Riding Or Suspension Height (e.g., Ground-clearance, "trim Height") Patents (Class 280/5.514)
  • Patent number: 12115824
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a suspension system for providing configurable stiffness and damping. The system includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, each corresponding to a respective wheel of the vehicle, and one or more valve assemblies for controlling hydraulic fluid in the plurality of hydraulic cylinders to achieve a plurality of suspension modes affecting bounce, pitch, roll, and warp. The system also includes a plurality of accumulators acting as spring elements for storing and releasing the hydraulic fluid as the plurality of hydraulic cylinders compress and rebound. The system includes control circuitry for controlling the valve assemblies to achieve one or more suspension modes defining bounce, pitch, roll, and warp stiffnesses. By generating control signals for the valve assemblies, various interconnections or fluid paths can be achieved, corresponding to the suspension modes. The hydraulic cylinders are double acting, with rebound and compression volumes, and may be coupled to damping valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christophe Sartiaux, Andrea Damiani, Allen Orchard, David Steven Mayes Houser
  • Patent number: 12083845
    Abstract: A suspension control apparatus includes a control device configured to control a damping characteristic of each of damping force adjustable shock absorbers. The control device includes an external force calculation portion configured to calculate a total external force working on a vehicle body based on a physical amount output from a physical amount extraction portion, an operation force calculation portion configured to calculate an operation-derived force applied to each of the damping force adjustable shock absorbers according to a load movement due to an operation on the vehicle, and a vehicle behavior extraction portion configured to determine an external force derived from a road surface input by separating the operation-derived force calculated by the operation force calculation portion from the total external force calculated by the external force calculation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kasuya, Nobuyuki Ichimaru, Ryusuke Hirao
  • Patent number: 12043076
    Abstract: Some embodiments may provide a method for a desired operating environment. A signal to place a vehicle in a designated mode corresponding to a desired operating environment may be received. The designated mode may include modifications to one or more default operating characteristics of the vehicle. The modifications may be while the vehicle is in parked mode and a vehicle access key associated with the vehicle is within proximity of the vehicle. In response to receiving the signal, characteristics of the vehicle to be modified in order to create the desired operating environment may be identified. The default operating characteristics may relate to lighting or displays controlled by the vehicle, sounds controlled by the vehicle, or a passive entry system of the vehicle. One or more settings of the vehicle to change the default operating characteristics of the vehicle while in the designated mode may be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Wassym Bensaid, Thomas Rocroi, Nathaniel Isaac Gallinger, Erik Robert Glaser, Jeffrey Park, Andrea Marie Best
  • Patent number: 12030582
    Abstract: A processing device is configured to perform a process of bringing a response speed of a first sensor close to a response speed of a second sensor when a value using a detection value of the first sensor is extracted at a timing determined by using an output value of the second sensor having a response speed different from that of the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Tokuhara
  • Patent number: 11987089
    Abstract: An electrically powered suspension system includes: an actuator that is provided between a vehicle body and a wheel of a vehicle and generates a load for damping vibration of the vehicle body; an information acquisition part that acquires information on a sprung state amount and a road surface state; a target load calculation part that calculates a first target load related to skyhook control based on the sprung state amount and calculates a second target load related to preview control based on the road surface state; and a load control part. The target load calculation part calculates a third target load related to pitch generation control based on a target pitch angle and calculates a combined target load into which the first target load, second target load, and third target load have been combined. The load control part performs load control of the actuator using the combined target load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Konada, Takashi Yanagi, Ryosuke Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11964530
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Zackary Martin Anderson, John A. Laplante
  • Patent number: 11932069
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is shown. The suspension system may have first and second airbags stacked upon each other. By adjusting a height difference between the first and second airbags while maintaining the same collective height of the first and second airbags, the spring rate of the collective first and second airbags are changed while maintaining the same collective height of the first and second airbags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL AIR, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Zachary Ratcliff
