Suspension System Patents (Class 73/117.03)
-
Patent number: 11999209Abstract: An adjustable floating traction bar is disclosed. The traction bar comprises a rigid body having a threaded portion on a first distal end to receive a threaded eyelet having a spherical joint to provide a connection point to an axle of a vehicle. The traction bar further comprises an opposing distal slip end being machined and fitted with a UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) polyethylene bushing that acts as a slip-joint the slip joint having a first end that mounts to the UHMW polyethylene bushing of the tubular body and an opposing end having an eyelet to provide a connection point to a vehicle frame. A two-stage nested coil spring located inside the slip end of the rigid body that rests against the slip joint end when it is inserted into rigid body.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Everline, Chadwick J. Kern, David Devormer, Jared Ball
-
Patent number: 11941373Abstract: A deep learning model trained to learn to predict source code is tuned for a target source code generation task through reinforcement learning using a reward score that considers the quality of the source code predicted during the tuning process. The reward score is adjusted to consider code-quality factors and source code metrics. The code-quality factors account for the predicted source code having syntactic correctness, successful compilation, successful execution, successful invocation, readability, functional correctness, and coverage. The source code metrics generate a score based on how close the predicted source code is to a ground truth code.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC.Inventors: Shao Kun Deng, Neelakantan Sundaresan, Alexey Svyatkovskiy, Michele Tufano
-
Patent number: 11890910Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle, the shock absorber having an absorber body with an outer surface, and a movable piston having a first end configured to couple with the vehicle, and a second end disposed within the absorber body. There is a magnet assembly disposed around and external of the movable piston at the second end. The absorber has a sensor assembly having a sensor body coupled with the outer surface. An inner sensor body has a sensor disposed therein configured to detect a change in a linear position of the magnet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2023Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Inventor: Larry G. Keast
-
Patent number: 11687252Abstract: A non-volatile storage apparatus comprises one or more memory die assemblies, each of which includes an inference circuit positioned in the memory die assembly. The inference circuit is configured to use a pre-trained model (received pre-trained from a source external to the non-volatile storage apparatus and stored in a dedicated block in non-volatile memory) with one or more metrics describing current operation of the non-volatile storage apparatus in order to predict a defect in the non-volatile storage apparatus and perform a countermeasure to preserve host data prior to a non-recoverable failure in the non-volatile storage apparatus due to the defect.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Liang Li, Yinfeng Yu, Loc Tu
-
Patent number: 11639080Abstract: A multi-purpose shock absorber for a vehicle suspension having an absorber body with an outer surface, and a movable piston having a first end disposed within the absorber body and a second end configured to couple with a part of the vehicle. There is a magnet assembly disposed around and external of the movable piston at the second end. The absorber has a sensor assembly having a sensor body coupled with the outer surface. An inner sensor body has a sensor disposed therein configured to detect a linear change in a position of the magnet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Inventor: Larry G. Keast
-
Patent number: 9352630Abstract: A jounce bumper can be dimensioned for securement along an end member of a gas spring assembly adjacent a sensing device. The jounce bumper can include a bumper body with a sensing passage extending their through such that the sensing device can communicate through the sensing passage. A gas spring assembly including a sensing device and such a jounce bumper as well as a suspension system including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also included.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Brian S. DeBruler, Todd A. Chapman
-
Patent number: 9021872Abstract: A system for measuring suspension sag in a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, is disclosed. The system includes a measuring device that attaches to a wheel hub, axle, or other component. The system includes a clamp that attaches to a fender or other vehicle component. The device is connected to the clamp by a cord, which extends from and retracts into the device. When a load is placed on the vehicle, the fender may move closer to the hub or axle. Any slack in the cord may be taken up by a spool shaft in the device. A rotary encoder may measure the rotation of the spool shaft, and the measuring device may calculate a change in a linear distance between, for example, the fender and the axle based on the rotation of the spool shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: MotoolInventor: John Charles Casebeer, II
-
Publication number: 20150033838Abstract: A spring including a composite structure including reinforcement fibers in a matrix. The composite structure further includes at least one Bragg cell and at least one optical fiber connected to the Bragg cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Christian Chabanon, Anthony Jacques
-
