A suspension system for a wheel assembly of a vehicle includes a telescopic damper configured to mediate between respective sprung and unsprung portions of the wheel assembly, a rebound spring arranged to moderate wheel travel, and a force-transfer system operative to apply a force to change one or more parameters of the suspension system. The application of the force by the force-transfer system is effective in a first operating mode to change a length of the telescopic damper and in a second operating mode to regulate a wheel rate of the wheel assembly. The force-transfer system is controllable to modify a wheel-travel value at which the wheel rate of the wheel assembly changes in the second mode of suspension operation.

A method for actuating a solenoid valve, which is loaded with a pneumatic pressure medium, in order to reduce a pressure (p.sub.sys) which is applied to the solenoid valve, where the solenoid valve assumes a closed switching position in the deenergized state and assumes a completely open switching position when it is energized with a switching current intensity (I.sub.s(p)) which is dependent on the applied pressure (p.sub.sys), where a first rise current final value (I.sub.1) is predetermined, which first rise current final value is smaller than the switching current intensity (I.sub.s(p)), where the solenoid valve is energized with an actuating current which follows an actuating current profile (SV1, SV2), and where the actuating current profile (SV1, SV2) comprises a first rise phase (TA1), in which the actuating current is increased to the predetermined first rise current final value (I.sub.1), and, following said first rise phase, a first holding phase (TH1) in which the actuating current is held constant at the first rise current final value (I.sub.1).

Disclosed herein are hydraulic actuators and methods for the operation of actuators having variable relative pressure ratios. Further disclosed are methods for designing and/or operating a hydraulic actuator such that the actuator exhibits a variable relative pressure ratio. In certain embodiments, the relative pressure ratio of the hydraulic actuator may be dependent on one or more characteristics (such as, for example, frequency or rate of change) of an oscillating input to the hydraulic actuator.

A pneumatic automotive height adjuster assembly provides at least one bag removably connected to a vehicle having a frame. The at least one bag is configured to adjust a height of the frame. An air supply line has a supply end and a discharge end. The discharge end is in fluid communication with each of the at least one bag. The air supply is configured to provide air to inflate the at least one bag. A switch is in fluid communication with the supply end of the air supply line. The switch has a first discharge, a second discharge, and a switch input. A leveling valve is in fluid communication with the first discharge. The air supply line is in fluid communication with the second discharge. An air supply is in fluid communication with the leveling valve and the switch input.

A suspension system for a wheel assembly of a vehicle includes a telescopic damper configured to mediate between respective sprung and unsprung portions of the wheel assembly, a rebound spring arranged to moderate wheel travel, and a force-transfer system operative to apply a force to change one or more parameters of the suspension system. The application of the force by the force-transfer system is effective in a first operating mode to change a length of the telescopic damper and in a second operating mode to regulate a wheel rate of the wheel assembly. The force-transfer system is controllable to modify a wheel-travel value at which the wheel rate of the wheel assembly changes in the second mode of suspension operation.

An air dryer housing includes a desiccant container fillable with desiccant and includes a port device for a compressed-air supply with a compressed-air flow. The port device is configured for connecting the air dryer housing to the compressed-air supply. The port device is connectable pressure-tight to the desiccant container. The port device has, at the desiccant side, a valve element which projects into the desiccant container and in which a valve piston is movable. The valve element and the valve piston form a ventilation valve unit that is configured as a pneumatic relay valve. The port device is configured to be connectable to the compressed-air supply system, and the desiccant container can be passed through by a compressed-air flow in a first direction when the valve piston is in a first position and in a second direction when the valve piston is in a second position.

A vehicle, variable spring system and method of operating a corner actuator coupled to wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle includes the corner actuator and the variable spring system. The variable spring system includes a control chamber coupled to the corner actuator, a first spring, a second spring, and a valve. An applied resistance for the corner actuator is selected by selecting an amount of fluid coupling between the control chamber and each of the first spring and the second spring. A force is absorbed at the wheel using the applied resistance.

An air suspension control system utilizes a suspension control module, one or more pneumatic control modules, and an end cap for controlling air-spring suspension units of different configurations. The system is expandable, and each pneumatic control module has an integrated air-spring pressure sensor, and an electrical connector to connect with an electronic height sensor. The system can level the suspension units based on air-spring pressure or air-spring height. The system is wireless enabled to provide connectivity to smartphone apps and dedicated devices for user interface, and allows for wireless updating of firmware.

A pneumatic control system includes a manifold that defines: a channel for conveying a fluid, a discharge port, a drain port, and an expansion chamber defining a chamber axis. The discharge port defines a flow axis extending between a first end and second end and a receiving region at the second end. The pneumatic control system also includes a filter assembly with a filter member disposed in the expansion chamber, and an actuator configured to selectively control fluid communication between the channel and the discharge port. The chamber axis is substantially coplanar with the flow axis. A filter cap assembly includes a filter cap body enclosing an end of the expansion chamber and selectively removable from the manifold to provide access to the filter assembly. A purge valve body is configured to selectively control fluid flow between the expansion chamber and the drain port.

An integrated air supply unit comprises a compressor housing, a pressure control unit (PCU) body, and a desiccant housing extending between the compressor housing and the PCU body. The desiccant housing defines a desiccant cavity holding a desiccant container for removing moisture from air passing therethrough. A piston is slidably disposed within a piston bore of the compressor housing. The PCU body defines a plurality of fluid passages with solenoid valves selectively controlling airflow therethrough. The integrated air supply unit may also comprise: a manifold, a discharge control valve, a compressor supplying pressurized air in a first pressurized air passage, a dryer configured to remove moisture from the pressurized air in the first pressurized air passage and to supply dried pressurized air in a second pressurized air passage, a supply control valve to control airflow between the second pressurized air passage and the manifold, and a piloted exhaust valve.