A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.

A dump truck pitching control system that can improve the ride quality of a vehicle body and the drive stability during traveling is provided. The present invention includes: a pitching state amount detection section 194 that detects a state amount of the pitching movement of the vehicle body 10; a spring characteristics calculation section 197 that calculates spring characteristics of suspension cylinders 30, based on detection results of stroke sensors 306, pressure sensors 307, and temperature sensors 308; a pitching target amount calculation section 192 that calculates a target amount of the pitching movement of the vehicle body 10, according to the spring characteristics calculated by the spring characteristics calculation section 197; and a torque correction value calculation section 193 that calculates a torque correction value required to correct the pitching amount, according to the spring characteristics calculated by the spring characteristics calculation section 197.

An air management system and method are provided. The system includes a pressurized air source. A manifold block is coupled to the pressurized air source and includes a plurality of suspension valves in fluid communication with the pressurized air source for controlling air flow to and from a plurality of air springs. An accumulator is coupled to the manifold block for storing air. An accumulator valve is in fluid communication with the plurality of suspension valves and the accumulator to allow exhausted air from the plurality of air springs into the accumulator. An electronic control unit is electrically coupled to the plurality of suspension valves and the accumulator valve for controlling a sequence of operating the accumulator valve and the plurality of suspension valves to provide enhanced exhaust flow from the plurality of air springs to maintain the vehicle in a level orientation while lowering the vehicle.

In an air suspension system, starting of a compressor is facilitated in a condition in which there exists a pressure difference. There is provided an air suspension system in which air compressed by a compressor is supplied to a plurality of air chambers provided between a vehicle body side and a wheel side and configured to perform vehicle height adjustment in accordance with the supply and discharge of air. The compressor has a needle connected to a piston and extending in a moving direction of the piston, and an armature reciprocating the needle in the moving direction of the piston.

A clamping plate is dimensioned to secure a flexible spring member to an end member for forming a gas spring assembly. The clamping plate includes a clamping plate wall with an axis and opposing surface portions oriented transverse to the axis. An opening extends into the clamping plate wall from along each of the opposing surface portions. An elongated damping passage extends in a spiral configuration through the clamping plate wall in fluid communication with the openings. A gas spring assembly includes a flexible spring member that defines a spring chamber, and an end member with an end member wall that defines an end member chamber. The clamping plate is secured to the end member and retains the flexible spring member thereon. The elongated damping passage is in fluid communication between the spring chamber and the end member chamber. Gas transfer between the spring chamber and the end member chamber generates pressurized gas damping during use of the gas spring assembly. Suspension systems and methods are also included.

A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.

A resilient expandable pressure vessel configured to function like a spring. The resilient expandable pressure vessel includes a body portion, a cavity defined within the body portion, and at least one port in communication with the cavity defined in the body portion. The at least one port is configured to receive a fluid into the cavity and discharge the fluid from the cavity. The resilient expandable pressure vessel has a predetermined expansibility across a range of operating pressures of the fluid in the cavity. The range is at least 200 psi.

A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.

An active suspension system 1 for a vehicle. The suspension system 1 comprises a hydraulic actuator 4 for connection to the vehicle, an accumulator 30 arranged to provide fluid to the actuator 4 and a spool valve 16. The spool valve 16 comprises a spool 18 mounted for movement between a first position in which the flow of fluid from the accumulator 30 to the actuator 4 is prevented and a second position in which fluid can flow from the accumulator 30 to the actuator 4 via the spool 18 thereby causing movement of the actuator 4.

A method of charging a bellows accumulator for a vehicle suspension system comprises providing an outer shell with an accumulator port and a gas charging port, and inserting a bellows assembly within the outer shell. The bellows assembly includes an annular bellows wall at least partially defining a gas chamber of variable volume. The bellows assembly is axially extendable between a retracted position and a fully extended position. The gas chamber is arranged in fluid communication with the gas charging port. An accumulation chamber is provided between the outer shell and the bellows assembly and is in fluid communication with the accumulator port. The method further includes evacuating the accumulation chamber when the bellows assembly is not at the fully extended position to obtain a pressure within the accumulation chamber less than atmospheric pressure and supplying pressurized gas to the gas charging port.