192 results about "Ride height" patented technology

A safety system for a host vehicle includes a pre-crash sensing system generating host vehicle dynamics data, a target vehicle threat assessment, and target vehicle bumper or doorsill location data. A ride-height, Dynamic State Self-Turning (DSST) controller generates a reference ride-height signal as a function of the host vehicle dynamics data, target vehicle threat assessment, and target vehicle bumper or doorsill location data. A Rule-Based Height Regulator (RBHR) controller is feedback communication with an adjustable suspension system, is programmed to continuously adjust the host vehicle ride-height with reference to the ride-height signal, and the host vehicle bumper location to optimize the collision conditions between the two vehicles until just prior to impact.

A control system for controlling the ride height of a vehicle, the system including a controller that receives and processes multiple variable inputs to provide enhanced ride height control. The inputs include a brake system signal including an Automatic Braking System (ABS) signal and / or an Electronic Braking System (EBS) signal, a remote setpoint signal and / or a fluid dump signal. The system also provides for measuring the actual ride height, filtering the measured ride height, determining if the filter ride height signal exceeds a threshold level, and adjusting the ride height accordingly.

A U-shaped vehicle with flexible beams equipped with an adjustable toe-angle, variable height suspension. Containers are attached between the beams of the vehicle. The rear suspension has a variable toe angle to control the spread of the beams so the vehicle can back around a container. Rear wheel axles are mounted on arms connected to pivot joints. An axle and its pivot points are non-co-planer. The pivot points are angled so that an outer pivot point is higher than an inner pivot point. When the vehicle is lowered close to the ground, the rear wheels develop slight toe out. When the vehicle is raised above Its normal ride height, the rear wheels develop slight toe in, and the beams of the vehicle spread apart when the vehicle is driven in reverse.

A multi-stage height control valve for a pneumatic control system of a vehicle includes an air reservoir port, an exhaust port, an air spring port and a pilot port operatively connected to a rotor valve which is in turn operatively connected to the vehicle. The air reservoir port fluidly communicates with an air tank. The air spring port fluidly communicates with the air springs of the vehicle. The exhaust port opens to atmosphere. The pilot port fluidly communicates with a control / warning device such that, when a secondary ride height is reached by the vehicle, the pilot port signals the control / warning device in order to maintain the vehicle at the secondary ride height. The pilot port alternatively provides an air pressure boost in order to quickly re-inflate the air springs of the vehicle to return the vehicle to the primary design ride height.

A shock absorber includes a dust tube that surrounds a shock body. The shock body is movable relative to the dust tube in response to road load inputs. A plurality of magnets is mounted to one of the dust tube and shock body, and a module is mounted to the other of the dust tube and shock body. The module interacts with the plurality of magnets to determine a position of the dust tube relative to a position of the shock body. This position information can be used to adjust suspension ride height as needed.

A mobile skateboard-shaped toy which is propelled by a displaceable flywheel is described. The skateboard-shaped toy comprises a skateboard deck with the flywheel positioned within the skateboard deck. The flywheel is positioned such that the flywheel protrudes beyond a top portion and a bottom portion of the skateboard deck. The flywheel is rotatable within the skateboard deck to change a rotational direction of the flywheel with respect to a major axis of the skateboard deck. Additionally, the flywheel can be repositioned at different ride heights within the skateboard deck. In one aspect, the flywheel is removable from the skateboard deck to allow the flywheel to be easily repositioned within the skateboard deck or replaced with another flywheel.

A method for controlling the ride height in a suspension of an over the highway truck or tractor based on rear axle load. A load on the rear axle is measured. An optimum ride height is calculated at core response to correct drive lighted angles based on the rear axle load. The actual ride height is measured. The difference between the optimum ride height and the actual ride height is calculated. A component of the suspension, such as an air spring, is adjusted to adjust the actual ride height to a height closer to the optimum ride height.

The invention discloses headlamp adaptive control method and device. The method comprises the steps of: (1) acquiring the current speed v of an automobile in real time, and acquiring the safe stopping distance S of the automobile at the current speed; (2) acquiring a horizontal deflection angle omega corresponding to the optimum lighting position of the headlamp; (3) acquiring a vertical deflection angle beta corresponding to the optimum lighting position of the headlamp; and (4) outputting control signals to control the turning of the headlamp in real time. The device comprises a control unit (1), and a detection unit (2) and a driving mechanism (3) which are respectively connected with the control unit (1), wherein the detection unit (2) comprises a speed sensor (21), a steering wheel angel sensor (22), a front ride height sensor (23), a rear ride height sensor (24), a sunshine and rain sensor (25) and an acceleration sensor (26). The invention has the advantages of large lighting range, good lighting effect, no reflected glare, simple structure, accurate control, good environmental suitability, safety, reliability and comfortable drive.

