Luminescent coatings for elements of suspension assemblies

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a luminescent coating for an element of a suspension assembly. The suspension assembly may include: a suspension element operably coupling a chassis to a wheel assembly of the vehicle; and a coating operably coupled to the exposed portion of the suspension element, the coating being compressed or displaced in response to a suspension event. The coating, when energized, can emit light to illuminate the suspension element and an area proximate to the suspension element.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Example embodiments relate generally to suspension assembly components, and more particularly to a coating for a suspension assembly element. BACKGROUND

[0002] Suspension assemblies are an important aspect of a vehicle to an operator. When a portion of a suspension assembly is exposed, the illuminated portion of the suspension assembly can visually highlight a particular suspension element. Standard illumination via LEDs adds complexity to the suspension assembly. As such, a luminescent coating that can be applied to a suspension element without LEDs can be desirable. SUMMARY

[0003] According to one example embodiment, a suspension assembly of a vehicle can be provided. The suspension assembly can include a suspension element operably coupling a chassis to a wheel assembly of the vehicle, and a coating operably coupled to an exposed portion of the suspension element, the coating being compressed or displaced in response to a suspension event. The coating can emit light when energized to illuminate the suspension element and an area proximate the suspension element.

[0004] In another example embodiment, a suspension element for operably coupling a chassis to a wheel assembly of a vehicle can be provided. The suspension element can include a first interface portion in contact with a chassis component, a second interface portion in contact with a wheel assembly component, a reaction portion disposed between the first interface portion and the second interface portion to be displaced or compressed in response to a suspension event, an exposed portion externally visible when the suspension event occurs, and a coating operably coupled to the exposed portion of the suspension element, the coating being displaced or compressed in response to the suspension event. The coating can emit light when energized to illuminate the suspension element and an area proximate the suspension element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Having thus described the application in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of a suspension assembly of a vehicle according to one example embodiment; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a suspension assembly according to one example embodiment; Figure 3 depicts a cross-section of a suspension assembly according to one example embodiment; and FIG. 4 (including Figure 4A and Figure 4BFIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a suspension element, according to one example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Some example embodiments can be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, applicability, or configuration. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Additionally, as used herein, the term "or" is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling is to be understood to involve direct or indirect connection, in either case the connection achieving functional interconnection of components operably coupled to one another.

[0007] Some example embodiments described herein can address the above-mentioned problems. In this regard, for example, some embodiments can provide a coating for a suspension element of a vehicle. Thus, the addition of the coating can provide illumination for the suspension element.

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram of a suspension assembly 100 of a vehicle 110 is illustrated, according to one example embodiment. As shown in Figure 1 In some cases, the vehicle 110 can include a chassis 120, as shown in FIG. 1. In one example embodiment, the chassis 120 can be a frame or body of the vehicle 110. In some cases, the chassis 120 or frame can support the vehicle 110 and / or can form the base structure of the vehicle. In one example embodiment, the chassis 120 and / or frame can be formed from one or more cast sub-frames, and the suspension element 200 can be operably coupled to the frame 120 or chassis to help operably couple the wheel assembly 130 to the frame 120 or chassis.

[0009] In some cases, the suspension element 200 can be various different components within the suspension assembly 100 of the vehicle 110. In one example embodiment, the suspension element 200 can be a spring. For example, the suspension element 200 can be a coil spring, a gas spring, a torsion spring, or any number of different types of springs (i.e., leaf springs) that can be present within the suspension assembly 100. In some cases, the coil spring and / or gas spring can be components of a suspension damper for the suspension assembly 100. The suspension damper can be used to absorb compression and rebound loads along a longitudinal axis of the suspension damper. In this regard, the suspension damper can significantly limit the oscillation and vibration of the vehicle 110 by dampening the articulation of the wheel assembly 130 such that the articulation of the wheel assembly 130 is not directly transmitted to the chassis 120 of the vehicle 110.