Patent number: 8935955Abstract: A test stand for dynamic testing of an individual running gear component or of a complete axle system of a motor vehicle includes a test stand frame having. The test stand frame has a mounting area configured for mounting the complete axle system in the mounting area in a first installation direction. A fastening device is configured for fixed mounting of the individual running gear component on the fastening device in a second installation direction, the second installation direction being different from the first installation direction. An actuator is configured for dynamic excitation of both of the complete axle system and the individual running gear component. The actuator is configured to connect to the individual running gear component or the complete axle system in a region of a point of intersection of the first installation direction and the second installation direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Eric Preising, Guenter Poetsch, Oliver Schadl
-
Publication number: 20150000390Abstract: A system for measuring suspension sag in a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, is disclosed. The system includes a measuring device that attaches to a wheel hub, axle, or other component. The system includes a clamp that attaches to a fender or other vehicle component. The device is connected to the clamp by a cord, which extends from and retracts into the device. When a load is placed on the vehicle, the fender may move closer to the hub or axle. Any slack in the cord may be taken up by a spool shaft in the device. A rotary encoder may measure the rotation of the spool shaft, and the measuring device may calculate a change in a linear distance between, for example, the fender and the axle based on the rotation of the spool shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: John Charles Casebeer II
-
Publication number: 20140367942Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a spring, a neck assembly, and a rod. The neck assembly has an outer shell housing a hollow stem having an upper end and a lower end. The stem is rotatable respect to outer shell. The upper end is coupled to an upper bracket having a control arm pivotally coupled thereto. The lower end is coupled to a lower bracket having a linkage pivotally connected thereto. The rod has a first end coupled to the spring and a second end coupled to the linkage. The rod extends through the hollow stem. The linkage is further coupled to a wheel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: James Thomas Nesbitt, III
-
Publication number: 20140331756Abstract: A bush component force detection device detects a component force acting on a bush which is press-fitted into a hole provided in a frame of a vehicle. The bush component force detection device includes: a cylinder which is inserted into the hole with predetermined space therefrom and has strain gauges; elastically deformable outer-side projections that extend in an axial direction of the cylinder and project radially outward from an outer surface of the cylinder; and elastically deformable inner-side projections that extend in an axial direction of the cylinder and project radially inward from an inner surface of the cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi SHIMOYAMA
-
Publication number: 20140331755Abstract: A bush component force detection device detects a component force acting on a cylindrical bush inserted into a hole provided in a frame of a vehicle to pivotally support a rod-like member inside thereof. The bush component force detection device includes: an outer ring provided between the bush and the hole with predetermined space from the bush and configured to surround an outer circumferential surface of the bush and to be attached on an inner circumferential surface of the hole; and a sensing unit. The sensing unit is a cylindrical member disposed between the bush and the outer ring and configured to surround the bush, and has one end of connected with an outer side of the bush, the other end connected with the outer ring, and strain gauges disposed on an outer circumferential surface thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi SHIMOYAMA, Hiroki NAGANO
-
Publication number: 20140331757Abstract: A bush component force detection device detects a component force acting on a cylindrical bush which is inserted into a hole provided in a frame of a vehicle to pivotally support a rod-like member inside thereof. The device includes: a cylindrical inner ring provided between a bush and a hole and mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the bush; a cylindrical outer ring disposed outwardly of the inner ring with a predetermined space from the inner ring and mounted on an inner circumferential surface of the hole; and a sensing unit that is a cylindrical member disposed in the space between the inner ring and the outer ring substantially concentrically to the rod-like member, the sensing unit having one end connected with the inner ring, the other end connected with the outer ring, and strain gauges disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the sensing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi SHIMOYAMA
-
Patent number: 8881585Abstract: A test bench for motor vehicles and/or axles of motor vehicles for simulating gyroscopic torques of a rotating wheel includes a wheel replacement system connected to an axle of the motor vehicle. The wheel replacement system includes a wheel replacement mass and a driver for driving the wheel replacement mass. The test bench also includes an arrangement for applying testing forces, testing torques and testing movements in a longitudinal, lateral and/or vertical direction to the motor vehicle and/or axles of the motor vehicle. The driver is configured to set the wheel replacement mass in rotation. The arrangement for applying testing forces, testing torques and testing movements is configured to generate a gyroscopic torque of the wheel replacement mass which is set in rotation, by applying testing forces, testing torques and testing movements in the longitudinal, lateral and/or vertical direction to the motor vehicle and/or the axles of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Eric Preising, Hans-Peter Loda, Johannes Heine
-
