Abstract:
Integrated multiple actuator electro-hydraulic systems as well as their methods of use are described. Depending on the particular application, the integrated electro-hydraulic systems may exhibit different frequency responses and/or may be integrated into a single combined unit.
Abstract:
A vehicle suspension system is disclosed. The vehicle suspension system can include a first spring having a first spring characteristic, a second spring having a second spring characteristic, and an actuator coupled to the first and second springs such that actuation of the actuator causes a change in the first and second spring characteristics. The change in the second spring characteristic can be inversely proportional to the change in the first spring characteristic to adjust vehicle handling.
Abstract:
A hydraulic actuator includes a shock absorber and a control system that is separate from the shock absorber and which generates damping loads for the hydraulic actuator. The control system generates the damping load by using a pair of variable valves, a pair of check valves, an accumulator, a pump/motor and a flow controller. The forces are generated in all four quadrants of compression/rebound and active/passive. A device which recuperates the energy generated by the hydraulic actuator can be incorporated into the hydraulic actuator to generate energy in the form of electrical energy.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a damping coefficient switching-type hydraulic damper that may automatically switch a damping coefficient without needing supply of energy from the outside at all, and also may always surely exert an energy absorption capacity greater than that of a typical hydraulic damper. While a piston (3) is moving in a direction A, a mechanical drive means (30) composed of a straight gear (31) and a crank mechanism (31) allows an on-off control operation valve (11), that is, a flow regulating valve (10) to be placed in a closed state, and a damping coefficient is switched to a maximum value Cmax. When a movement of the piston (3) is turned in a direction B at a left-side maximum point of amplitude, the mechanical drive means (30) works to once open the flow regulating valve (10) to perform elimination of a load, so that the damping coefficient is switched to a minimum value (Cmin). When the piston (3) further moves in the direction B, the mechanical drive means (30) works to close the flow regulating valve (10) again, and the damping coefficient is returned to the maximum value (Cmax). Similar working to the above is also applied to a right-side maximum point of amplitude, and seismic response control is attained with repetition of the above operations.
Abstract:
A control system is designed to lift and lower the body of an air-suspended vehicle including an axle and level control. The system includes a source of compressed air, a plurality of air-suspension bellows each being associated with at least one axle and being designed and arranged to adjust a desired distance between the body and the axle, a path sensor being designed and arranged to sense and determine the distance between the body and the axle and to create and deliver a respective electric signal, a switching valve unit having a lifting position, a lowering position, a driving position and a stop position, an electronic control unit being designed and arranged to control the switching valve unit in response to the electric signal delivered by the path sensor, a first conduit branch being located between the source of compressed air and the air-suspension bellows, a second conduit branch being located between the source of compressed air and the air-suspension bellows, at least one level control valve located in the first conduit branch, and at least one locking valve being located in one of the conduit branches and including a spring, the locking valve being designed and arranged to be electrically switched to reach a first position and to be switched by the spring to reach a second position. The first conduit branch is designed and arranged to be activated in the second position, and the second conduit branch being designed and arranged to be activated in the first position.
Abstract:
A control system is designed to lift and lower the body of an air-suspended vehicle including an axle and level control. The system includes a source of compressed air, a plurality of air-suspension bellows each being associated with at least one axle and being designed and arranged to adjust a desired distance between the body and the axle, a path sensor being designed and arranged to sense and determine the distance between the body and the axle and to create and deliver a respective electric signal, a switching valve unit having a lifting position, a lowering position, a driving position and a stop position, an electronic control unit being designed and arranged to control the switching valve unit in response to the electric signal delivered by the path sensor, a first conduit branch being located between the source of compressed air and the air-suspension bellows, a second conduit branch being located between the source of compressed air and the air-suspension bellows, at least one level control valve located in the first conduit branch, and at least one locking valve being located in one of the conduit branches and including a spring, the locking valve being designed and arranged to be electrically switched to reach a first position and to be switched by the spring to reach a second position. The first conduit branch is designed and arranged to be activated in the second position, and the second conduit branch being designed and arranged to be activated in the first position.
Abstract:
A plug and play suspension system is disclosed. The plug and play suspension system includes at least one electronically adjustable shock assembly, a controller, and a communications network to communicatively couple said controller with said at least one electronically adjustable shock assembly.
Abstract:
A vehicle and a height adjustment system for the vehicle are disclosed. A valve includes a member movable between a first position operating first and second piston mechanisms to raise an end of the vehicle to a first height, a second position operating the first and second piston mechanisms to lower the end of the vehicle to a second height and a third position maintaining the end of the vehicle at one of the first height and the second height. A first fluid line extends between the first piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the first piston mechanism and the valve. Additionally, a second fluid line extends between the second piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the second piston mechanism and the valve. The first fluid line and the second fluid line are fluidly connected to the valve independently of each other.
Abstract:
A vehicle and a height adjustment system for the vehicle are disclosed. A valve includes a member movable between a first position operating first and second piston mechanisms to raise an end of the vehicle to a first height, a second position operating the first and second piston mechanisms to lower the end of the vehicle to a second height and a third position maintaining the end of the vehicle at one of the first height and the second height. A first fluid line extends between the first piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the first piston mechanism and the valve. Additionally, a second fluid line extends between the second piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the second piston mechanism and the valve. The first fluid line and the second fluid line are fluidly connected to the valve independently of each other.
Abstract:
A leveling valve for discharging and supplying air from and to a plurality of utilization elements comprises a valve disc arrangement configured to direct air between a source of pressurized air, an exhaust port, and the utilization elements. The valve disc arrangement comprises a first and a second valve disc, which are rotatable with respect to each other such that the valve is switchable between multiple switching positions, and, in some switching positions, either the source of pressurized air or the exhaust port are in fluid communication with the utilization elements. The valve discs provide a stepped increase in flow cross-section in a respective flow path to or from the utilization elements. The stepped increase is dependent on the angle of rotation between the valve discs.