Abstract:
The present invention relates to automatic elevation control of a motor vehicle's (110) chassis element (119) above a surface (150) on which the vehicle (110) is situated, such that at least one support leg (122a, 122b) of a free-standing loadable/unloadable cargo unit (120) is off-loaded, and thus the support leg can be disengaged. A height sensor means (118) registers a height parameter indicative of the elevation (h) and a pressure sensor means (113) registers a pressure parameter indicative of a fluid pressure level (P) in a fluid chamber (112) of a level control mechanism for the chassis element (119). A control unit (117) receives the height and pressure parameters, and in response thereto, produces a control signal (C) that causes the chassis element (119) to be elevated. During elevation of the chassis elemen t (119), the control unit (117) investigates whether or not a first criterion is fulfilled with respect to a test parameter expressing a ratio of the fluid pressure level (P) increase per unit of the elevation (h). If the first criterion is fulfilled, the control unit (117) investigates whether or not a second criterion is fulfilled with respect to the test parameter. Provided that also the second criterion is fulfilled, the control unit (117) causes the elevation of the chassis element (119) to be discontinued. Namely, at this point in time, the support leg (122a, 122b) has been off-loaded.
Abstract:
A sensor for a height control system in a trailing arm suspension uses a transducer to detect changes in position of a trailing arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the trailing arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for translating an adjusted medium pressure into performance of one or more selected functions, the method comprising: providing a pneumatic structure in which the medium is retained at a starting pressure, providing an adsorptive material operable within a range of temperatures that is proportionate with a range of medium pressures in which the pneumatic structure operates, and adjusting the temperature of the adsorptive material to effect a commensurate adjustment of the medium pressure to a target pressure; the system comprising: an adsorptive material that is in fluid communication with the pneumatic structure and operable within a range of temperatures that is proportionate with a range of medium pressures in which the pneumatic structure is operable, and at least one regulator for adjusting a temperature of the adsorptive material and effecting a commensurate adjustment of the medium pressure.
Abstract:
A gas spring end member has an end member axis and is dimensioned for securement to an associated flexible spring member. The gas spring end member includes an end member wall with a base wall portion disposed transverse to the end member axis. An outer wall portion extends axially from along the base wall portion. A mounting wall portion is dimensioned to receivingly engage an associated end of the associated flexible spring member. An end wall portion extends peripherally about the end member axis and operatively connects the outer wall portion and the mounting wall portion to at least partially define an end member volume. An inner wall portion separates the end member volume into an end member reservoir disposed outward of the inner wall portion and an end member chamber disposed inward of the inner wall portion. Gas spring assemblies and suspensions systems are also included.
Abstract:
An end closure (260) is dimensioned for securement to a gas spring end member (204). The end closure is dimensioned to form a substantially fluid-tight, friction-fit connection with a flexible spring member (206) that is in an at least substantially-cured condition. The end closure (260) can include an end wall portion (298), a first side wall portion (300) that extends from along the end wall portion (298) and a second side wall portion (304) that is disposed radially inward of the first side wall portion and is axially-offset relative to the end wall portion. The second side wall portion at least partially forms a mounting seat that is dimensioned to form a substantially fluid-tight, friction-fit connection between at least the second side wall portion of the end closure (260) and the flexible spring member (204). A gas spring assembly as well as a suspension system and methods of assembly are also included.
Abstract:
Verdichteranordnung zum Betreiben einer Druckluftversorgungsanlage eines Fahrzeugs, aufweisend einen Verdichter (330) mit: einem Elektromotor (332), der als ein elektronisch kommutierter, bürstenloser Gleichstrom-Motor mit einer Ansteuerschaltung umfassend eine Leistungselektronik gebildet ist, und einem pneumatischen Kompressor (331); wobei der Elektromotor (332) in Form eines Außenläufer-Motors gebildet ist. Druckluftversorgungsanlage mit einer solchen Verdichteranordnung. Fahrzeug mit einer Pneumatikanlage, insbesondere einer Luftfederanlage, und mit einer solchen Druckluftversorgungsanlage. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Druckluftversorgungsanlage eines Fahrzeugs mit einer solchen Verdichteranordnung.
Abstract:
A method for distributing load forces among axles of a truck having a front steer axle and two rear axles, the rear axles including an air suspension, includes the steps of monitoring a load on each of the axles and generating a load signal therefrom, increasing a pressure in a forward rear axle air suspension relative to a pressure in a rearward rear axle suspension to decrease a load on the steer axle, and decreasing a pressure in a forward rear axle air suspension relative to a rearward rear axle suspension to increase a load on the steer axle.