Patent number: 8844345Abstract: An apparatus imparts motion to a test object such as a motor vehicle in a controlled fashion. A base has mounted on it a linear electromagnetic motor having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the base. A pneumatic cylinder and piston combination have a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the base so that the pneumatic cylinder and piston combination is generally parallel with the linear electromagnetic motor. The second ends of the linear electromagnetic motor and pneumatic cylinder and piston combination being commonly linked to a mount for the test object. A control system for the linear electromagnetic motor and pneumatic cylinder and piston combination drives the pneumatic cylinder and piston combination to support a substantial static load of the test object and the linear electromagnetic motor to impart controlled motion to the test object.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignees: Roehrig Engineering, Inc., Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Southward, Chandler Reubush, Bryan Pittman, Kurt Roehrig, Doug Gerard
-
Publication number: 20140224005Abstract: A vehicle inspection tool includes a tool body having an outer surface fitting the tread of the tire of a vehicle wheel, and a spanner adapter fixedly mounted each of two opposite ends of the tool body and defining therein a coupling hole for receiving a L-shaped spanner for enabling the tool body to be biased by the L-shaped spanner to oscillate the wheel and its suspension system so that the user can detect any abnormalities of the component parts of the suspension system subject to generated noises, achieving quick inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: POUL CHANG METAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Poul Chang Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
-
Publication number: 20140145411Abstract: The subject invention relates to an air spring height sensor. The air spring height sensor of this invention comprises a height measuring signal transmitter (102) and a receiver (101). The height measuring signal transmitter is adapted for transmitting a height signal. The receiver is adapted for sensing the height signal transmitted by the height measuring signal transmitter. The height signal indicates a distance between the height measuring signal transmitter and the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: VEYANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Lutz May
-
Patent number: 8731878Abstract: A method is presented for predicting a noise/comfort performance in a cabin of a vehicle with a body-shell and a suspension system linked to the body-shell by at least one point of attachment, with the vehicle rolling at a given speed on a rolling device with a macrorough rolling surface. The method includes: determining a global transfer function of the body-shell, determining a global admittance of the body-shell, determining an impedance of the suspension system, determining, while rolling on the macrorough rolling surface, lockup loads of the suspension system, and combining together the global transfer function of the body-shell, the global admittance of the body-shell, the impedance of the suspension system, and the lockup loads of the suspension system to obtain a prediction of noise/comfort performance (P) inside the cabin.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Jean-Francois Beniguel, Marc Duvernier, David Payet, Françoise Le Salver, Clarisse Le Salver, Annig Le Salver, Vincent Le Salver
-
Patent number: 8720260Abstract: A checking device for checking automotive suspension system comprises a rod and a work piece fixed on the rod. The work piece includes a work surface for pressing against a tread portion of the wheel. Rotating the rod can make the wheel and the suspension system connected thereto sway in a direction different from the forward rotating direction of the wheel. Then the user can find out the faults by the abnormal sound made by the respective components of the suspension system, so that the checking device for checking automotive suspension system is capable of reducing the time for finding out the faults in the suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventor: Michael Mueller
-
Publication number: 20130305817Abstract: The invention aims to produce an instrumentation making it possible to measure the loadings which pass through mechanical joins between two mechanical structures, so as to best evaluate the dimensions and masses without impairing their mechanical properties of a secure transfer of load. To this end, the invention proposes introducing into the zones of transit of the loadings an instrumented component of the form that favours the measurement of shear and its installation. In one embodiment, a zone of transit of loadings consists of an instrumentalized hollow shaft which takes the form of a cylinder (1) able to be introduced into collinear openings (30) in the fittings (20, 25, 26). It comprises a longitudinal housing (10) into which is introduced an insert (2) composed of a central prop (21) in tight contact with the internal wall (1i) of the shaft (1) and connected, on each side, to a flyweight (31, 32) also in tight contact, by way of multiple tabs (41 to 44) away from contact with said internal wall (1i).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)Inventors: Hervé Magnin, Géraldine Hache
-
Patent number: 8522609Abstract: A method for wheel suspension alignment includes: providing four measuring heads each having a monocular picture recording device; recording at least three geometrical details of one wheel, respectively, of a vehicle in an initial position, using each of the four measuring heads; carrying out relative motion between the vehicle and the measuring heads from the initial position into at least one further position; recording at least three geometrical details of one wheel, respectively, of the vehicle in the further position, using each of the four measuring heads; carrying out local 3D reconstructions for determining translation vectors, rotation vectors and wheel rotational angles between the at least two positions, and wheel rotational centers and wheel rotational axes from the recorded geometrical details; determining a global scale for the measuring heads by scaling the translation vectors to have the same length; and determining camber, single toe and/or total toe of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Guenter Nobis, Steffen Abraham, Volker Uffenkamp