  • Patent number: 11919354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system (49) for controlling a target ride height of a vehicle (1). The control system (49) is configured to set a target off-road ride height (hOFF) in dependence on one or more vehicle operating parameters. The target off-road ride height (hOFF) is set upon receipt of a driving mode signal signalling that an off-road driving mode has been selected. Aspects of the present invention also relate to a vehicle and a method of controlling a target ride height of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Philip Guest, Jason Walters, Sam Anker, Edward Nicholson
  • Patent number: 11919351
    Abstract: A vehicle height control apparatus includes an information acquisition device that acquires pressure data on a pressure inside an air tank storing compressed air and obstacle data on an obstacle in front of a vehicle, and a controller that calculates a target vehicle height based on the obstacle data, calculates a required distance required to reach the target vehicle height based on the pressure of the compressed air inside the air tank, and determines a vehicle height control timing, resolving a problem that the vehicle height is unnecessarily quickly controlled compared to the position of the obstacle, or is controlled after the vehicle passes through the obstacle to reduce the ride comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jae Hyung Park, Woo Sung Lee, Eun Woo Na
  • Patent number: 11920655
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus of a system for vehicles comprising a vehicle suspension, a sensor operable to measure an operational characteristic of the vehicle suspension, and a processor in communication with the sensor that is operable to suggest an operational setting of the vehicle suspension in response to an input from the sensor corresponding to the operational characteristic. A method for adjusting a suspension of a vehicle may comprise receiving suspension data with a processor, calculating a suspension setting suggestion with the processor, communicating the suspension setting suggestion to a user interface device, and adjusting the suspension based on the suspension setting suggestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Joseph Franklin, Andrew Laird, Robert C. Fox
  • Patent number: 11904806
    Abstract: The vehicle control system comprises: a first ECU comprising a processor for receiving first information that indicates whether a vehicle is moving and, based on the first information, generating a first control signal to control locking of a steering; and a second ECU comprising a processor for receiving second information that indicates whether the vehicle is moving and, based on the second information, generating a second control signal to control the locking of the steering, wherein the second ECU outputs a signal to lock the steering based on the first control signal and the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hisahiro Kato, Satoshi Hasegawa, Naoto Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11845307
    Abstract: A device for detecting an abnormal state of a tire includes a wireless transceiver spaced apart from the tire and coupled to a vehicle, where the wireless transceiver transmits a radio signal to a ground surface and acquires delay information required to receive a reflected wave from the ground surface, and a control module that calculates a reference distance between the wireless transceiver and the ground surface based on the delay information, and detects an abnormal state of the tire, based on a reference distance change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Jin Jo, Jae Hoon Chung
  • Patent number: 11827232
    Abstract: A method of calculation a vehicle load comprising calculating a first vehicle load value based at least on air pressures in air springs and height data of suspension of a vehicle axle, determining a second vehicle load value based on a change of track width of the vehicle axle, and calculating the vehicle load based on the first vehicle load value and the second vehicle load value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Hägele, Matthew Letizio, Joseph Cholag, Daniel Gregory Goodrich, Harald Schaumburg, Frank Wolters, Klaus Wenger
  • Patent number: 11807295
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for an agricultural vehicle includes a vehicle axle suspended in an oscillating or resilient manner, steerable wheels located on the vehicle axle, and an actuating apparatus for influencing a steering angle which is adjustable on the steerable wheels. A device actively limits an oscillating angle or deflection path arising on the vehicle axle. Moreover, the device operably activates a control unit according to a full steering angle to be anticipated on the steerable wheels as a result of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Matthias Zwanzger
  • Patent number: 11807065
    Abstract: A suspension including one or more elasto-hydraulic bushings that can enable adjustment of the kinematic pivot point. The suspension can include a bushing system having a single buishing or a coupled bushing pair interactively arranged and configured to transform rotational motion into translational motion or vice versa by the expansion and contraction of one or more reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Edren, Johannes Andreas Huennekens
  • Patent number: 11780285
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: REE AUTOMOTIVE LTD
    Inventors: Ivan Jefferies, Damian Andrew Harty
  • Patent number: 11774229
