Abstract:
A method of leveling a stationary vehicle chassis (4) includes the steps of comparing the signal from an alignment sensor (65) to alignment data stored in an electronic control unit (42) and then operating the electronic control unit (42) to permit communication between one or more fluid suspension members (6, 7, 8, 9) and one of a pressurized fluid source (22) and exhaust (27) until the signal from the alignment sensor approximately corresponds to the aligment data. A system (1) for performing the method is also discussed.
Abstract:
A method of positioning a vehicle chassis of a stationary vehicle in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum is provided. The vehicle has an axle and a fluid suspension system. The fluid suspension system includes a control device, a pressurized fluid source and an exhaust passage. The pressurized fluid source and the exhaust passage are in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members through the control device. The vehicle also includes an electronic control unit operatively associated with the control device. The method including steps of providing an alignment sensor supported on the chassis for outputting a signal indicative of the orientation of the chassis to the electronic control unit and acquiring a signal output by the alignment sensor. Another step includes comparing the signal from the alignment sensor to alignment data stored in the electronic control unit. A further step includes selectively operating the control device to permit fluid communication between one or more of the fluid suspension members and one of the pressurized fluid source and the fluid exhaust until the signal from the alignment sensor approximately corresponds to the alignment data. A system for performing the method is also discussed.
Abstract:
A distance determining system (300) includes a first transceiver (302) and a second transceiver (304) spaced a distance (DST) from the first transceiver and inductively coupled thereto. The first transceiver outputs a first electromagnetic wave (EW1 ). The second transceiver receives the first electromagnetic wave and outputs a second electromagnetic wave (EW2), which is received by the first transceiver. One of the first and second transceivers determines a distance therebetween based at least in part upon the elapsed time of travel of the first and second electromagnetic waves. An air spring assembly (200) can include such a distance indicating system. A method (400) of determining a distance is also included.
Abstract:
A suspension system (100) adaptable for cross-flow operation includes a plurality of gas springs (102), a transfer passage (124, 126) in communication between the gas springs, and a transfer valve (128, 130) for selectively permitting gas flow along the transfer passage. A control system (132) selectively actuates the transfer valve. A method (400) of operation is also described.
Abstract:
A distance indicating system includes a transmitting portion (214), a transceiver (216) spaced a distance from the transmitting portion, and a receiving portion (214A) supported in spaced relation to the transceiver. The transmitting portion broadcasting a first electromagnetic wave (EWl). The transceiver receiving the first electromagnetic wave and transmitting a second electromagnetic wave (EW2) to the receiving portion. The transceiver is operative to modulate the second electromagnetic wave in relation to an input to communicate a signal, data or information, such as the distance (Dl) between the transmitting portion and the transceiver, an acceleration input, a pressure level or a temperature reading.
Abstract:
A reflector (240) includes a first end surface (244), an opposing second end surface (246) and a plurality of reflector surfaces. A first reflector surface (250) extends from adjacent the first end surface toward the second end surface. A second reflector surface (252) extends from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end surface. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones (250A, 252A). A gas spring assembly (200) and suspension system (100) using the reflector is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A distance determining system (300) includes a first transceiver (302) and a second transceiver (304) spaced a distance (DST) from the first transceiver and inductively coupled thereto. The first transceiver outputs a first electromagnetic wave (EW1 ). The second transceiver receives the first electromagnetic wave and outputs a second electromagnetic wave (EW2), which is received by the first transceiver. One of the first and second transceivers determines a distance therebetween based at least in part upon the elapsed time of travel of the first and second electromagnetic waves. An air spring assembly (200) can include such a distance indicating system. A method (400) of determining a distance is also included.
Abstract:
A suspension system (100) adaptable for cross-flow operation includes a plurality of gas springs (102), a transfer passage (124, 126) in communication between the gas springs, and a transfer valve (128, 130) for selectively permitting gas flow along the transfer passage. A control system (132) selectively actuates the transfer valve. A method (400) of operation is also described.
Abstract:
A control system (122) is operatively associated with a suspension system of a vehicle (VHC). The associated suspension system includes an associated fluid spring (102) operating at an associated fluid pressure and an associated variable- rate damper (104) having an associated electronically-variable damping rate. The control system includes a pressure sensor (126) operative to generate a pressure sensor signal indicative of the associated fluid pressure of the associated fluid spring, and a controller (124) in communication with the pressure sensor and the associated variable-rate damper. The controller is operative to receive the pressure sensor signal and generate a damper adjustment signal based at least partially on the pressure sensor signal for adjusting the associated electronically-variable damping rate of the associated variable-rate damper. A vehicle suspension system (100) includes such a control system, and a method of controlling a suspension system of a vehicle is also included.
Abstract:
A system and method of sensing a load on a vehicle (VHC) that includes a plurality of wheel-engaging members (AXL) is disclosed. The vehicle body (BDY) is supported on the plurality of wheel-engaging members and receives a cargo having a cargo weight. The method (200) includes providing a non-fluid spring (102, 104) having an unloaded length and a spring rate, the non-fluid springs are supported between the vehicle body and one of the wheel-engaging members and being deflected to a loaded length under the cargo weight of the cargo. The method continues with determining the loaded length of said non-fluid springs. The method also includes determining an approximate value of the cargo weight based at least partially upon said spring rate and said loaded length of said non-fluid spring.