Abstract: A modular electronic damping control system is described and includes a damping component located at a vehicle suspension location. The modular electronic damping control system also includes a control system configured to control the damping component, and determine the type of damping component present. Also, the control system is configured to automatically tune a vehicle's suspension based on the type of damping component present, and automatically monitor the damping component and determine when a change has been made to the damping component so that the control system can then automatically re-tune the vehicle's suspension based on the change to the damping component.

Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.

Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors may also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based on sensor output signals.

Abstract: An electronically adjustable damper system includes at least one electronically adjustable damper. The electronically adjustable damper includes at least one electronically controlled valve, whereby, the damper is electronically adjustable. The electronically adjustable damper system also includes a controller for adjusting each of the electronically adjustable dampers independently via the electronically controlled valves, and a remote electronic device. The electronically adjustable damper system allows a user to tune the dampers by allowing a user to adjust the electronically adjustable damper system to different applications and functions for various users, conditions, or both.

Abstract: A control device of a motor vehicle, which control device receives, from at least one body-side sensor, a vibration actual value of at least one corresponding body-side reference point and receives, from at least one chassis-side sensor, a vibration actual value of at least one corresponding chassis-side reference point, the control device making a decision on the reference point or points for which actuating signals for the actuators of the active assembly bearings are generated, and on which vibration desired value is used, in such a manner that the respective vibration actual value follows the respective vibration desired value.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle roll control that controls the friction-force of dampers provided at the wheels of the vehicle. The system includes a lateral acceleration sensor for determining the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor for determining the steering angle of the vehicle and a speed sensor for determining the speed of the vehicle. The system calculates a current control signal for one or more of the dampers based on the lateral acceleration and/or the steering angle, and uses one or both of the current control signals to control the friction-force of the inside, outside or both of the dampers.

Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors may also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based on sensor output signals.

Abstract: An electronically adjustable damper system includes at least one electronically adjustable damper. The electronically adjustable damper includes at least one electronically controlled valve, whereby, the damper is electronically adjustable. The electronically adjustable damper system also includes a controller for adjusting each of the electronically adjustable dampers independently via the electronically controlled valves, and a remote electronic device. The electronically adjustable damper system allows a user to tune the dampers by allowing a user to adjust the electronically adjustable damper system to different applications and functions for various users, conditions, or both.

Abstract: A collision between a vehicle and an obstacle is estimated, and based on the estimation result, vehicle deceleration control is performed by a brake actuator to reduce the collision and vehicle wheel load is controlled by a suspension actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a bicycle suspension element includes a suspension parameter controller that provides a suspension parameter controlling signal to control an operating parameter of the bicycle suspension element in response to a bicycle seat position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for regulating state variable estimators used in a hybrid active damping system for a vehicle powertrain. The state estimator provides variable estimates for operating states, such as real-time torque values of axles and dampers, that are not readily measurable with production powertrain and driveline hardware. This facilitates implementation of other control algorithms, such as torque oscillation damping control schemes which use multivariable feedback. The apparatus and method monitors the operating mode of the powertrain, and resets the state estimator for the hybrid active damping ring (HADR) under predetermined operating conditions. For instance, the state estimator includes an array of current state and predicted state variables that are set equal to corresponding reference values or measured values if the powertrain enters into four-wheel drive low (4WDLO).

Abstract: An inner and an outer spring plate are disposed, in a radially spaced relationship from one another, on a spring strut cylinder. In a first springing position (normal position), the helical spring is supported with a turn region of small diameter against the inner spring plate. In a second springing position (sports position) of the helical spring, the latter is supported with a turn region of larger diameter against the outer spring plate.

Abstract: There is provided with a cylinder apparatus comprising: a cylinder; a piston; a piston rod, one end of which is connected to the piston and the other end of which is extended outside; an external cylinder provided at an outer periphery of the cylinder so as to form a reservoir in which to seal the hydraulic liquid and gas therebetween; a base valve dividing the second chamber and the reservoir; a first check valve provided with the piston so as to allow flow of the hydraulic liquid only from the second chamber side to the first chamber side; a second check valve provided with the base valve so as to allow flow of the hydraulic liquid only from the reservoir side to the second chamber side; a flow passage connecting the first chamber with the reservoir; and an opening and closing valve opening and closing the flow passage.