    Abstract: An Eddy current sensor device includes a sender member emitting a magnetic field and two sensing members. A central position sensing member includes a pair of central sense coils each being formed by a plurality of turns, and an edge position sensing member includes a pair of edge sense coils each being formed by a plurality of turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Sensors Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Bartos, Reinhold Pieper, Armin Meisenberg
  • Patent number: 11711992
    Abstract: A self-propelled platform for monitoring field crop phenotype is provided. The monitoring platform includes a traveling and steering mechanism, wheel track and ground clearance adjustment devices, damping devices, and a case. The traveling and steering mechanism includes wheel side motors, wheels, and torque motors. The wheels are connected to respective upright posts of the platform through respective rigid independent suspensions. Each upright post is of sleeve structure and includes an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve. A corresponding damping device is connected between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve. The wheel track and ground clearance adjustment devices are configured for adjusting the height of the case and the tracks between the wheels. The lower ends of the wheel track and ground clearance adjustment devices are rotatably connected to respective upright posts, and the upper ends are rotatably connected to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: Nanjing Agricultural University, Shennong Smart Agriculture Research Institute Nanjing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Ni, Huali Yuan, Weixing Cao, Yan Zhu, Xiaoping Jiang, Lili Yao, Fangrong Pang, Donghang Li
  • Patent number: 11648811
    Abstract: A spring-damper assembly includes a damper and an adjustable gas spring system coupled to the damper. The spring-damper assembly can be coupled to a vehicle as part of a suspension thereof. The adjustable gas spring system maintains the ride height of the vehicle while absorbing forces from changes in the terrain. The dampers control unwanted movement of the coil spring and dissipate forces from the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: ARNOTT T&P HOLDING, LLC
    Inventor: Matt Edward Kirar
  • Patent number: 11560032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining whether to inhibit lowering of the ride height of a vehicle when the vehicle speed exceeds a speed threshold value. The system includes a processor having an input configured to receive ride attribute data from at least one on-board vehicle ride attribute sensor, the ride attribute data being indicative of the roughness of the surface over which the vehicle is travelling, and a data memory configured to store at least one predetermined ride attribute threshold value for the or each ride attribute sensor. The processor is configured to calculate a ride attribute parameter in dependence on the received ride attribute data for the or each ride attribute sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Konrad Kral, William Burdock, Philip Guest
  • Patent number: 11560034
    Abstract: Particular embodiments may enable configuring settings of a vehicle in a designated mode. A signal to place the vehicle in a designated mode may be received. A roll angle and a pitch angle of the vehicle as parked may be assessed based on data received from a position sensor built into the vehicle. Signals to adjust an electronically controlled suspension of the vehicle to reduce the roll angle or the pitch angle so that the vehicle is level as parked may be sent based on the assessed roll angle and pitch angle exceeding a threshold value. One or more settings of the vehicle to change default operating characteristics by the vehicle while in the designated mode may be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Rocroi, Nathaniel Isaac Gallinger, Erik Robert Glaser, Jeffrey Park, Andrea Marie Best
  • Patent number: 11541713
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Zackary Martin Anderson, John A. Laplante
  • Patent number: 11535074
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle V with adjustable ground clearance and a method 70 thereof is provided. The agricultural vehicle V includes a vehicular structure C, a pair of front wheels FW, a pair of rear wheels RW, at least one front axle, at least one rear axle, a pair of final drive housings FH, a plurality of locking elements LP and an extension arrangement E. The vehicular structure C is configured to be moved between at least one lowered position in which each final drive housing FH is locked to the vehicular structure C at corresponding first locking positions, and at least one raised position in which each final drive housing FH is locked to the vehicular structure C at corresponding second locking positions. The extension arrangement E adapted to be coupled between corresponding front wheels FW and a front axle when vehicular structure C is at the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Avinash Tighare, Vikas Singh
  • Patent number: 11511590
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Zackary Martin Anderson, John A. Laplante
  • Patent number: 11511588
    Abstract: An active control system for vehicle suspensions includes a detection module which detects a vehicle running state and a front road condition by means of an advanced mode or a standard mode; a calculation module which comprehensively calculates, in combination with running data and dimensions of a vehicle and the front road condition data collected by the detection module and according to passenger comfort requirements, target data of adjustment; and an implementation module which adjusts a height of each suspension of the vehicle according to the target data obtained by the calculation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Dongbei University of Finance & Economics
