of an elastomer member. The elastomer member has an aperture such that the bound stopper is configured to be positioned over and disposed around a piston rod of a shock absorber. A shape memory alloy (SMA) coil formed from an SMA wire extends around at least a portion of the elastomer member. The SMA coil has a relaxed state and an activated state. The SMA coil constrains the elastomer member from deforming radially outward and alters an intrinsic spring rate of the bound stopper when in the activated state.