-
Patent number: 8473154Abstract: A vehicle control system, which is configured to obtain an index on the basis of a running condition of a vehicle and to change at least any one of a driving force control characteristic and a vehicle body support characteristic of a suspension mechanism in response to the index, is configured to acquire information associated with a friction coefficient of a road surface on which the vehicle runs, and to correct the at least any one of the driving force control characteristic and the vehicle body support characteristic, which is changed in response to the index, on the basis of the information associated with the friction coefficient of the road surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shin Noumura, Ken Koibuchi, Kaiji Itabashi, Keisuke Takeuchi, Toshio Tanahashi
-
Publication number: 20130104639Abstract: A checking device for checking automotive suspension system comprises a rod and a work piece fixed on the rod. The work piece includes a work surface for pressing against a tread portion of the wheel. Rotating the rod can make the wheel and the suspension system connected thereto sway in a direction different from the forward rotating direction of the wheel. Then the user can find out the faults by the abnormal sound made by the respective components of the suspension system, so that the checking device for checking automotive suspension system is capable of reducing the time for finding out the faults in the suspension system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Michael Mueller
-
Publication number: 20130061666Abstract: A system may monitor a vibration isolating connection between a first part and a second part. The system may include a light source, an optical sensor mounted to receive light from the light source, and a processing unit for providing an output indicative of the deformation of the vibration isolating connection based on the output of the optical sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) LimitedInventor: Stuart GILLIES
-
Patent number: 8381579Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration damping device which can enhance a vibration damping effect even in a case where a vibration damping target position and a vibration damping force generation position are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Sinfonia Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yushi Sato, Hideaki Moriya, Takeo Ito, Takayoshi Fujii, Takashi Fukunaga, Katsuyoshi Nakano, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Hidetoshi Katada, Takeshi Tomizaki, Takashi Onoue, Yasushi Muragishi
-
Publication number: 20120205887Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, an axle, a suspension strut and a sensor assembly. The suspension strut includes a barrel having a lower end and an upper end, and a rod having a lower end and an upper end. The rod lower end is slidably received within the barrel upper end. The barrel lower end is coupled with the axle and the rod upper end is coupled with the chassis. A sensor assembly is coupled between the chassis and the barrel for sensing relative movement between the chassis and the barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Francois Stander, Denis J. Montocchio, Dean L. Mish
-
Patent number: 8234917Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring errors in undercarriage components of rail vehicles, having at least one acceleration sensor which works with an evaluation unit. At least one acceleration sensor is arranged on the undercarriage of the rail vehicle in such a manner that its direction of detection has at least one component parallel to the vertical axis (z-direction) of the rail vehicle. The invention proposes that the acceleration sensor is constructed in such a manner that it delivers a measuring signal which contains the signal portion corresponding to a ground acceleration, or represents a signal corresponding to a ground acceleration, and that the evaluation unit has a routine for testing functions of the acceleration sensor, the routine controlling an error signal if the measuring signal delivered by the acceleration sensor contains no signal portion corresponding to a ground acceleration. The routine also suppresses the error signal if this is not the case.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbHInventors: Thomas Burkhart, Ulf Friesen
-
Publication number: 20120137760Abstract: A ride height gauge includes a chassis engaging member biased relative to a base member via springs. Lowering an RC car chassis onto the chassis engaging member causes the chassis engaging member to lower until the car's wheels touch a support surface on either side of the base member. The chassis engaging member's lowered position is displayed on measurement columns that measure the height of the chassis engaging member from the support surface, which can be used to determine the ride height of the vehicle. The measurement columns at opposite ends of the vehicle allow the user to simultaneously measure the ride height at either end of the vehicle without repositioning of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: Harold Michael Burton
-
Publication number: 20110316209Abstract: A dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle including a housing having two axially elongated members. A dual rate spring package is disposed in the housing. Such spring package includes a first spring assembly for absorbing, dissipating and returning a first predetermined level of energy imparted to the shock absorbing apparatus. One end of the first spring assembly acts against a closed end of the housing and a second end acts against a spring seat. A second spring assembly absorbs, dissipates and returns a second predetermined level of energy. One end of the second spring assembly acts against an opposed closed end of the housing and a second end acts against the spring seat. An axially elongated guide assembly, extending substantially the cumulative length of the first and second spring assemblies, controls axial compression of the first and second spring assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Ronald W. KERR, Richard J. BERANEK