    Inventor: Yongming Tao
  • Patent number: 11505025
    Abstract: A device for determining amass of a vehicle includes vehicle height sensors respectively mounted on left front and rear wheels or respectively mounted on right front and rear wheels to sense a vehicle height of the vehicle, a passenger detecting sensor for sensing the number of passengers boarded the vehicle and boarded locations of the passengers, and a controller that calculates a load based on the vehicle height, calculates a load conversion factor based on each offset set based on a boarded location of each passenger and the number of passengers, and calculates a mass change amount based on the load and the load conversion factor. The device may determine an accurate mass of the vehicle when the vehicle height sensors are not mounted on all four wheels, improve a performance of the vehicle by reflecting the determined mass to vehicle control, and reduce tuning parameters for vehicle control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sheen Gil Kang
  • Patent number: 11472251
    Abstract: Particular embodiments may enable configuring settings of a vehicle in a designated mode. A signal to place the vehicle in a designated mode may be received. A roll angle and a pitch angle of the vehicle as parked may be assessed based on data received from a position sensor built into the vehicle. Signals to adjust an electronically controlled suspension of the vehicle to reduce the roll angle or the pitch angle so that the vehicle is level as parked may be sent based on the assessed roll angle and pitch angle exceeding a threshold value. One or more settings of the vehicle to change default operating characteristics by the vehicle while in the designated mode may be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: RIVIAN IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Rocroi, Nathaniel Isaac Gallinger, Erik Robert Glaser, Jeffrey Park, Andrea Marie Best
  • Patent number: 11465462
    Abstract: An air management system for a vehicle having a first pneumatic circuit and a second pneumatic circuit, in which the first and second pneumatic circuits are pneumatically connected in a neutral position via a cross-flow mechanism. The first pneumatic circuit includes a first leveling valve configured to adjust independently the height of a first side of the vehicle. The second pneumatic circuit includes a second leveling valve configured to adjust independently the height of a second side of the vehicle. The first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Base Air Management Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Vaughan, David Bryan Lewis, Joseph Calaway, George Arrants
  • Patent number: 11440368
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a damper control system and method according to rough road determination in which the number of sensors is reduced and a state of a road surface is subdivided and determined by a 6D sensor since an existing wheel G sensor is not used at the time of determining the state of the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Min Su Lee
  • Patent number: 11377080
    Abstract: The invention obtains a controller and a control method capable of improving safety by an automatic deceleration operation while preventing a motorcycle from falling over. The invention also obtains a brake system that includes such a controller. In the controller, the control method, and the brake system according to the invention, a control mode is initiated in response to trigger information that is generated in accordance with peripheral environment of the motorcycle, and the control mode makes the motorcycle, which includes a damping device damping kinetic energy, execute the automatic deceleration operation. In the control mode, the automatic deceleration operation is executed in a state where a damping rate of the damping device is increased to be higher than that immediately before initiation of the control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Yuki Oshida
  • Patent number: 11351831
    Abstract: An electrically powered suspension system includes: an electromagnetic actuator; an information acquisition unit configured to acquire time-series information related to stroke position of the electromagnetic actuator, information on stroke velocity, and an amount of change in stroke of the electromagnetic actuator and information on a stroke direction based on the time-series information; a damping force calculation unit configured to calculate target damping force based on the information on the stroke velocity; and a drive control unit configured to control driving of the electromagnetic actuator using target driving force obtained based on the target damping force. The damping force calculation unit calculates equivalent friction compensation force based on the amount of change in the stroke and the information on the stroke direction, and corrects the target damping force based on the calculated equivalent friction compensation force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ohno, Atsuhiko Yoneda
  • Patent number: 11225119
    Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body and a vehicle suspension system supporting the vehicle body. The vehicle suspension has a gas spring, and includes a cylinder, a rod, and an accumulator. The cylinder has a longitudinal axis. The rod is partially disposed within the cylinder and is movable relative to the cylinder along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The rod and cylinder together at least partially define a chamber having a variable volume that receives a first pressurized gas. The accumulator is in communication with the chamber and contains a second pressurized gas held at a threshold pressure creating a first spring rate opposing relative movement between the rod and cylinder when the first pressurized gas within the chamber is pressurized below the threshold pressure and a second spring rate when the first pressurized gas within the chamber is pressurized above the threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Venton-Walters, Aaron J. Rositch, Jesse L. Knoble, Erik S. Ellifson, Mark L. Steckling
  • Patent number: 11117435
    Abstract: A damping module for two damping devices on two wheel carriers of an axle of a vehicle, having a first damping circuit with a first upper damping connection to an upper damping chamber of a first damping device and a first lower damping connection to a lower damping chamber of the first damping device. A first pump device is arranged in a first pumping connection between the first upper damping connection and the first lower damping connection. Two valve combinations are oriented in opposite directions and include, in each case, a nonreturn valve (RV) and an adjustable throttle valve (DV) arranged in a first compensating connection. A second damping circuit with a second upper damping connection to an upper damping chamber of a second damping device and a second lower damping connection to a lower damping chamber of the second damping device are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Jochen Liebold, Markus Eisenbarth, Thomas Witte
  • Patent number: 11097803
    Abstract: A shock absorbing and height adjusting structure includes an inner tube, a lower piston assembly and an upper piston assembly. The inner tube includes an upper end, a lower end opposite to the upper end, and an inner space for accommodating a gas. The lower piston assembly includes a lower piston movably inserted into the inner tube, and a lower passage disposed at the lower piston. The upper piston assembly includes an upper piston movably inserted into the inner tube. When the lower passage is opened, the lower piston is moved relative to the lower end, and when the upper piston is forced, the upper piston has movement relative to the upper end toward the lower end to compress the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Kai-Han Cho
  • Patent number: 10919597
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes a rear suspension, an electromagnetic valve control unit, and a weight estimation unit. The rear suspension includes a support member. The electromagnetic valve control unit determines a target movement based on an interrelation between the target movement and a weight applied to a vehicle, under which the target movement is set to an upper limit when the weight is larger than a predetermined weight, so that an actual movement of the support member reaches the target movement. The electromagnetic valve control unit determines the target movement based on a temporary weight. The weight estimation unit increases the temporary weight, even when the actual movement reached the target movement. The electromagnetic valve control unit decreases the target length, even when the temporary weight increased. The weight estimation unit estimates as the weight the temporary weight when the actual length has finally reached the target length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Murakami, Hiroyuki Miyata, Fumiaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 10906371
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Zackary Martin Anderson, John A. Laplante
  • Patent number: 10857848
    Abstract: An electromagnetic suspension device includes: an electromagnetic actuator that generates a driving force related to vibration damping of a vehicle body by an electric motor; a rotational angle acquisition unit that acquires a rotational angle of the electric motor; a rotational angle acceleration calculation unit that calculates a rotational angle acceleration of the electric motor based on the rotational angle; ECU that performs driving force control including inertia compensation control of the electromagnetic actuator based on the rotational angle acceleration; and a relative speed calculation unit that acquires a relative speed between above- and below-spring members. In an area in which a relative speed exceeds a predetermined relative speed threshold, the ECU corrects an amount of inertia compensation so that the amount of inertia compensation is decreased, as compared with an area in which a relative speed value is the relative speed threshold or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ohno, Atsuhiko Yoneda
  • Patent number: 10850587
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test on a fuel system in a vehicle. In one example, in response to a determination, based on the prevailing vehicle and ambient thermal conditions, that altering vehicle height may increase pressure or vacuum build during a pressure or vacuum build phase of an engine off natural vacuum test, employing the vehicle's active suspension to make said height adjustments. In this way the accuracy of engine off natural vacuum testing can be improved, and the conditions under which such testing can be efficaciously conducted increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 10821797
    Abstract: A disclosed vehicle wheel sensor module includes a housing having a mount portion for attachment to a vehicle suspension assembly, a wheel speed sensor supported within the housing, a ride height sensor including a lever movable responsive to movement of a vehicle suspension component and a single connector providing electrical communication with the wheel speed sensor and the ride height sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Lee Mawhinney, Steven J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 10814691