Abstract: A suspension system for use on a vehicle having two or more rear axles. The suspension system includes a plurality of gas springs and plurality of height sensors capable of outputting signals having a relation to distances between the respective ends of the respective first and second rear axles and the sprung mass of the vehicle. A control system adapted to selectively inflate or deflate respective ones of the plurality of gas springs to thereby adjust a leveled orientation of the sprung mass. The control system includes a controller that is adapted to determine a rear axle vertical offset and a rear axle articulation offset. The controller is adapted to determine whether conditions are appropriate for adjusting the suspension system by comparing the rear axle vertical offset and/or the rear axle articulation offset to a corresponding vertical offset threshold and/or an articulation offset threshold. A method is also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for damping vibrations on chassis bearings of motor vehicles, and a device for implementing the process. A process and a device are to be presented with which outstanding vibration damping and vibration isolation and noise insulation can be achieved over a wide frequency range with consideration of the driving states and roadway conditions which occur in motor vehicles. For this purpose it is proposed that the driving state of the motor vehicle and/or the roadway conditions are detected by way of sensors and that the at least one chassis bearing is modified to different characteristics to change its stiffness and/or damping depending on the detected parameters.

Abstract: A vibration control system for a structure having a first structural member and a second structural member. The vibration control system having a liquid spring operably interposed between the first structural member and the second structural member. The liquid spring uses a compressible liquid to seamlessly generate spring and/or damping forces in the suspension system in response to relative displacement between the first structural member and the second structural member. A second volume of compressible liquid is located in a second chamber. The second volume is removably connected to the liquid spring by a fluid passage. A valve is coupled to the fluid passage, the valve selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. A controller is electrically coupled to the valve. The controller emitting a control signal to control the valve.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension includes a stroke adjustment unit, a suspension damper, a damper adjustment unit, and an electronic controller. The stroke adjustment unit is configured to adjust a stroke of the bicycle suspension, which is configured to expand and contract within the stroke. The suspension damper is configured to apply damping force to the bicycle suspension. The damper adjustment unit is configured to adjust the damping force applied by the suspension damper. The electronic controller is configured to control the stroke adjustment unit and the damper adjustment unit.

Abstract: System and method to diagnose shock absorbers (7) on a vehicle (2) and where at least one of the vehicle's wheel axles are air suspended. A control unit (5) with at least one measuring device (4) connected thereto is provided and in which the measuring device (4) measures a signal that corresponds to the oscillations of the vehicle's wheel suspension. The control unit (5) analyzes the characteristic resonance frequency of the vehicle's wheel suspension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for damping vibrations on chassis bearings of motor vehicles, and a device for implementing the process. A process and a device are to be presented with which outstanding vibration damping and vibration isolation and noise insulation can be achieved over a wide frequency range with consideration of the driving states and roadway conditions which occur in motor vehicles. For this purpose it is proposed that the driving state of the motor vehicle and/or the roadway conditions are detected by way of sensors and that the at least one chassis bearing is modified to different characteristics to change its stiffness and/or damping depending on the detected parameters.

Abstract: A vibration control system for a structure having a first structural member and a second structural member. The vibration control system having a liquid spring operably interposed between the first structural member and the second structural member. The liquid spring uses a compressible liquid to seamlessly generate spring and/or damping forces in the suspension system in response to relative displacement between the first structural member and the second structural member. A second volume of compressible liquid is located in a second chamber. The second volume is removably connected to the liquid spring by a fluid passage. A valve is coupled to the fluid passage, the valve selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. A controller is electrically coupled to the valve. The controller emitting a control signal to control the valve.

Abstract: A suspension system adaptable for cross-flow operation includes a plurality of gas springs, a transfer passage in communication between the gas springs, and a transfer valve for selectively permitting gas flow along the transfer passage. A control system selectively actuates the transfer valve. A method of operation is also described.