-
Patent number: 8056392Abstract: A method, system, and device for optimizing a vehicle's suspension includes: mounting at least one modified passive shock with a plurality of sensors onto a vehicle, where the shock is adjustable for a plurality of damping forces; connecting the shock to an electronic control unit being for adjusting the damping forces of the shock and reading the plurality of sensors; and running the vehicle through a plurality of test cycles where the electronic control unit reading the plurality of sensors during each test cycle and adjusting the shock to a different damping force between each test cycle, where the adjusted shock emulating the damping forces of multiple standard passive shocks.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: JRI Development Group, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Scott Ryan, Nobuhiko Negishi
-
Patent number: 7946163Abstract: An electronically adjustable shock absorber, and a system, method, and algorithm for developing a vehicle suspension. The shock absorber has damping characteristics that can be adjusted electronically to match a desired set of damping characteristics. The test method includes closed loop control of the electronically adjustable shock to achieve user-provided damping characteristics. The characteristics can be selected from a graphical user interface to simulate different internal flow passages of a shock absorber. Some embodiments make possible the simulated testing of different hardware embodiments, without the need to make the actual shock absorbers and without the need interrupt the vehicle suspension testing for multiple shock absorber installations.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Penske Racing ShocksInventor: Bill J. Gartner
-
Publication number: 20110100107Abstract: A method according for wheel suspension alignment includes the following: providing a wheel suspension alignment system having four measuring heads situated in a known position with respect to one another, of which each has a monocular picture recording device; recording at least three geometrical details of one wheel, respectively, of a vehicle standing in an initial position, using each of the four measuring heads; carrying out a relative motion between the vehicle, on the one hand, and the measuring heads, on the other hand, from the initial position (A) into at least one further position (E), the relative position of the measuring heads with respect to one another being known; recording at least three geometrical details of one wheel, respectively, of the vehicle standing in the further position (E), using each of the four measuring heads; carrying out local 3D reconstructions for determining the translation vectors, the rotation vectors and the wheel rotational angles between the at least two positions,Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Guenter Nobis, Steffen Abraham, Volker Uffenkamp
-
Patent number: 7930935Abstract: Disclosed is a method for diagnosing the function of a level control system (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one valve (2a, 2b, 14, 26) and a control unit (10). An exchange of pressure medium from one side of the valve to the other side of the valve is possible when the valve is open, and an exchange of pressure medium is prevented when the valve is closed. The valve carries out a change of state, a variable (4, I) influencing the valve output is measured during the change of state, the measured variable influencing the output of the valve is compared with a reference curve, a family of characteristics or a limit value in the control unit (10), and based on the comparison in the control unit (10) it can be established if the valve has carried out the change of state.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Continental AktiengessellschaftInventor: Dierk Hein
-
Publication number: 20110083500Abstract: A sensor system for obtaining data from an air spring having elastomeric body with a plurality of wireless sensors embedded therein. The sensor length-scales range from nano- to micro-scale devices that are small enough to avoid becoming occlusions within the elastomeric body. The air spring may include a spring wall having an internally reinforced elastomeric body portion with the sensors embedded within. The air spring may include a spring wall having an unreinforced elastomeric body portion with the sensors embedded within. The sensors may be configured to provide data related to one or more of temperature, pressure, sidewall flex, stress, strain and other parameters. The sensors may be LCD sensors, and/or conductive polymer sensors, and/or bio-polymer sensors and/or polymer diodes suitable for sensing data during the operation of the air spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE NORTH AMERICAN TIRE, LLCInventors: John D. Rensel, Paul B. Wilson
-
Patent number: 7921713Abstract: A test fixture for testing a motor vehicle suspension, brake components and wheel components on a motor vehicle sub-frame is provided. The test fixture can include a lower frame attached to a base surface and be dimensioned for the motor vehicle sub-frame to be attached thereto. An upper frame oppositely disposed to the lower frame and dimensioned to attach to the sub-frame is also included. A shaker system is attached to the base surface and is operable to provide a predetermined vertical displacement profile to the sub-frame. A motor is attached to an axle assembly on the sub-frame and is operable to rotate a wheel component at a predetermined rate of rotation. A non-contact gap sensor is included and can be attached to the sub-frame and detect or monitor movement between a first sub-frame component and a second sub-frame component.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Alan Czoka, Tom Edward Stubblefield
-