[0010] In one example embodiment, the suspension damper can be a vertical damper, which in some other cases can be referred to as a shock absorber. In some cases, the suspension damper can include both a coil spring and a pneumatic spring. For example, the coil spring can surround the pneumatic spring to assist in vehicle damping. In one example embodiment, when the vehicle traverses uneven terrain and the wheel assembly 130 articulates toward the chassis 120, the suspension damper can compress due to a compression load force. In some cases, the suspension damper can be a mono-tube shock absorber, a double-tube shock absorber, or an air bag shock absorber, depending on the type of vehicle 110 or desired damping control. In one example embodiment, the suspension damper can be active, semi-active, or passive. In one example embodiment, an active damper or semi-active damper can utilize measurements from the sensor suite of the vehicle 110 to adjust the suspension damper accordingly.

[0011] In some cases, the suspension element 200 can be a torsion spring. In one example embodiment, the torsion spring can be a torsion bar and a torsion spring suspension assembly or a torsion bar suspension assembly. In some cases, the suspension element 200 can be other elements within the suspension assembly 100, including but not limited to a stabilizer bar, a control arm, a steering knuckle, a suspension sleeve, a suspension bellows, a suspension cover, or a suspension bushing. The suspension sleeve, suspension bellows, and suspension cover can be disposed on a coil spring or can be elements of a suspension damper. In one example embodiment, the suspension element 200 can be a plurality of suspension elements. For example, there can be a plurality of coil springs or suspension dampers within the suspension assembly 100.

[0012] In some cases, suspension element 200 may be operatively coupled to control module 140. In one example embodiment, control module 140 may be a controller. In some cases, control module 140 may include one or more control modules (i.e., sub-control modules or operatively coupled to other control modules). Control module 140 may include processing circuitry including a processor and memory. The processing circuitry may be configured to provide electronic control inputs to one or more functional units of suspension assembly 100 and to process data received at or generated by one or more functional units of suspension assembly 100. Thus, according to example embodiments, the processing circuitry may be configured to perform data processing, control function execution, and / or other processing and management services. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a chip or chipset. In other words, the processing circuitry may include one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) comprising materials, components, and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a substrate). The structural assembly may provide limitations on physical strength, size savings, and / or electrical interactions for the component circuitry included thereon. Therefore, in some cases, the processing circuitry can be configured to implement embodiments of the invention on a single chip or as a single "system-on-a-chip." Consequently, in some cases, a chip or chipset can constitute a component for performing one or more operations to provide the functionality described herein. In one example embodiment, other vehicle control modules may include similar processing circuitry.

[0013] The control module 140 can be operatively connected to the suspension element 200 and other vehicle components via a variety of methods. The control module 140 can transmit and receive information from vehicle components using wired or wireless communication. In some cases, the control module 140 can receive information from other vehicle control modules connected to the vehicle 110 or from external control modules (i.e., databases, service centers, subscription providers, etc.).

[0014] In one example embodiment, suspension element 200 may be operatively coupled to coating 150. Ooperative coupling of coating 150 to suspension element 200 may mean that coating 150 may be applied to suspension element 200. Coating 150 may be operatively coupled to any number of portions of suspension element 200. In some cases, coating 150 may be operatively coupled to suspension assembly 100 and / or other components of vehicle 110. In one example embodiment, coating 150 may be single-layered or multi-layered. In some cases, coating 150 may provide corrosion resistance to suspension element 200 and / or suspension assembly 100. Coating 150 may be polymer-based, and coating 150 may have elasticity that allows suspension element 200 and / or suspension assembly 100 to move without interrupting the coverage of coating 150. Coating 150 may also be applied to other components of vehicle 110, such as, but not limited to, wheel hubs.

[0015] In some cases, suspension element 200 and coating 150 may be operatively coupled to integrated circuit 160 and sensor 170. In one example embodiment, integrated circuit 160 and sensor 170 may be embedded within coating 150. In one example embodiment, integrated circuit 160 may include sensor 170. In some cases, sensor 170 may be a sensor suite and may include multiple sensors. In one example embodiment, sensor 170 may provide active suspension telemetry data to control module 140 of vehicle 110 in real time. Sensor 170 may be a strain gauge, displacement sensor, position sensor, thermal sensor, torque sensor, or any other sensor that can provide suspension data, vehicle data, or environmental data to vehicle 110. Control module 140 may utilize the active suspension telemetry data to adjust vehicle mode or suspension assembly 100 based on specific data received. Active suspension telemetry data may be a single data input from a larger pool of data that control module 140 can use to adjust vehicle 110.