Abstract: A spring assembly has a master spring, a slide, a stop and at least one auxiliary spring connected in series with the master spring. The auxiliary spring has a first end to which the stop is fastened, and a second end facing away from the first end, with respect to which the slide can be fastened. The position of the slide is adjustable such that, when, during the compression of the spring assembly, the auxiliary spring has overcome a predetermined compression path, the stop strikes against the slide, and a further compression of the auxiliary spring is thereby prevented. A spring strut for a motor vehicle has the spring assembly. An alternative spring assembly arranges the auxiliary spring parallel to the master spring with a first end in the compression direction of the spring assembly being freely displaceable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring strut for wheel suspension systems of vehicles, having a vibration damper (1) and a helical spring (2) partially surrounding the vibration damper (1), wherein the helical spring (2) is supported via a spring plate (3) on an outer pipe (4) of the vibration damper (1) and the spring plate (3) can be adjusted relative to the outer pipe (4). In order to develop such a spring strut in such a way that the standing height of vehicles with different unladen weights can be adjusted to always be the same by adjusting the spring plate, without the friction between the piston rod and the sealing and guiding assembly being disadvantageously increased, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the line of application of force (5) of the helical spring (2) forms an acute angle (?) with the longitudinal axis (6) of the vibration damper (1) and the position of the spring plate (3) can be adjusted in the direction of the line of application of force (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle component moveable in an oscillating manner with respect to a first vehicle component, and a first measuring means for measuring at least one acceleration measuring value of said first vehicle component with respect to a ground surface, wherein a calculating means is provided for determining an optimum acceleration value of said second vehicle component to be applied at the moment of the presence of the acceleration measuring value, and at least one actuator arranged between the first and second vehicle components, with control and closed-loop control units for minimizing a deviation of a real acceleration value of said second vehicle component from the optimum acceleration value by using at least one available spring path.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) having a central control unit (13) which supervises operation of active components of the vehicle (1), and modifies the operating parameters of the active components to modify the dynamic performance of the vehicle (1); and a selection device (15) which is located inside the passenger compartment (11) of the vehicle (1), and is operated by the driver to transmit a selected dynamic performance of the vehicle (1) to the central control unit (13); the selection device (15) includes a switch (16) fitted to the steering wheel (12) of the vehicle (1) and rotatable between at least four different positions (A, B, C, D), each corresponding to a respective dynamic performance of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for use with a vehicle includes a first hydraulic cylinder, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a fluid circuit. The first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder each include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The fluid circuit is hydraulically coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder and includes a valve that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the upper and lower chambers of each hydraulic cylinder are hydraulically coupled to the opposite chamber of the other cylinder. When the valve is in the second position, the upper chamber of each hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the lower chamber of the same cylinder. The valve is configured to move between the first position and the second position in response to manual input.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle suspension system includes a plurality of damping members and an air spring operatively associated with each of the damping members. The suspension system also includes a compressed air source, a valve assembly, and a controller. The compressed air source is in fluid communication with each of the air springs. The valve assembly is operatively disposed between the compressed air source and each of the air springs. The controller is operatively associated with the valve assembly for selective activation thereof. A user can selectively adjust one of a damping rate of the damping members, a spring rate of the air springs, and a ride height of the air springs, such as by using a control panel. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle suspension system switchable between two modes of operation, including a first mode for when the vehicle is experiencing an on-road driving condition and a second mode for when the vehicle is experiencing an off-road driving condition, includes a vehicle speed sensor for sensing a speed of the vehicle and generating a vehicle speed signal, which may be an inherent part of the vehicle required for other vehicle functions, such as ABS, speed, or other control. The system also includes a controller for detecting an off-road driving condition and comparing the vehicle speed signal to a predetermined speed threshold. The controller then controls the suspension system to switch to the second mode of operation upon detecting the off-road driving condition and the vehicle speed signal being less than the predetermined speed threshold.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a chassis with four drive wheels suspended from the chassis that are damped by four damping cylinders. An electronic controller varies the damping of the cylinders in an automatic mode, based on certain operational parameters of the vehicle, and in a manual mode in response to operator selection of a desired degree of suspension damping.