Patent number: 7899607Abstract: An open-loop control system that provides control signals to active engine mounts to reduce or eliminate the transfer of engine vibration to a vehicle body structure, where the system uses only a crank signal from the engine as an input. The control system includes an instant crank speed variation sensing processor that receives the crank signal from the engine, where the crank signal is a pulsed signal including missing pulses as a result of teeth missing on the vehicle crank wheel. The crank speed variation sensing processor provides a measurement of the instant crank speed variation of the crank signal and minimizes an error in the measurement as a result of the missing pulses. The crank speed variation sensing processor outputs a crank speed sensing variation signal as a sine wave that identifies order content in the crank pulse signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kwang-Keun Shin, David J. Verbrugge
-
Patent number: 7845217Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a hub and a hub temperature indicating device visible from an exterior of the hub and exposed to a temperature within an interior of the hub, and including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in the hub interior temperature. A hub temperature indicating device includes one of a hub cap plug and a hub cap window, including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in temperature in the hub interior. Another hub temperature indicating device includes a material which is operative to change color in response to a temperature change in a hub interior, the material comprising an irreversible temperature change indicating material; another material adjacent the first material, and which is operative to transfer heat between the hub interior and the first material; and the device being configured to attach to a hub cap.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Cully B. Dodd
-
Patent number: 7836753Abstract: A knock sensor includes a resin mold having a first cylindrical resin mold section that encloses a base, annular constituent parts and a pressing member of the knock sensor; and a connector section that protrudes from a side of the first mold section and is integrally injection-molded at one time with the first mold section; wherein an injection gate for resin mold is located on the first resin mold circumference excluding portions thereof opposing the connector section, and forms a predetermined angle (45° to 120°) with respect to the center line connecting the center of the connector section with that of a through-hole of the base.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Akito Yokoi
-
Publication number: 20100257923Abstract: An overload detecting assembly comprises a first load bearing member (10) adapted to flex laterally in response to a load to be monitored, a second load bearing member (11) spaced from the first under normal load conditions and which is contacted and loaded by the first load bearing member (10) when it is loaded beyond a load limit. Preferably, the first load bearing member (10) has a yield point below the load limit and takes a permanent set once the yield point has been exceeded. A lateral probe (18) cooperates with the first load bearing member as it moves towards the second load bearing member and in turn deflects an indicator member (20) which takes a permanent set when a yield point is exceeded. Ready inspection of the indicator member then reveals whether or not it has been bent.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: MESSIER-DOWTY LIMITEDInventor: Ian Bennett
-
Patent number: 7801671Abstract: Identifying fires by: measuring pressure pulses from the exhaust; generating a waveform from the measured pressure pulses; dividing the waveform into segments, one for each engine cylinder; associating each segment with the cylinder which generated the pulse; and examining each segment for features which indicate a misfire. The method further includes: generating a trigger signal; associating the trigger signal with ignition in a cylinder; measuring the time between this signal and the next trigger signal; dividing the time between these trigger signals into cylinder boxes, one for each cylinder; and shifting each of the boxes relative to the associated segment such that the peak and a portion of the rising edge and/or the falling edge falls within the box. For each box the peak, rising edge and falling edge is compared with threshold values. Each box in which at least two of the thresholds are exceeded is flagged.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventors: Neal R. Pederson, Bernie C. Thompson
-
Patent number: 7783411Abstract: An engine control method, based on engine intake pressure, is operable to shorten a period from a start of cranking until a sequential fuel injection control is determined. Provisional and final stroke determinations are made for a plurality of cylinders from a synthetic manifold pressure waveform. The provisional stroke determination is made after a crankshaft is rotated 720 degrees after settlement of a crank reference position. The final stroke determination is made when the crankshaft rotates 1440 degrees after the provisional stroke determination. When the provisional stroke determination is made, fuel is injected into the cylinders based on a detected value of the engine intake pressure; and when the stroke determination is finally settled, the fuel injection and ignition of the engine are controlled based on the detected value of the engine intake pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukihiro Asada, Kenichi Machida
-
Patent number: 7778748Abstract: A systems and method for testing a vehicle suspension may include a kinematics rig and a main control unit having a graphical user interface (GUI). The system can provide for automated testing, control, data acquisition and analysis, and sensor handling for conducting comprehensive performance testing of vehicle chassis and suspension systems in a contained solution. All requisite tests for suspension systems analysis may be user-selectable and configurable from the GUI and executed via software based on test procedures stored in memory. The system's data acquisition capabilities may be easily integrated into standard industry analysis tools.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: John Probst, Terry Satchell