A vehicle crash safety system includes a pre-crash sensing system configured for gathering and / or receiving target vehicle ride-height data, and at least one actuator operatively coupled to the sensing system and configured for adjusting a height of a portion of a host vehicle responsive to a command from the sensing system. A timing of the command is responsive to an estimated dynamic response time of the at least one actuator.

A vehicle suspension system comprising a damper having a lower mount end and an upper mount end and a spring having a lower end and an upper end positioned around the damper. The spring and the damper have a common central axis. An adjustment assembly is operably attached at the lower mount end of the damper and the lower end of the spring is operably attached to and supported by the adjustment assembly thereby allowing the position of the lower end of the spring to continuously vary along the central axis of the damper. The method comprising supporting a lower end of a spring positioned around a damper and moving the end of the spring for adjusting vehicle ride height.

The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).

A multi-stage height control valve for a pneumatic control system of a vehicle includes an air reservoir port, an exhaust port, an air spring port and a pilot port operatively connected to a rotor valve which is in turn operatively connected to the vehicle. The air reservoir port fluidly communicates with an air tank. The air spring port fluidly communicates with the air springs of the vehicle. The exhaust port opens to atmosphere. The pilot port fluidly communicates with a control / warning device such that, when a secondary ride height is reached by the vehicle, the pilot port signals the control / warning device in order to maintain the vehicle at the secondary ride height. The pilot port alternatively provides an air pressure boost in order to quickly re-inflate the air springs of the vehicle to return the vehicle to the primary design ride height.

A vehicle crash safety system includes a pre-crash sensing system configured for gathering and / or receiving target vehicle ride-height data, and at least one actuator operatively coupled to the sensing system and configured for adjusting a height of a portion of a host vehicle responsive to a command from the sensing system. A timing of the command is responsive to an estimated dynamic response time of the at least one actuator.

The invention provides a multimode switching control method for body height of an electronic-control air suspension. The method includes defining the body height as three modes including 'body high position', 'body middle position' and 'body low position', utilizing a vehicle speed sensor and a body height sensor to online extract related signals reflecting actual traveling conditions of a vehicle, and determining the height mode of the vehicle according to the above signals; adjusting target modes according to different body heights, adjusting related parameters of body height control models to form three different body height control models, and respectively designing body height PID (proportion integration differentiation) controllers with different control parameters on the basis of the body height control models; establishing a switching control unit, and selecting corresponding PID controllers according to different body height adjusting target modes to perform body height control by the switching control unit. According to difference, in body height control, caused by difference in the body height adjusting target modes, targeted PID controllers are adopted for controlling respectively, so that body height control can be more accurate and more efficient.

A weight distribution system for dynamically controlling and adjusting the weight load on each axle of a vehicle uses a manifold that is fluid flow disposed between a source of pressured air of the vehicle and the air bags of the vehicle. The manifold allows an individual air bag to be inflated or deflated to a desired pressurization depending on either preprogrammed or user input parameters. By individually controlling the air bags, the system allows the setting of the maximum amount of weight to be borne by a given axle so that tires can be removed from that axle without weight overloading the remaining tires. The system also automatically self-levels the chassis of the vehicle and maintains proper ride height of the vehicle using input from a height sensor located on one of the axles. The system wirelessly communicates, terrestrially or via satellite, its parameters to roadway officials to verify that the vehicle is in compliance with weight loading requirements and to the home office or other location via a satellite link.

Abstract of Disclosure A U-shaped vehicle with flexible beams equipped with an adjustable toe-angle, variable height suspension. Containers are attached between the beams of the vehicle. The rear suspension has a variable toe angle to control the spread of the beams so the vehicle can back around a container. Rear wheel axles are mounted on arms connected to pivot points. An axle and its pivot points are non-co-planer. The pivot points are angled so that an outer pivot point is higher than an inner pivot point. When the vehicle is lowered close to the ground, the rear wheels develop slight toe out. When the vehicle is raised above its normal ride height, the rear wheels develop slight toe in, and the beams of the vehicle spread apart when the vehicle is driven in reverse.

A secondary suspension for a rail vehicle includes a superstructure, a bogie and a steel spring arranged between the superstructure and the bogie. The steel spring ensures at least one raised traveling level for the superstructure when the rail vehicle is traveling. Further included is a tension cylinder. When the rail vehicle is stopped, the steel spring is compressed by the tension cylinder to adjust the superstructure to a lowered station platform level below the at least one traveling level.