Abstract: A driver controlled wedge and track bar adjustor for a race car. A controller located inside the driver's compartment of the race car is coupled to a drive which is operatively coupled to adjusting rods. The controller may be configured to initiate a predetermined amount of rod adjustment. Wherein the operative coupling may consist of a system of pulleys and belts and the like which transfer the motion of the drive to the adjusting rods. The adjusting rods are already present in many race cars and are used to adjust the wedge or track bar of the vehicle during pit stops. A visual display may also be attached which shows the state of the wedge or track bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling stiffness of an anti-roll bar for a vehicle includes an anti-roll bar provided with piezoelectric ceramics, the anti-roll bar interconnecting both lower arms of a vehicle suspension system, a power converter connected to a power supply to change an amount of electric power and to supply the electric power to the piezoelectric ceramics of the anti-roll bar, and a controller connected to the power converter to calculate an amount of the electric power needed for providing the piezoelectric ceramics with optimal stiffness based on previously stored vehicle speed and steering angle in response to data detected by a vehicle speed sensor and a steering angle sensor and to control the power converter such that the calculated electric power can be supplied to the piezoelectric ceramics.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a fluid strut, an accumulator and a reservoir. The accumulator and reservoir are in fluid communication with the fluid strut through an accumulator valve and a reservoir valve respectively. A fluid pump pressurizes the accumulator with an incompressible fluid stored in the reservoir. A piston valve is located within a piston to selectively permit fluid communication between a high pressure side and a low pressure side of the piston. A controller operates each valve and the fluid pump to control flow of the incompressible fluid within the fluid strut to obtain an infinitely variable self centering suspension system.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle suspension system switchable between two modes of operation, including a first mode for when the vehicle is experiencing an on-road driving condition and a second mode for when the vehicle is experiencing an off-road driving condition, includes a vehicle speed sensor for sensing a speed of the vehicle and generating a vehicle speed signal, which may be an inherent part of the vehicle required for other vehicle functions, such as ABS, speed, or other control. The system also includes a controller for detecting an off-road driving condition and comparing the vehicle speed signal to a predetermined speed threshold. The controller then controls the suspension system to switch to the second mode of operation upon detecting the off-road driving condition and the vehicle speed signal being less than the predetermined speed threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling roll/yaw motions of a vehicle includes the steps of deciding whether an anti-roll control is required or not by comparing a roll rate of the vehicle with a predetermined threshold roll rate, executing the anti-roll control if the roll rate is larger than the predetermined threshold roll rate, deciding whether an anti-yaw control is required or not by comparing a difference between an actual yaw rate of a vehicle and a desired yaw rate with a predetermined threshold yaw rate and executing the anti-yaw control if the difference between the actual yaw rate and the desired yaw rate is larger than the predetermined threshold yaw rate. During the anti-roll control, both right and left front wheel dampers and both right and left rear wheel dampers are hard-controlled at the same time. Further, during the anti-yaw control, both right and left front wheel dampers are hard-controlled and both right and left rear wheel dampers are soft-controlled.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic axle suspension for vehicles having greatly varying axle loads, in particular for front axles on tractors having hydraulic suspension cylinders, which are connected to hydropneumatic accumulators having a suspension circuit Z of the cylinder chambers that is pressure-regulated via a level-control device, and a pressure-regulated suspension circuit of the annular spaces for varying the spring rate CA. The axle-spring rate CA automatically changing via an electromagnetic actuator to increase the ride comfort in accordance with a predefined control mode. Additional, individual variations also being controllable.

Abstract: A vehicle air suspension system includes a control unit 32 which is arranged to produce a running measure of the level of cross articulation of the two axles 18, 20 and, if it exceeds a certain level indicating that the vehicle is on rough terrain, to open respective interconnections 34, 36 between the suspension units 24 on opposite ends of each axle so as to reduce the resistance to that articulation. The interconnections are arranged to close when the vehicle speed increases so as to provide roll control.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic axle suspension for vehicles having greatly varying axle loads, in particular for front axles on tractors having hydraulic suspension cylinders, which are connected to hydropneumatic accumulators having a suspension circuit Z of the cylinder chambers that is pressure-regulated via a level-control device, and a pressure-regulated suspension circuit of the annular spaces for varying the spring rate CA. The axle-spring rate CA automatically changing via an electromagnetic actuator to increase the ride comfort in accordance with a predefined control mode. Additional, individual variations also being controllable.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type required to carry heavy loads over uneven ground conditions, it is oftentimes desirable to provide the work machine with a way to automatically maintain the chassis in a substantially horizontal condition. The present invention provides a work machine having a chassis and at least one elongate member having a first end rotatably coupled with the chassis. Also provided is a controller and a position sensor coupled to at least one of the elongate members which generates a position signal indicative of an orientation of the elongate member relative to the chassis and relays the position signal to the controller. The controller, in response to the position signal, determines an actual height of the chassis from the position signal and adjusts the actual chassis height to conform to a controller-inputted desired chassis height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptively damping relative motion between the wheels and the frame of a heavy duty truck having a frame suspended on wheels by a suspension system. An air spring is disposed between the frame and at least one of the wheels having a primary reservoir for holding air and a piston adapted to act upon the air in the reservoir to compress the air and thereby provide support for the frame. An auxiliary reservoir holds air and can be placed in fluid communication with the primary reservoir to increase an effective volume of air upon which the piston acts. A control valve selectively places the auxiliary reservoir in communication with the primary reservoir based on vehicle operating parameters. The control valve can be actuated mechanically by forces acting on the wheels or by a controller that controls the valve based on wheel torque and road roughness.

