Automated suspension system

Abstract

A suspension system for towed vehicles automatically adjusts for different payloads and road conditions without the need for manual shims used in prior art suspensions. automatically adjusts a mechanical bias on the vehicle to keep the suspension within a preferred ride height range. A hydraulic cylinder between the frames of the towing and the towed vehicles provides a mechanical biasing force to the towed vehicle. A sensor measures the ride height and causes the hydraulic cylinder to retract or extend according to the bias needed to maintain the suspension in the preferred ride height range.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a vehicle suspension system, and in particular to a suspension system for towed vehicles such as trailers, jeeps and dollies.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Vehicle suspension systems are important for both maintaining vehicle control and for isolating a vehicle's contents from bumps and vibrations caused by imperfections in the road. Typical suspension systems may utilize one or more of springs, shock absorbers (or dampers), hydraulic cylinders and air bags.[0003]Isolating the vehicle's contents from bumps and vibrations caused by road imperfections allows the vehicle to ride relatively undisturbed. Suspension systems are designed to absorb the energy generated when the vehicle rides over unevenness on the road and to dissipate the energy without causing undue vertical movement of the vehicle body.[0004]A proper suspension system also assists in maintaining vehicle control by minimizing weight transfer of the vehicle fro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a suspension system for a dolly that uses a hydraulic cylinder with a piston to adjust the frame's position relative to the axle. A sensor measures the distance between the axle and the frame to determine the ride height, and a controller automatically operates the hydraulic cylinder to change the frame's position to control the ride height. This allows for precise adjustment of the frame's position to ensure a safe and comfortable ride for the dolly's load. The invention also includes a history of recent ride height readings, which can be used to adjust the frame's position based on the vehicle's current needs."

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the entire load is borne by the remaining axles which may damage the dolly, and cause reduced brake performance or even loss of control if the axles are self-steering.

The manual removal and insertion of shims according to the payload is time-consuming.

This change in distribution can affect the ride height and create handling problems.

If the bumps on the road are extreme, the air suspension system may be driven outside the air bag performance zone, bottom out and cease to provide suspension.

This condition has a negative impact on the handling of the dolly and may lead to damage to the suspension and to the dolly.

This usually results in a violent jolt to the dolly, which is uncomfortable and potentially damaging to the cargo.

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