WO1989006607A1 - G-force regulated air suspension system for motor vehicles - Google Patents

G-force regulated air suspension system for motor vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1989006607A1
WO1989006607A1 PCT/US1988/000188 US8800188W WO8906607A1 WO 1989006607 A1 WO1989006607 A1 WO 1989006607A1 US 8800188 W US8800188 W US 8800188W WO 8906607 A1 WO8906607 A1 WO 8906607A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
suspension system
vehicle
motor vehicles
shock absorbers
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1988/000188
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
James J. Ferrero
Original Assignee
Ferrero James J
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ferrero James J filed Critical Ferrero James J
Priority to PCT/US1988/000188 priority Critical patent/WO1989006607A1/en
Publication of WO1989006607A1 publication Critical patent/WO1989006607A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/0152—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit
    • B60G17/0155—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit pneumatic unit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/10—Type of spring
    • B60G2202/15—Fluid spring
    • B60G2202/152—Pneumatic spring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/10—Acceleration; Deceleration
    • B60G2400/104—Acceleration; Deceleration lateral or transversal with regard to vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
    • B60G2500/30—Height or ground clearance
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/04—Means for informing, instructing or displaying
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/12—Sampling or average detecting; Addition or substraction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/14—Differentiating means, i.e. differential control

Definitions

  • My invention relates to an air suspension system for motor vehicles controlled and regulated by gravitational forces exerted on the vehicle while in motion. More particularly, my invention relates to a gravittational force sensor ("G" force) in a moving vehicle which is capable of regulating the air pressure in a plurality of air shock absorbers in order to keep the vehicle in balance while turning, accelerating or de-accelerating.
  • the primary purpose of my invention is to provide motor vehicles, especially high performance automobiles, with a suspension system that will be responsive to the G-forces exerted on the vehicle during motion. It is another purpose of my invention to aid a driver control the vehicle balance in high speed turns where G-forces are centrifugal and sometimes cause a vehicle to break traction. It is yet another purpose of my invention to provide the driver a G-force meter showing at what level of G-force the vehicle may break traction.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,674,767 discloses a plural ity of road sensors which control dampening of hydraulic shock absorbers
  • U. S. Patent No. 4,671,534 discloses a pressure sensor to control the damping force of each shock absorber and spring constant of air springs.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,671,533 Asami, Oha ⁇ hi, Onuma and Buma disclose a suspension system regulated by a controller which measures the distance between the vehicle body and at least one of the wheels.
  • 4,669,749 discloses fluid spring chambers arranged for respective wheels and controlled by velocity and steering angle detecting means.
  • U. S. Patent No. 4,659,106 discloses a telescoping suspension apparatus controlled by the steering mechanism.
  • U. S. Patent No. 4,657,280 discloses a detection system for bumpy road conditions as a means to control the vehicle suspension. None of these, however, utilize accelerometers (G-force sensors) in conjunction with vehicle suspension systems.
  • G-force sensors have been used for some time in missiles and spacecraft, and, very recently Zenith Corporation has developed the Auto G-Meter Model CGW-1562 for Heathkit for use in motor vehicles. This unit is commercially available in the detecting range of 0.1 to 0.8G.
  • shock absorbers on modern vehicles today are of the hydraulic type wherein fluid is forced through small orifices by a piston and in this way dampens the action of the spring.
  • shock absorbers on the market known as air-filled shocks such as the Monroe Max-Air, which contains an air chamber and air-fill valve whereby air may be added or removed to raise or lower the vehicle to compensate for a load.
  • conventional air-filled shock absorbers are not self-regulating with respect to G-forces on the vehicle.
  • My improved air suspension system incorporates a threeway solenoid valve with an air-filled shock absorber in such a manner that when G-forces are exerted in the location of the shock absorber the valve will open and compressed air is allowed to flow into the air chamber thereby expanding the shock absorber a pre-determined amount.
  • G-forces When G-forces are reduced the valve will open to allow air pressure to be released from the shock absorber.
  • G-forces are constant the valve will be closed to maintain constant pressure in the shock absorber.
  • An electronic signal processing circuit receives the signals from G-force sensors and opens and closes respective solenoid valves according to the extent of the G-forces measured by the G-force sensors. This feature is of particular advantage and is a distinct improvement over certain prior art because by adjusting the signal processing circuit the rate of movement of the shock absorbers can be controlled to enhance the handling performance of a particular vehicle under specific driving conditions.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automotive vehicle with a typical vehicular suspension control system in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a top elevated view of the system in Fig. 1
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged detailed illustration partially broken away of a solenoid valve and air shock absorber
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the electronic circuits.
  • FIG. 1 the standard hydraulic shock absorbers of a typical automobile have been replaced with commercially available air-filled shocks 10, such as Monroe Max Air types.
  • a G-force sensor 11 is located near the vehicle's center of gravity and is connected to electronic circuit controller 12 preferrably located on the dash board.
  • Three-way solenoid valves 13 are attached to each air-filled shock 10 and are regulated by electrical wires 14 from the controller 12.
  • Compressed air lines 15 connect the valves 13 with an air tank 16 fed by a compressor 17.
  • the preferred location of the compressor 17 and air tank 16 are located in the vehicle trunk.
  • FIG. 3 an enlarged, patrially broken away view of the right rear air-filled shock 10, many of which are equipped with a threaded air-inlet/outlet stem 18 onto which a three-way solenoid valve may be attached 13.
  • the spool-type solenoid valves such as the Skinner Air Control Valve provides for either actuation or non-actuation of coil 19 which selects air input 15 or air release 20 through the stem 18 and, therefore the polarity of the coil in relation to the controller 12 is important.
  • a block diagram shows the primary signal from the G-force sensor 11 received by a sample and hold amplifier 21, which is part of the controller 12.
  • a continuous signal source 22 serves as a primary clock to measure the rate of change in the signal from the G-force sensor 11 and the sample and hold amplifier 21 differentiates the signals passing an output signal to the analog to digital converter 23 and then on to a digital display 24.
  • the output signal from the sample and hold amplifier 21 is also passed to the signal processing circuit 25 which opens and closes the three-way solenoid valves 13 according to the rate of change the primary signal is received.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