An air-ride beam-type axle / suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle with a gross axle weight rating of greater than 23,000 lbs. / axle includes a pair of transversely spaced beams. Each one of the beams includes inboard and outboard sidewalls. A large diameter axle extends between and is rigidly connected to the beams via a pair of axle-to-beam connections. Each one of the axle-to-beam connections includes a sleeve having an increased thickness rigidly connected to the axle and the beam. Each sleeve is formed with at least a front and a rear window located between the beam sidewalls. The inboard and / or outboard edges of the sleeve windows are spaced relatively far from the beam sidewalls. The sleeve windows are asymmetrically angled with respect to the horizontal centerline of the axle at design ride height. The axle / suspension system reduces weight while maintaining desired stiffness and durability of the axle / suspension system.

Ride height for use in an adaptive suspension damping system, tiltable headlamp systems, or other systems is determined for first and second wheels which are mounted to first and second suspensions having first and second control arms coupled between the respective wheels and a frame of the vehicle. An anti-roll system is coupled between the control arms. A mechanical height sensor is coupled to the first wheel to directly sense a first height associated with the first wheel. A strain sensor is coupled to the anti-roll system to generate a strain signal in response to a strain in the anti-roll system. A controller converts the strain signal to a second height associated with the second wheel. Thus, ride heights for both wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle are obtained using only one direct height measurement.

An air suspension system is configured to adjust and maintain a desired vehicle ride height and spring rate. The air suspension system includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag. A controller receives ride height input data and adjusts pressures within the primary and piston airbags until the desired ride height and spring rate is achieved. The controller accommodates for system hardware differences by varying flow rates into and out of the primary and piston airbags relative to each other.

A vehicle suspension includes a plurality of pneumatic suspension elements with each pneumatic suspension element being associated with one pneumatic control valve. A common manifold is fluidly connected to each of the pneumatic control valves. The manifold includes a supply valve that is connected to an air supply, an exhaust valve, and a single pressure sensor. The single pressure sensor is used to measure a pressure level at each of the pneumatic suspension elements. A controller cooperates with the manifold to individually adjust pressure levels of each of the pneumatic suspension elements based on the individually sensed pressure levels. The controller can use the sensed pressure levels to adjust suspension ride height, identify system leaks and isolate defective suspension elements, identify uneven pressure distribution, and to determine a load supported on the pneumatic suspension elements.

The invention relates to a method for controlling the regeneration cycles for an air dryer (10) in a closed ride control system for vehicles, by which a vehicle body is suspended relative to at least one vehicle axle, having compressed air chambers (6a - 6d) connected to a compressed air line by means of branch lines (38a - 38d), a compressor (8), an air dryer (10) disposed at a compressed air line (4) to a compressed air reservoir tank (12) connected to the pressurizing medium chambers (6a - 6d) such that compressed air can be transferred from the compressed air reservoir tank (12) into each pressurizing medium chamber (6a - 6d), pressurizing medium can be transferred from each pressurizing medium chamber (6a - 6d) into the pressurizing medium reservoir tank (12), wherein the compressed air chamber (6a - 6d) and the compressed air reservoir tank (12); can be filled with compressed air and vented via a compressed air line (32) that can be connected to atmosphere, or can be filled via a compressed air suction line (5) connected to the compressor (8) and vented via the compressed air line (32), the amount of compressed air delivered by means of the compressor (8) through the dryer (10) is measured, the temperature and / or the humidity of the air drawn from the atmosphere is measured, as much compressed air as necessary is continuously fed through the air dryer (10) such that said air can be considered to be saturated under the assumption that the air having the highest potential ambient temperature and humidity is drawn through the compressor (8) and delivered through the air dryer (10), the amount of regeneration air required for the air dryer for said amount of compressed air in order to achieve the desired dew point is determined as a function of the ambient temperature and / or humidity of the indrawn air, and the regeneration of the dryer (10) is performed using said amount of regeneration air.

A mechanism for increasing the ride height of aircraft by selectively increasing the hydraulic fluid content within landing gear struts. By increasing the hydraulic fluid volume within a strut, the strut is lengthened without adversely affecting its spring rate while the ability to withdraw fluid from a strut maintains the ability of the strut to absorb the impact of landing. The mechanism is readily retrofitable to existing landing gear systems to accommodate more efficient under the wing intake designs and to reduce the likelihood of FOD during taxiing at minimal cost and with very a minimal increase in the aircraft weight.

A control system for controlling the ride height of a vehicle, the system including a controller that receives and processes multiple variable inputs to provide enhanced ride height control. The inputs include a brake system signal including an Automatic Braking System (ABS) signal and / or an Electronic Braking System (EBS) signal, a remote setpoint signal and / or a fluid dump signal. The system also provides for measuring the actual ride height, filtering the measured ride height, determining if the filter ride height signal exceeds a threshold level, and adjusting the ride height accordingly.