[0016] Figure 2 A perspective view of a suspension assembly according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 3A cross-section of a suspension assembly according to an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a suspension element according to an example embodiment. In some cases, the suspension element 200 may include a first interface portion 201 and a second interface portion 202. The first interface portion 201 may contact the chassis 120 and / or operatively connect the suspension element 200 to the chassis 120. The second interface portion 202 may contact the wheel assembly 130 and / or operatively connect the suspension element 200 to the wheel assembly. For example, if the suspension element 200 is a coil spring, the first distal end of the coil spring may be the first interface portion 201 to operatively connect the chassis 120 and the suspension element 200, and the second distal end of the coil spring may be the second interface portion 202 to operatively connect the suspension element 200 and the wheel assembly 130.

[0017] In another example, if the suspension element 200 is a suspension bushing, the outer surface of the suspension bushing may be a first interface portion 201, and the inner surface of the suspension bushing may be a second interface portion 202. In some cases, the first interface portion 201 may be the inner surface of the suspension bushing, and the second interface portion 202 may be the outer surface of the suspension bushing. In one example embodiment, the first interface portion 201 and the second interface portion 202 may be operatively coupled to other suspension assembly components to operatively couple the suspension element 200 to the chassis 120 and the wheel assembly 130, respectively. In some cases, other suspension assembly components may include suspension bushings, spring supports / stops, or any other connection / attachment mechanism that can operatively couple the suspension element 200 to the chassis 120 and the wheel assembly 130.

[0018] In one example embodiment, suspension element 200 may include a reaction portion 203. The reaction portion 203 may be disposed between the first interface portion 201 and the second interface portion 202. In some cases, the reaction portion 203 may not need to be directly disposed between the first interface portion 201 and the second interface portion 202. For example, the reaction portion 203 may be disposed close to the first interface portion 201 and the second interface portion 202. The reaction portion 203 may displace or be compressed in response to a suspension event. A suspension event can be any event that may cause the suspension assembly 100 to displace or compress. For example, a suspension event may be caused by the vehicle 110 experiencing a rough driving surface or by the vehicle 110 off-road. For example, as shown in FIG4, if suspension element 200 is a spring, then suspension element 200 may be a spring. Figure 4A The undisplaced spring 401 prior to the suspension event. In response to the suspension event, the undisplaced spring 401 can be compressed to such a degree. Figure 4BThe spring is positioned as a shift spring 402. The reaction portion 203 can be the main part of the spring that changes between the non-shifted spring 401 and the shifted spring 402 in response to a suspension event. In one example embodiment, the suspension event can be caused by the vehicle 110 via the control module 140.

[0019] In some cases, suspension element 200 may include an exposed portion 204. The exposed portion 204 of suspension element 200 is visible from the exterior of vehicle 110 when a suspension event occurs. In one example embodiment, the exposed portion 204 may be a percentage, a portion, or may overlap with the reaction portion 203 of suspension element 200. In some cases, the exposed portion 204 and / or the reaction portion 203 of suspension element 200 may be a percentage, a portion, or may overlap with the first interface portion 201 and the second interface portion 202 of suspension element 200.

[0020] In some cases, coating 150 may be operatively coupled to the reaction portion 203 of suspension element 200. In one example embodiment, coating 150 may be operatively coupled to the exposed portion 204 of suspension element 200. In some cases, coating 150 may be operatively coupled to a portion of suspension element 200 that includes both the reaction portion 203 and the exposed portion 204. Coating 150 may be operatively coupled to various portions of suspension element 200, including but not limited to the first interface portion 201, the second interface portion 202, the reaction portion 203, and the exposed portion 204.

[0021] In one example embodiment, coating 150 may emit light. Coating 150 may emit light when powered to illuminate suspension element 200 and / or the area near suspension element 200 (i.e., suspension assembly 100 or other vehicle components / environment). Coating 150 may emit light based on its electroluminescent properties. In some cases, a variety of different methods and materials can provide electroluminescent properties to coating 150. For example, electroluminescent properties can be added to coating 150 via zinc sulfide compositions with different types of additional metals. For example, depending on the type of metal added with the zinc sulfide composition (i.e., copper, silver, manganese, etc.), the color and other properties of the electroluminescent properties of coating 150 may vary.

