Abstract: A modular control system is adapted to adjust an aftermarket system in a vehicle via the vehicle head unit. The head unit includes a user interface operable by the user to control the aftermarket system. An aftermarket control unit is in communication with the user interface of the vehicle head unit, the aftermarket control unit receiving an aftermarket control signal from the vehicle head unit as a results of an input by the user at the head unit. The aftermarket control unit is in communication with the aftermarket system, wherein the aftermarket control unit may operate the aftermarket system in response to the user input. The aftermarket system may be an air suspension system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system operable to raise and lower the height of a vehicle based in part on the response characteristics of the vehicle's suspension and vehicle loading. The control system may develop a vehicle suspension system response by mapping a correlation between changes in air pressure of air springs in the vehicle's suspension and a test valve-open-time. During operation, the control system may predict a valve-open-time in response to a command relating to a target air pressure for the air springs, and then inflate or deflate one or more of the air springs for a duration substantially equal to the predicted valve-open-time. This process may be iterated until the control system achieves, within an acceptable degree of error, the target air pressure for the one or more air springs.

Abstract: An integrated manifold system maximizes space for the circuit board while enabling efficient control of one or more pneumatic devices. The manifold system includes a manifold block, a solenoid valve attached to the manifold block, and a circuit board for controlling the solenoid and other components of an air suspension system. The manifold block includes at least one service port for connecting to a pneumatic device such as an air spring, and a supply port for connecting to a compressor. The solenoid valve is mounted to the manifold block with its longitudinal length being generally parallel to the service port. The circuit board is mounted adjacent to the solenoid valve and oriented generally parallel to the solenoid and service port. A cover encloses the solenoid valve and the circuit board. In one embodiment, the solenoid valve is in fluid communication with the supply port. The solenoid valve is uniquely associated with the service port.

Abstract: A modular control system (500, 510) is disclosed for providing for modular control functions within vehicles. One embodiment of the modular control system (500) includes a driver interface unit (502) for controlling one or more air control units (504) through wireless communications. The air control units (504) can control functions such as air spring pressure, air spring height and the like. Another embodiment of the modular control system (510) uses a driver interface unit (512) for controlling air control units (518) through wire applications (514, 516).

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system operable to raise and lower the height of a vehicle based in part on the response characteristics of the vehicle's suspension and vehicle loading. The control system may develop a vehicle suspension system response by mapping a correlation between changes in air pressure of air springs in the vehicle's suspension and a test valve-open-time. During operation, the control system may predict a valve-open-time in response to a command relating to a target air pressure for the air springs, and then inflate or deflate one or more of the air springs for a duration substantially equal to the predicted valve-open-time. This process may be iterated until the control system achieves, within an acceptable degree of error, the target air pressure for the one or more air springs.

Abstract: A vehicle fluid suspension control system includes a fluid supply adapted to fluidly communicate with a lift mechanism in the vehicle. A circuit board is connected to the fluid supply and exhausts fluid from the lift mechanism when the kneel switch is activated. The circuit board may also open a flowpath from the fluid supply to the lift mechanism when a kneel switch is deactivated and the brake pedal is depressed. A manifold may be in fluid communication with the fluid supply and the lift mechanism and may include a supply flowpath and an exhaust flowpath. The control system may be programmed with a height averaging adjustment delay, which determines whether the average height of the vehicle during a period of time is outside of a predetermined range. The control system may make corresponding adjustments to bring the height of the vehicle within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A pressure gauge device includes a display face, a pressure sensing mechanism capable of outputting the pressure level within a fluid flow device to the display face, an exhaust valve positioned on the display face and an input positioned on the display face, the input capable of controlling a fluid flow source, such as a compressor, to activate the fluid flow source. The exhaust valve and the input may be integrated into the display face by including a valve cutout and an input cutout in the display face. At least a portion of the exhaust valve may extend through the valve cutout, and at least a portion of the input may extend through the input cutout.

Abstract: An integrated manifold system maximizes space for the circuit board while enabling efficient control of one or more pneumatic devices. The manifold system includes a manifold block, a solenoid valve attached to the manifold block, and a circuit board for controlling the solenoid and other components of an air suspension system. The manifold block includes at least one service port for connecting to a pneumatic device such as an air spring, and a supply port for connecting to a compressor. The solenoid valve is mounted to the manifold block with its longitudinal length being generally parallel to the service port. The circuit board is mounted adjacent to the solenoid valve and oriented generally parallel to the solenoid and service port. A cover encloses the solenoid valve and the circuit board. In one embodiment, the solenoid valve is in fluid communication with the supply port. The solenoid valve is uniquely associated with the service port.

Abstract: An upper mount assembly for an air-over vehicle suspension system includes an annular elastomeric isolator molded between two tubular bushing sleeves and press-fit into a through bore defined in an end cap. The inner bushing sleeve is adapted to receive the free end of the system's damper rod while an axial projection of the end cap is supported for relative rotation within a complementary through bore of a top plate. An axially-projecting lower surface on the elastomeric isolator defines a low-profile jounce bumper adapted to resiliently engage an upper end of the damper's cylinder body, thereby obviating the need for a separate jounce bumper while further accommodating relatively-low vehicle ride heights.

Abstract: A modular control system (500, 510) is disclosed for providing for modular control functions within vehicles. One embodiment of the modular control system (500) includes a driver interface unit (502) for controlling one or more air control units (504) through wireless communications. The air control units (504) can control functions such as air spring pressure, air spring height and the like. Another embodiment of the modular control system (510) uses a driver interface unit (512) for controlling air control units (518) through wire applications (514, 516).