    Abstract: A mechanically actuated level control valve device for a commercial vehicle with an air suspension system is a level control valve and comprises a drive element that can be mechanically coupled to a vehicle wheel or axle. A valve element and a counter valve element have a first relative position, wherein the port for the air suspension bellow is closed, a second relative position, wherein the port for the air suspension bellow is connected to the port for the aeration device, and a third relative position, wherein the port for the air suspension bellow is connected to the port for the deaeration device. The valve element is coupled to a rotatable driveshaft of the level control valve by a drive mechanism. An integrated actuator changes the relative position of the valve element and the drive element or the relative position of the counter valve element and a valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: HALDEX BRAKE PRODUCTS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Dudley Harrison, Carl Mellings, Georg Sulzyc, Christian Schering, Siegfried Heer, Stefan Becke, Joachim Noecker, Tobias Tschoeke, Arne Busch
  • Patent number: 10744840
    Abstract: A vehicle height control system includes a fluid feeder and a vehicle height control unit. The vehicle height control unit includes a communication control unit. In a first communication state, a high-pressure source and a common passage are made to communicate with each other via the first passage and the second passage. In a second communication state, the first passage is shut off and the high-pressure source and the common passage are made to communicate with each other via the second passage. The communication control unit selects one from among the plurality of communication states based on at least one of a content of a start condition, a target vehicle height of a height increasing control and a number of wheels to be controlled in the height increasing control, when the start condition of the height increasing control is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shogo Tanaka, Hideki Ohashi, Jun Tokumitsu, Ryo Kanda, Ken Ogue, Hirokazu Shiozaki, Tomoyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10737544
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control suspension of a vehicle are disclosed. An example apparatus includes one or more processors coupled to a vehicle. The one or more processors are to generate road profile data while the vehicle is moving and generate suspension control data based on the road profile data. A suspension of the vehicle is to be adjusted based on the suspension control data. The one or more processors also determine a distance traveled by the vehicle during a time interval. The time interval is associated with generating the road profile data or adjusting the suspension. The one or more processors also adjust the suspension based on the suspension control data, the distance, and a preview distance associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Panagis, Phil Lenius, Uwe Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10663357
    Abstract: A low power consumption multi-contact micro electro-mechanical strain/displacement sensor and miniature autonomous self-contained systems for recording of stress and usage history with direct output suitable for fatigue and load spectrum analysis are provided. In aerospace applications the system can assist in prediction of fatigue of a component subject to mechanical stresses as well as in harmonizing maintenance and overhauls intervals. In alternative applications, i.e. civil structures, general machinery, marine and submarine vessels, etc., the system can autonomously record strain history, strain spectrum or maximum values of the strain over a prolonged period of time using an internal power supply or a power supply combined with an energy harvesting device. The sensor is based on MEMS technology and incorporates a micro array of flexible micro or nano-size cantilevers. The system can have extremely low power consumption while maintaining precision and temperature/humidify independence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Paul D Okulov
  • Patent number: 10464551
    Abstract: A traveling support device includes: a comparing unit that compares a detection result based on an output value output from a sensor for detecting a state of a vehicle with a reference value stored in advance; and a controller that, when comparison by the comparing unit determines that the detection result is equal to or more than the reference value, switches a first control mode to a second control mode different from the first control mode with respect to at least one of a display control capable of switching display of information on the vehicle, a vehicle height control capable of switching a vehicle height with a vehicle height adjustment device of the vehicle, and a vehicle speed control capable of switching a speed limit value with a vehicle control device of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya Watanabe, Yoji Inui, Naotaka Kubota
  • Patent number: 10369858
