GM Files Patent for Shock Absorber That Would Mechanically Adjust Damping

GM has filed a patent for an adaptive shock absorber design that would mechanically adjust damping characteristics according to suspension movement, instead of relying on electronic controls, according to a report from GM Authority.

The patent application was filed on May 22, 2024, and published on Nov. 27, 2025. The design features a guide rod, containing a specially shaped guide groove in its outer surface. The guide groove has a central portion, as well as one or more slanted or spiral portions at either end.

Within the shock absorber is a piston rod assembly, which relies on a pair of valve discs and a thrust bearing. Multiple fluid orifices are inside each valve disc to control the flow of oil through the damper. The guide groove on the guide rod receives projections from the valve discs, which follow the shape of the groove as the suspension moves.

In suspension movements that are low-amplitude and high-frequency, the valve discs align, and fluid flows to provide lower damping forces. In contrast, if suspension movement increases in amplitude and becomes lower in frequency, the valve disc projections will move into the guide groove’s slanted or spiral portions, causing the valve discs to misalign and restricted fluid flow.

The system deviates from most modern adaptive shock absorber designs, which rely heavily on complex electronic controls and sensors. GM’s patent would instead utilize internal mechanical movement to moderate damping.