Abstract: A method of controlling suspension performance in vehicles having hydropneumatic suspension devices between suspended masses and unsuspended masses and extremely variable axle load ratios, in particular on vehicles in which the front axle is subjected to a low, medium or high static load range, depending on the application of the vehicle, and the suspension device has double-action hydraulic cylinders between the suspended masses and unsuspended masses, their pressure spaces being connectable to a pump over pressure lines, a pressure-regulating valve being installed in the pressure line to the annular spaces, the pressure-regulating valve constantly correcting the pressure in the annular spaces to the pressure in the piston spaces in a predefined ratio, with the pressure (PR) in the annular spaces (7, 8) of the spring cylinders (1, 2) being increased in the low load range (n) on the front axle.

Abstract: A vibration control system for a structure having a first structural member and a second structural member. The vibration control system having a liquid spring operably interposed between the first structural member and the second structural member. The liquid spring uses a compressible liquid to seamlessly generate spring and/or damping forces in the suspension system in response to relative displacement between the first structural member and the second structural member. A second volume of compressible liquid is located in a second chamber. The second volume is removably connected to the liquid spring by a fluid passage. A valve is coupled to the fluid passage, the valve selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. A controller is electrically coupled to the valve. The controller emitting a control signal to control the valve.

Abstract: A ride control system comprising a member for substantially equalizing pressure and ride valve having three positions, namely, a first inactive position, a second active position and an intermediate equalizing position. The substantial pressure equalizing member equalizing the pressure within the head side of at least one boom cylinder with an accumulator, and The inactive position corresponding to one in which the ride valve assembly maintains isolation between the accumulator and at least one boom cylinder. The active position corresponding to one in which the ride valve assembly places the accumulator and at least one boom cylinder in communication with each other. The intermediate position corresponding to one in which the ride valve assembly maintains isolation between the accumulator and at least one boom cylinder and facilitates the activation of the substantial equalizing means.

Abstract: A method of controlling suspension performance in vehicles having hydropneumatic suspension devices between suspended masses and unsuspended masses and extremely variable axle load ratios, in particular on vehicles in which the front axle is subjected to a low, medium or high static load range, depending on the application of the vehicle, and the suspension device has double-action hydraulic cylinders between the suspended masses and unsuspended masses, their pressure spaces being connectable to a pump over pressure lines, a pressure-regulating valve being installed in the pressure line to the annular spaces, the pressure-regulating valve constantly correcting the pressure in the annular spaces to the pressure in the piston spaces in a predefined ratio, with the pressure (PR) in the annular spaces (7, 8) of the spring cylinders (1, 2) being increased in the low load range (n) on the front axle.

Abstract: According to the controller for an adaptive electronic suspension system and the control method of the system, it becomes possible to improve the driving performance and steering stability by controlling the damping force of the variable damper considering vehicle speed, steering angle, opening amount of throttle valve, up/down acceleration, brake operation, axle acceleration etc., wherein the controller for an adaptive electronic suspension system includes a vehicle speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, a throttle position sensor, an up/down acceleration sensor, a brake switch, an axle acceleration sensor and an electronic controller for controlling to convert damping force of dampers of four wheels into “hard mode”, “medium mode” and “soft mode” by checking up driving state of the vehicle according to detecting signals output from the sensors and driving front and rear actuators to change passages by rotation of control rods.

Abstract: A suspension control system includes a shock absorber adapted to be mounted between a vehicle body and a wheel axle and having a variable damping force, an actuator operatively connected to the shock absorber and adapted to adjust the damping force developed by the shock absorber, an accelerometer for detecting terrain conditions and outputting a corresponding terrain condition signal, and a controller including a detector for determining terrain conditions in response to the frequency of the terrain condition signal and adapted to control the actuator in response to the terrain conditions as determined. The controller is operable to increase the damping force by a predetermined amount over a predetermined period of time when the accelerometer determines that the terrain includes a bump.

Abstract: A control system for a resilient support mechanism such as a suspension mechanism of a wheeled vehicle including a damper disposed between an unsprung mass member and a sprung mass member of the vehicle, wherein a damping coefficient of the damper is divided into a linear portion and a nonlinear portion, and wherein the nonlinear portion of the damping coefficient is defined as a control input u and applied with a frequency weight Wu(s), while a vertical velocity of the sprung mass member, a relative velocity of the sprung mass member to the unsprung mass member and a vertical acceleration of the sprung mass member are defined as an evaluation output zp and applied with a frequency weight Ws(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic suspension control system (ECS) not using a G sensor and a steering angle sensor but using an ECS control algorithm and an ABS wheel speed sensor in order to perform rough road detecting and roll controlling.