    Abstract: A suspension controller includes a target current setting unit, a current limitation setting unit, a current outputting unit, a current detector, and an estimated temperature calculator. The target current setting unit sets a target current value. The current limitation setting unit sets a current limitation value. The current outputting unit supplies a solenoid with a current that is based on the target current value, the current limitation value, and a power supply voltage. The solenoid controls a damping force of a suspension. The current detector detects a current value of the current supplied to the solenoid. The estimated temperature calculator calculates an estimated temperature of the solenoid based on the current value detected by the current detector so that the current limitation setting unit changes the current limitation value based on the estimated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi Morita, Hiroaki Kurihara, Masaki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10328761
    Abstract: A suspension controller includes a target current setting unit configured to set a target current value, a current limitation setting unit configured to set a current limitation value, a current detector configured to detect a current value of a first current supplied to a solenoid that is configured to control a damping force of a suspension, a duty ratio setting unit configured to set a duty ratio based on the target current value, based on the current limitation value, and based on the current value detected by the current detector; and a current outputting unit configured to supply the solenoid with a second current that corresponds to the duty ratio set by the duty ratio setting unit and to a power supply voltage. The current limitation setting unit is configured to change the current limitation value based on the duty ratio set by the duty ratio setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Sugimoto, Hiroaki Kurihara
  • Patent number: 10302101
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive including a differential cylinder that has a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber and a differential piston, a first hydraulic pump that includes a pump intake and a pump outlet, a directional control valve having a first switching position and a second switching position, a high pressure tank, and an additional hydraulic cylinder that includes an additional pressure chamber hydraulically connected with the pump intake and with the high pressure tank and an additional piston limiting the additional pressure chamber, the differential piston being movably coupled with the additional piston, wherein in the first switching position of the directional control valve the first pressure chamber is hydraulically connected with the second pressure chamber, and in the second switching position of the directional control valve the second pressure chamber is not hydraulically connected with the first pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Schaber
  • Patent number: 10286746
    Abstract: An air-ride axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle. A frame and at least a pair of suspension assemblies support opposite ends of an axle for movement relative to the frame. An air spring is associated with one of the suspension assemblies that establishes a first relative position between the axle and the frame as a function of fluid pressure in the air spring. A tire and wheel assembly is operatively mounted to an end portion of the axle associated with the air spring. A sensor detects an inflation condition of the tire and wheel assembly. A venting system exhausts fluid pressure from the air spring to establish a second relative position between the axle and the frame that is different than the first relative position in response to detecting a predetermined inflation condition of the tire and wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: R. Scott Fulton
  • Patent number: 10286747
    Abstract: A vehicle-height control system includes: a fluid supply and discharge device including a compressor configured to suck fluid, and a tank configured to supply the fluid; an actuator-side passage connected to the fluid supply and discharge device; a vehicle-height control actuator provided for a wheel and connected to the actuator-side passage via a vehicle-height control valve; and a vehicle height controller configured to control a vehicle height for the wheel by controlling the fluid supply and discharge device and the vehicle-height control valve to control supply and discharge of the fluid in the vehicle-height control actuator. The vehicle height controller includes a start controller configured to open the vehicle-height control valve after establishing communication between the actuator-side passage and at least one of the tank and the compressor in a state in which the vehicle-height control valve is closed at a start of control of the vehicle height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shogo Tanaka, Hideki Ohashi, Jun Tokumitsu, Ryo Kanda, Hirokazu Shiozaki, Tomoyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10267146
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine, a recycler or a surface miner, comprising a machine frame 1 supported by a chassis 2 which comprises front and rear running gear 3, 4. A working device 5 is arranged on the machine frame 1 and comprises a working roller 17 for working the ground. Lifting devices 15, 16 are associated with the individual running gears 3, 4 and can each be retracted or extended for raising or lowering the running gears with respect to the machine frame. In addition, the construction machine comprises a control unit 20 for actuating the lifting devices 15, 16, which control unit comprises a lifting position measuring device 22 for detecting the lifting position of the lifting devices and a tilt detection device 23 for detecting the tilt of the machine frame 1 transversely to the working direction A of the construction machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: René Müller, Sebastian Winkels, Cyrus Barimani