The object of the invention is to provide a self-regulating air suspension system for motor vehicles which is activated and regulated by gravitational forces exerted on the vehicle while in motion. Said air suspension system has a plurality of air shock absorbers or air cylinders (10) connected to an air compressor (17) and air tank (16) through air lines (15) and solenoid controlled air valves (13) which are in turn regulated by an electronic controller (12) and G-force sensor (11). The other object is to provide a system to control a vehicle in high speed turns by opposing centrifugal forces.

Description

Sescription
G-Force Regulated Air Suspension System For Motor Vehicles
Technical Field My invention relates to an air suspension system for motor vehicles controlled and regulated by gravitational forces exerted on the vehicle while in motion. More particularly, my invention relates to a gravittational force sensor ("G" force) in a moving vehicle which is capable of regulating the air pressure in a plurality of air shock absorbers in order to keep the vehicle in balance while turning, accelerating or de-accelerating. The primary purpose of my invention is to provide motor vehicles, especially high performance automobiles, with a suspension system that will be responsive to the G-forces exerted on the vehicle during motion. It is another purpose of my invention to aid a driver control the vehicle balance in high speed turns where G-forces are centrifugal and sometimes cause a vehicle to break traction. It is yet another purpose of my invention to provide the driver a G-force meter showing at what level of G-force the vehicle may break traction.
Background Art There is a great deal of prior art dealing with vehicle suspension systems. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,674,767 (Kuroki & Sugasawa) discloses a plural ity of road sensors which control dampening of hydraulic shock absorbers, U. S. Patent No. 4,671,534 (Yano) discloses a pressure sensor to control the damping force of each shock absorber and spring constant of air springs. In U.S. Patent No. 4,671,533, Asami, Ohaεhi, Onuma and Buma disclose a suspension system regulated by a controller which measures the distance between the vehicle body and at least one of the wheels. U. S. Patent No. 4,669,749 (Tanaka, Harara, Taniguchi, Suzumura, Tatemoto and Kumagai) discloses fluid spring chambers arranged for respective wheels and controlled by velocity and steering angle detecting means. U. S. Patent No. 4,659,106 (Fujita, Honma and Ogawa) discloses a telescoping suspension apparatus controlled by the steering mechanism. U. S. Patent No. 4,657,280 (Ohmori) discloses a detection system for bumpy road conditions as a means to control the vehicle suspension. None of these, however, utilize accelerometers (G-force sensors) in conjunction with vehicle suspension systems.
As it is perhaps well known, G-force sensors have been used for some time in missiles and spacecraft, and, very recently Zenith Corporation has developed the Auto G-Meter Model CGW-1562 for Heathkit for use in motor vehicles. This unit is commercially available in the detecting range of 0.1 to 0.8G. As it is also perhaps well known, virtually all shock absorbers on modern vehicles today are of the hydraulic type wherein fluid is forced through small orifices by a piston and in this way dampens the action of the spring. There are also special-purpose shock absorbers on the market known as air-filled shocks, such as the Monroe Max-Air, which contains an air chamber and air-fill valve whereby air may be added or removed to raise or lower the vehicle to compensate for a load. However, conventional air-filled shock absorbers are not self-regulating with respect to G-forces on the vehicle.
