Patent classifications
B60G17/04
VEHICLE HAVING A LATERALLY ADJUSTABLE CHASSIS AND METHODS OF SERVICING SUCH A VEHICLE
A vehicle includes a chassis, ground-engaging elements configured to support the chassis, support assemblies supporting the chassis on the ground-engaging elements, adjustable axles configured to change a lateral distance from the chassis to each of the support assemblies, and a controller configured to move the chassis laterally along the axles without changing a track width between ground-engaging elements on opposing sides of the chassis. Disclosed methods may be used to remove and install application systems on the vehicle.
Gas spring end member assemblies as well as gas spring assemblies including same
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.
Vehicle height control system
A vehicle height control system and method of increasing a vehicle height of a vehicle having a vehicle body and at least one axle assembly. The vehicle height control system includes a pressurized fluid, and a plurality of air springs provided to support at least one section of the body of the vehicle above at least one axle of the vehicle and configured to adjust the height the vehicle relative to the ground in response to the supply and discharge of the fluid. A control assembly of the vehicle height control system configured to receive user input indicative of a vehicle height adjustment operation desired by a user has a piston unit fluidically interconnected with the pressurized fluid supply system via a first control valve and is operable to adjust the vehicle height by adjusting a second control valve interposed between the pressurized fluid supply system and the air springs.
Strut Assembly Including A Bearing Sleeve Having A Radial Protrusion
A strut assembly including a reservoir tube that extends about and along a center axis and has an interior surface and defines a chamber. A bearing sleeve is disposed in the chamber of the reservoir tube and extends about and along the center axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The bearing sleeve presents an inner surface and an outer surface. A damper body tube is disposed in the bearing sleeve and is moveable relative to the bearing sleeve. A piston assembly is disposed in the damper body tube. The outer surface of the bearing sleeve has a tubular portion and a protrusion portion that extends radially outwardly relative to the tubular portion and annularly and providing an interference fit between the outer surface of the bearing sleeve and the interior surface of the reservoir tube.
Strut Assembly Including A Bearing Sleeve Having A Radial Protrusion
A strut assembly including a reservoir tube that extends about and along a center axis and has an interior surface and defines a chamber. A bearing sleeve is disposed in the chamber of the reservoir tube and extends about and along the center axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The bearing sleeve presents an inner surface and an outer surface. A damper body tube is disposed in the bearing sleeve and is moveable relative to the bearing sleeve. A piston assembly is disposed in the damper body tube. The outer surface of the bearing sleeve has a tubular portion and a protrusion portion that extends radially outwardly relative to the tubular portion and annularly and providing an interference fit between the outer surface of the bearing sleeve and the interior surface of the reservoir tube.
Load-based tire inflation system for heavy-duty vehicles
A load-based tire inflation system for a heavy-duty vehicle comprises at least one source of fluid pressure, suspension structure of the heavy-duty vehicle, a tire and wheel assembly and a system to control fluid pressure in the tire and wheel assembly. The suspension structure is located between a frame member and an axle and has a condition indicative of a weight of the heavy-duty vehicle. The tire and wheel assembly is operatively mounted to the axle and is in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure. The control system controls fluid pressure in the tire and wheel assembly in response to the condition of the suspension structure.
Load-based tire inflation system for heavy-duty vehicles
A load-based tire inflation system for a heavy-duty vehicle comprises at least one source of fluid pressure, suspension structure of the heavy-duty vehicle, a tire and wheel assembly and a system to control fluid pressure in the tire and wheel assembly. The suspension structure is located between a frame member and an axle and has a condition indicative of a weight of the heavy-duty vehicle. The tire and wheel assembly is operatively mounted to the axle and is in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure. The control system controls fluid pressure in the tire and wheel assembly in response to the condition of the suspension structure.
Vehicle Height Control System
A vehicle height control system and method of increasing a vehicle height of a vehicle having a vehicle body and at least one axle assembly. The vehicle height control system includes a pressurized fluid supply system configured to supply a pressurized fluid, and a plurality of air springs provided to elastically support at least one section of the vehicle body of the vehicle above at least one axle assembly of the vehicle and configured to adjust the vehicle height of such sections of the vehicle body relative to a ground surface in response to the supply and discharge of the pressurized fluid. A control assembly of the vehicle height control system has a piston unit fluidically interconnected with the pressurized fluid supply system via a first control valve and is operable to adjust the vehicle height by adjusting a second control valve interposed between the pressurized fluid supply system and the air springs. A controller is configured to receive user input indicative of a Vehicle height adjustment operation desired by a user and to adjust the vehicle height by controlling the control assembly based on the user input.
Spring-absorber system with variable spring rate
A spring-absorber system for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes a suspension spring with a spring constant k.sub.T and an absorber filled with a fluid and mounted in parallel to the suspension spring. The spring-absorber system also includes at least two additional spring modules via which a total spring constant k.sub.G of the spring-absorber system can be varied.
Systems and methods for determining vehicle characteristics
A vehicle includes a sprung mass including a cabin coupled to a chassis, tractive assemblies each including at least one tractive element, springs coupling the tractive elements to the sprung mass, each spring imparting an upward force on the sprung mass, load sensors each configured to provide a signal indicative of the force imparted by one of the springs, and a controller operatively coupled to the load sensors. The controller is configured to determine a weight of the sprung mass using the signals from the load sensors and monitor at least one operational condition of the vehicle. The controller is configured to determine whether or not to disable determination of the weight based on the at least one operational condition.