-
Publication number: 20100198527Abstract: The invention relates to a system for estimating at least one characteristic of a motor vehicle suspension, whereby said suspension or each suspension connects a motor vehicle wheel to the body shell thereof. The inventive system comprises means (12, 14) for acquiring vertical accelerations experienced by the wheel and body shell in a reference system of the vehicle and means (26) for calculating the at least one characteristic of the suspension as a function of the vertical accelerations acquired from the wheel and the body shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2006Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SAInventors: Pascal Gouriet, Karine Candau
-
Patent number: 7748263Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension system is provided, having a first spring element clamped between the vehicle body and a wheel and a second spring element clamped between the body and the wheel in parallel to the first spring element by application of a tensile force by a tensioning element. The second spring element is not active without application of the tensile force. A pressure addition spring element is also provided which, in the case of large spring excursions, acts as an end stop. The pressure addition spring element is not activated by of the tensile force for activating the second spring element. The spring rate of the second spring element is preferably lower than that of the first spring element. Additional spring elements of different wheels or axles can be activated by a common mechanical tensioning element which can shorten or lengthen several tension devices connected with the spring elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Alfred Pruckner
-
Patent number: 7742866Abstract: A fuel control system includes devices that generate parameter signals. The parameter signals include an engine runtime signal and at least one of an engine load signal, a temperature signal and a barometric pressure signal. A modification module generates a modification signal based on the parameter signals. A control module compensates for a current fuel volatility by adjusting a current air/fuel mixture of an engine based on the modification signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Inventors: Kurt D. McLain, Wenbo Wang
-
Publication number: 20100132444Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a hub and a hub temperature indicating device visible from an exterior of the hub and exposed to a temperature within an interior of the hub, and including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in the hub interior temperature. A hub temperature indicating device includes one of a hub cap plug and a hub cap window, including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in temperature in the hub interior. Another hub temperature indicating device includes a material which is operative to change color in response to a temperature change in a hub interior, the material comprising an irreversible temperature change indicating material; another material adjacent the first material, and which is operative to transfer heat between the hub interior and the first material; and the device being configured to attach to a hub cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: WATSON & CHALIN MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventor: Cully B. DODD
-
Publication number: 20100126262Abstract: A test fixture for testing a motor vehicle suspension, brake components and wheel components on a motor vehicle sub-frame is provided. The test fixture can include a lower frame attached to a base surface and be dimensioned for the motor vehicle sub-frame to be attached thereto. An upper frame oppositely disposed to the lower frame and dimensioned to attach to the sub-frame is also included. A shaker system is attached to the base surface and is operable to provide a predetermined vertical displacement profile to the sub-frame. A motor is attached to an axle assembly on the sub-frame and is operable to rotate a wheel component at a predetermined rate of rotation. A non-contact gap sensor is included and can be attached to the sub-frame and detect or monitor movement between a first sub-frame component and a second sub-frame component.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Alan Czoka, Tom Edward Stubblefield
-
Patent number: 7721593Abstract: A system for setting a spatial position of a vehicle relative to a foundation, on which the vehicle is standing with its wheels, in particular in a wind tunnel, is provided. The adjusting system includes a plurality of linear actuating devices, which are assigned to each one of the wheels and which are mounted on the vehicle in the area of the respective wheel and with which in the area of the respective wheel a distance between the foundation and a vehicle chassis can be set. The adjusting system includes a plurality of measuring devices, which are assigned to each one of the actuating devices, for determining the distance between the foundation and the vehicle chassis in the area of the respective wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Pfadenhauer
-
Publication number: 20100125389Abstract: A system is provided for determining a distance between a vehicular suspension assembly and the ground, wherein the suspension assembly has a first member. The system comprises a first transceiver coupled to the first member for emitting a first interrogation signal toward the ground, and for receiving a first reflection of the first interrogation signal from the ground, and a processor coupled to the first transceiver for determining the distance of the first transceiver from the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: TIMOTHY J. TALTY, CHANDRA S. NAMUDURI, YUNJUN LI, ROBERT B. ELLIOTT, NANCY MCMAHON