Disclosure of Invention In accordance with the present invention, I have combined G-force sensors with air-filled shock absorbers whereby the internal air pressure of the shock absorbers is continuously adjusted according to the G-forces on the vehicle and thereby the shock absorbers not only effectively dampen the action of the spring but also maintain proper vehicle height.
My improved air suspension system incorporates a threeway solenoid valve with an air-filled shock absorber in such a manner that when G-forces are exerted in the location of the shock absorber the valve will open and compressed air is allowed to flow into the air chamber thereby expanding the shock absorber a pre-determined amount. When G-forces are reduced the valve will open to allow air pressure to be released from the shock absorber. When G-forces are constant the valve will be closed to maintain constant pressure in the shock absorber.
An electronic signal processing circuit receives the signals from G-force sensors and opens and closes respective solenoid valves according to the extent of the G-forces measured by the G-force sensors. This feature is of particular advantage and is a distinct improvement over certain prior art because by adjusting the signal processing circuit the rate of movement of the shock absorbers can be controlled to enhance the handling performance of a particular vehicle under specific driving conditions.
Brief Description of Drawings
The details of my invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an automotive vehicle with a typical vehicular suspension control system in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a top elevated view of the system in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged detailed illustration partially broken away of a solenoid valve and air shock absorber; Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the electronic circuits.
Best Mode for Parrying Out the Invention
Referring to Fig. 1, the standard hydraulic shock absorbers of a typical automobile have been replaced with commercially available air-filled shocks 10, such as Monroe Max Air types. A G-force sensor 11 is located near the vehicle's center of gravity and is connected to electronic circuit controller 12 preferrably located on the dash board. Three-way solenoid valves 13 are attached to each air-filled shock 10 and are regulated by electrical wires 14 from the controller 12. Compressed air lines 15 connect the valves 13 with an air tank 16 fed by a compressor 17. Referring to Fig. 2, the preferred location of the compressor 17 and air tank 16 are located in the vehicle trunk. There are several commercially available compressor and air tank units which will operate on 12 volts when the igition is on and are self-regulating with respect to tank pressure. The air pressure lines 15 may be of reinforced flexible tubing. 10a is shown in detail in Fig. 3.
Referring to Fig. 3. an enlarged, patrially broken away view of the right rear air-filled shock 10, many of which are equipped with a threaded air-inlet/outlet stem 18 onto which a three-way solenoid valve may be attached 13. The spool-type solenoid valves, such as the Skinner Air Control Valve provides for either actuation or non-actuation of coil 19 which selects air input 15 or air release 20 through the stem 18 and, therefore the polarity of the coil in relation to the controller 12 is important.
Referring to Fig. 4, a block diagram shows the primary signal from the G-force sensor 11 received by a sample and hold amplifier 21, which is part of the controller 12. A continuous signal source 22 serves as a primary clock to measure the rate of change in the signal from the G-force sensor 11 and the sample and hold amplifier 21 differentiates the signals passing an output signal to the analog to digital converter 23 and then on to a digital display 24. The output signal from the sample and hold amplifier 21 is also passed to the signal processing circuit 25 which opens and closes the three-way solenoid valves 13 according to the rate of change the primary signal is received.

