AU2014100413A4 - A suspension monitoring system and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A suspension monitoring system and method of use. The system including: a compressed air source; a control valve fluidly connected to the compressed air source; a monitoring device fluidly connected to the control valve; and an air spring fluidly connected to the monitoring device, wherein an indicating device indicates in response to the monitoring device monitoring a predetermined level. 300 ------------ 2 Figure 1

Description

P/00/012 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: "A SUSPENSION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: A SUSPENSION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a suspension monitoring system and method of use. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a suspension monitoring system and method of use for pneumatic suspensions for cars, caravans, camper trailers and alike vehicles. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. [0003] A suspension system is a term given typically to a system of linkages that connect wheels to a body, allowing relative movement therebetween. Suspension systems serve a number of purposes including contributing to vehicle handling and keeping occupants comfortable. [0004] Most conventional suspension systems use passive leaf springs or coil springs to absorb impacts but air springs have gained popularity in four wheel drives (4WDs), off-road caravans and camper trailers. Whilst slightly more expensive than conventional leaf springs or coil springs, air springs may increase stability and comfort to occupants. [0005] However, objects can puncture an air spring and cause the suspension to fail. In addition, leaks in the air suspension present a safety issue as the handling characteristics of the vehicle may become unstable without warning. Similarly, high temperatures in air springs may lead to failure. Furthermore, slow leaks and undesirable temperatures may also indicate that other components on the air suspension require maintenance. 1 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is an aim of this invention to provide a suspension monitoring system and method of use which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative. [0007] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a suspension monitoring system, the system including: a compressed air source; a control valve fluidly connected to the compressed air source; a monitoring device fluidly connected to the control valve; and an air spring fluidly connected to the monitoring device, wherein an indicating device indicates in response to the monitoring device monitoring a predetermined level. [0009] Preferably, the compressed air source is in the form of a storage tank containing compressed air. Alternatively, or additionally, the compressed air source may be supplied by a pump. [0010] Preferably, the control valve regulates pressure. Preferably, the control valve sets a pressure in the air spring. Preferably, the control valve is automatically controlled. Alternatively, or additionally, the control valve is manually controlled. Preferably, the control valve is connected to a suspension controller. Typically, the suspension controller controls the control valve to adjust the pressure in the air spring. Normally, the suspension 2 controller controls the control valve to adjust handling and ride characteristics via the air spring. Typically, the suspension controller controls the control valve to adjust a ride height via the air spring. [0011] Preferably, the monitoring device monitors pressure and/or temperature. Typically, the monitoring device includes a communication module. Preferably, the communication module communicates pressure and/or temperature information. Normally, the communication module communicates wirelessly. Preferably, the monitoring device is included in an air in-line water and/or oil trap. [0012] Preferably, the indicating device is in wireless communication with the monitoring device. Typically, the indicating device is in communication with a number of monitoring devices. Normally, the indicating device includes a user interface. Typically, the user interface communicates the pressure and/or temperature monitored by the monitoring device to a user. [0013] Preferably, the indication from the indicating device is in the form of an alarm, in response to the monitoring device monitoring the predetermined level. Normally, the user interface indicates by an audio alarm and/or a visual alarm. Preferably, the user interface includes a display and/or a speaker. Normally, the display displays the visual alarm and the audio alarm is communicated through the speaker. Typically, the display is a touch screen. Preferably, the indicating device is in communication with the suspension controller and/or control valve. Alternatively, or additionally, the indicating device may be incorporated into the suspension controller or vice versa. [0014] Preferably, the predetermined level is in the form of an undesirable value. For example, the undesirable value indicates an air leak in the air spring or connections between the air spring and the control valve. This may occur when a pressure below the pressure set by the control valve for the air spring is measured. Alternatively, or additionally, the predetermined level indicates a maximum operating temperature. 3 [0015] Preferably, the suspension monitoring system is fitted to a caravan or camper trailer. [0016] In another form the invention resides in a method for monitoring a suspension system, the method including the steps of: setting a predetermined level; monitoring a physical property of an air suspension system; and indicating when the physical property moves to the predetermined level. [0017] Preferably, the step of monitoring the physical property of the air suspension system includes monitoring the physical property from a control valve up to and including an air spring. Preferably, the physical property being monitored is pressure. Alternatively, or additionally, the physical property being monitored is temperature. [0018] Preferably, the step of monitoring the physical property of the air suspension system includes displaying the monitored physical property. Typically, the monitored physical property is displayed on a screen. [0019] Preferably, the step of indicating when the physical property moves to a predetermined level includes communicating an alarm. Preferably, the alarm is a visual alarm and/or an audio alarm. Preferably, the visual alarm is displayed on the screen. [0020] Preferably, the predetermined level is in the form of an undesirable value. For example, the undesirable value indicates an air leak in the air spring or connections between the air spring and the control valve. This may occur when a pressure below the pressure set by the control valve for the air spring is measured. Alternatively, or additionally, the predetermined level indicates a maximum operating temperature. [0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. 