Gas spring sensor using millimeter wave length radar, and gas spring assembly and suspension system including same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a gas spring sensor (126; 268); 376, 376; 500), the gas spring sensor comprising a millimeter wave radar source (272; 382; 382; 502) and a target surface (282; 284, 284; 284 '; 388; 388; 390), the target surface and the radar source (272; 382; 382; 502) are arranged in a spaced relationship. The sensor (126; 268); 376, 376; 500) further comprises a millimeter wave radar receptor (274; 384, 384; 512) operable to generate a signal upon receiving radar waves reflected away from the target surface. The radar source is operable to direct millimeter length radar waves having a frequency greater than or equal to 120 gigahertz (GHz) and a wavelength of 2.5 millimeters or less toward the target surface. The processor (122; 528) is communicatively coupled with the radar source and the radar receptor and is operable to determine the displacement and relative velocity using a pulse Doppler or continuous wave frequency modulated radar method dependent on the time of flight and frequency phase shift of pulse or continuous radar waves. Also included is a gas spring assembly (102; 200); 304) and a suspension system (100) including one or more of such gas spring assemblies.

Description

Background technique [0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates broadly to the field of pneumatic devices, such as gas spring assemblies, which include millimeter-wave radar technology operative to generate Internal sensors of signals, data, and / or other outputs having some relationship to displacement (also referred to as "height" or "distance"), velocity, and / or acceleration associated with the gas spring assembly. Also included are gas spring assemblies including such millimeter wave radar sensors, and suspension systems and / or vehicle systems including one or more of such gas spring assemblies. [0002] It should be appreciated that the subject sensors, and gas spring assemblies and suspension systems including one or more of such sensors, are suitable for use in a wide variety of applications and environments. Suitable applications and / or uses may include, by way of example, vehicle suspension systems, cabin mounting arrangements, and seat suspensions, s...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While in some cases this system can overcome some of the disadvantages associated with using ultrasonic height sensors, these systems still may not provide the fine resolution and update rates required by modern gas spring control systems for vehicles and other applications. height measurement

Additionally, in some cases such known radar displacement sensors may not yet be able to provide the quality and type of information required by modern vehicle control systems, such as with respect to Information on the velocity, acceleration and / or angle of movement and / or position of the target relative to the source in packages and systems suitable for communication with it, which may be installed in modern gas springs

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