Claims

Claim
1. An air suspension system for motor vehicles regulated by gravitational forces exerted on the vehicle while in motion, said system comprising: a plurality of air shock absorbers connected to a compressed air supply through solenoid controlled air valves; an electronic controller for regulating solenoid controlled air valves, said controller comprising: G-force sensors for sending a primary signal to a sample and hold amplifier; a continuous signal source to measure the rate of change of the primary signal; an analog to digital converter and G-force digital display; a signal processing circuit which opens and closes the solenoid valves according to the rate of change the primary signal is received.
2. The air suspension system described in Claim 1, where air cylinders are used in place of air shock absorbers.
PCT/US1988/000188 1988-01-25 1988-01-25 G-force regulated air suspension system for motor vehicles WO1989006607A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1988/000188 WO1989006607A1 (en) 1988-01-25 1988-01-25 G-force regulated air suspension system for motor vehicles

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1988/000188 WO1989006607A1 (en) 1988-01-25 1988-01-25 G-force regulated air suspension system for motor vehicles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1989006607A1 true WO1989006607A1 (en) 1989-07-27

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2674189A1 (en) * 1991-03-21 1992-09-25 Bonnafoux Alain System for managing the stability of rolling vehicles
EP0741051A2 (en) * 1995-05-01 1996-11-06 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Suspension system of automotive vehicle and electric control apparatus for the same

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4371188A (en) * 1980-06-24 1983-02-01 University Of California Method for programmed release in ski bindings
US4575115A (en) * 1983-05-20 1986-03-11 Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo K.K. Vehicle height control system
JPS61150809A (en) * 1984-12-25 1986-07-09 Mitsubishi Motors Corp Electronic controlled suspension device
EP0221486A2 (en) * 1985-10-26 1987-05-13 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Shock absorber controller
US4693493A (en) * 1985-10-22 1987-09-15 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha System for vehicle body roll control utilizing steering angle detection
US4696483A (en) * 1984-06-26 1987-09-29 Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo K.K. Vehicle suspension apparatus

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4371188A (en) * 1980-06-24 1983-02-01 University Of California Method for programmed release in ski bindings
US4575115A (en) * 1983-05-20 1986-03-11 Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo K.K. Vehicle height control system
US4696483A (en) * 1984-06-26 1987-09-29 Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo K.K. Vehicle suspension apparatus
JPS61150809A (en) * 1984-12-25 1986-07-09 Mitsubishi Motors Corp Electronic controlled suspension device
US4693493A (en) * 1985-10-22 1987-09-15 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha System for vehicle body roll control utilizing steering angle detection
EP0221486A2 (en) * 1985-10-26 1987-05-13 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Shock absorber controller

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2674189A1 (en) * 1991-03-21 1992-09-25 Bonnafoux Alain System for managing the stability of rolling vehicles
WO1994006642A1 (en) * 1991-03-21 1994-03-31 Alain Bonnafoux Stability control system for wheeled vehicles
EP0741051A2 (en) * 1995-05-01 1996-11-06 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Suspension system of automotive vehicle and electric control apparatus for the same
EP0741051A3 (en) * 1995-05-01 1999-01-13 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Suspension system of automotive vehicle and electric control apparatus for the same

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