4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a suspension monitoring system according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] Figure 1 illustrates a suspension monitoring system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The suspension monitoring system 10 includes a compressed air source 100, a control valve 200, a monitoring device 300, an indicating device 350 and an air spring 400. The suspension system 10 also includes a suspension controller 250 in this embodiment. [0024] The compressed air source 100 is in the form of compressed air from a storage tank. The compressed air source 100 is connected to the control valve 200 by air lines. [0025] The control valve 200 regulates pressure in this embodiment. The control valve 200 is controlled by suspension controller 250. The suspension controller 250 controls the control valve to adjust the pressure in the air spring. As would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, adjusting the pressure in the air spring changes the ride and handling characteristics of a vehicle, trailer, caravan, camper trailer and so forth. [0026] The monitoring device 300 is connected to the control valve 200 by air lines. Air flows from the control valve 200 to the monitoring device 300. That is, the monitoring device 300 is situated after the control valve 200. The monitoring device 300 is in the form of a pressure and temperature sensor in this embodiment. The monitoring device 300 is incorporated into an air in-line water and/or oil trap. However, it would be appreciated that the monitoring 5 device may be a separate device or incorporated into other components in the suspension monitoring system 10. For example, the monitoring device may be incorporated into the air spring 400. [0027] The indicating device 350 is in communication with the monitoring device 300. In this embodiment, the indicating device 350 is in wireless communication with the monitoring device 300. The indicating device 350 is also adapted to be in communication with the control valve 200 and/or suspension controller 250, if required. The indicating device 350 includes a user interface. The user interface includes a touch screen and a speaker. The indicating device 350 is configured to set a predetermined level indicating an undesired temperature and/or pressure value. [0028] The air spring 400 includes an air bag. The air bag tapers from a first end to a first end. The air spring 400 is adapted to be fitted at a trailing arm of a suspension system. [0029] In use, a predetermined level indicating an undesired pressure and/or temperature value is programmed into the indicating device 350. This predetermined level may be automatically determined by the indicating device 350 or manually entered into the indicating device 350 via a user interface. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the indicating device 350 may automatically determine the undesired pressure and/or temperature value using information received from the control valve 200 and/or the suspension controller 250. For example, a drop in pressure below the pressure set by the control valve 200 and suspension controller 250 may be considered undesirable. [0030] The monitoring device 300 monitors at least one physical property of the air suspension system. In this embodiment, the monitoring device 300 monitors pressure and temperature from the control valve 200 up to and including the air spring 400. Measurements from monitoring device 300 are communicated to the indicating device 350. The indicating device 350 6 displays the pressure and temperature readings from the monitoring device 300 via the touch screen of the user interface. It would be appreciated that the indicating device 350 can receive information from multiple monitoring devices 300 and display their respective readings on the user interface. [0031] During use, the indicating device 350 may receive a measurement from the monitoring device 300 matching the predetermined level. Accordingly, this may indicate that the air spring 400 or connections from the control valve 200 to the air spring 400 have developed a leak. Alternatively, it may indicate that a maximum temperature has been exceeded. [0032] In response to receiving a measurement from the monitoring device 300 matching the predetermined level, the indicating device 300 indicates to a user that the predetermined level has been reached via an alarm. In this embodiment, the indicating device flashes a visual alarm on the screen of the user interface. Furthermore, the indicating device sounds an audio alarm via the user interface. In this regard, the user is warned that there is a problem with the air suspension system. [0033] The suspension monitoring system 10 and method provide features for detecting and warning users of an undesired pressure or temperature in air springs or the connections thereto. This undesired pressure or temperature indicates a potential problem in the air suspension, and therefore, the suspension monitoring system 10 and method improve safety. [0034] Furthermore, by detecting pressure drops and undesirable temperatures, the monitoring system 10 and method may also give an indication that further maintenance is needed on the air suspension. [0035] The suspension monitoring system 10 can be easily retrofitted to existing vehicles, caravans or camper trailers. [0036] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one 7 element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc. [0037] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention. [0038] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. 8

Claims (5)

1. A suspension monitoring system, the system including: a compressed air source; a control valve fluidly connected to the compressed air source; a monitoring device fluidly connected to the control valve; and an air spring fluidly connected to the monitoring device, wherein an indicating device indicates in response to the monitoring device monitoring a predetermined level.

2. The suspension monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the indication from the indicating device is in the form of an alarm.

3. The suspension monitoring system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined level is in the form of an undesirable value.

4. A method for monitoring a suspension system, the method including the steps of: setting a predetermined level; monitoring a physical property of an air suspension system; and indicating when the physical property moves to the predetermined level. 9

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of indicating when the physical property moves to the predetermined level includes communicating an alarm. 10