[0022] In one example embodiment, coating 150 may emit light only when powered. In some cases, coating 150 may be powered via a wired connection to one or more on-board power sources of vehicle 110. In some cases, the one or more on-board power sources of vehicle 110 may be the main battery or other batteries of vehicle 110. In one example embodiment, the one or more on-board power sources may be the main power source for other vehicle components, including but not limited to control module 140, vehicle sensor suites, and other powertrain / vehicle components. In some cases, the one or more on-board power sources may be integrated within suspension element 200. For example, suspension element 200 may include its own battery or power source.

[0023] In some cases, coating 150 may be powered via a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may utilize the movement or displacement of suspension element 200 and convert the movement or displacement of suspension element 200 into electrical energy. In one example embodiment, the movement or displacement of suspension element 200 may be the compression, relaxation, and / or displacement of a spring at the reaction portion 203 of suspension element 200, and may be converted into electrical energy via a piezoelectric element.

[0024] In some cases, coating 150 may be powered via a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can utilize heat generated by movement or displacement of suspension element 200 and convert that heat into electrical energy. In one example embodiment, movement or displacement of suspension element 200 may be compression of a spring at the reaction portion 203 of suspension element 200, and the heat generated by this compression can be converted into electrical energy via a thermoelectric element. In some cases, coating 150 may be powered via a radio frequency (RF) power element. The RF power element may be a wireless power delivery element that picks up low-intensity radio frequency waves from a source and converts the energy of the waves into electrical energy.

[0025] In one example embodiment, one or more on-board power sources, piezoelectric elements, and / or thermoelectric elements can directly supply power to coating 150 to utilize / activate its electroluminescent properties. In this respect, coating 150 can emit light without the need for explicit lighting elements or LEDs. The lack of explicit lighting elements or LEDs allows for lower complexity in the construction, assembly, or installation of the suspension assembly 100. In some cases, one or more on-board power sources, piezoelectric elements, and / or thermoelectric elements may be included together with and / or incorporated into integrated circuit 160. In one example embodiment, one or more on-board power sources, piezoelectric elements, and / or thermoelectric elements may be embedded within coating 150.

[0026] Integrated circuit 160 may include wires, one or more electrical connections, sensor circuitry, sensor hardware, and any other type of circuitry that can provide additional functionality to suspension element 200 and suspension assembly 100. In some cases, one or more electrical connections of suspension element 200 may be operatively coupled to other components of vehicle 110 (i.e., control module 140). In one example embodiment, one or more electrical connections may be located at a substantially stationary portion of suspension element 200. Substantially stationary can be considered as being stationary relative to other portions of suspension element 200, or as said portion having a displacement of less than 10 cm from its initial position. The substantially stationary portion of suspension element 200 may be a first interface portion 201 and / or a second interface portion 202. Positioning one or more electrical connections at a substantially stationary portion of suspension element 200 ensures the safety of one or more electrical connections because limited movement at the substantially stationary portion prevents accidental disconnection of one or more electrical connections.

[0027] In some cases, conductive ink printing can form the integrated circuit 160 of suspension element 200. Conductive ink printing can apply very precise circuitry to a variety of objects, including fabrics and rigid objects, using an inkjet printer. The conductive ink can be a liquid-based ink. Using conductive ink printing, computer-aided design (CAD) of circuitry or electronics can be directly incorporated during or after the main manufacturing or assembly process of suspension element 200 or suspension assembly 100 without loss of specificity. Conductive ink printing can include conductive inks composed of conductive metal fillers and polymer resins. The conductive metal fillers can provide both electrical and thermal properties. For example, the conductive metal filler can be silver, as conductive inks need to be easily liquefied at relatively low temperatures (i.e., 500℉ or lower) while maintaining their conductivity throughout the printing process and application. In some cases, depending on the application, the temperature threshold can be higher (i.e., 2000℉ or lower). The polymer resin can provide mechanical strength and flexibility when applying conductive ink printing. For example, silver nitrate can be a commonly used ink for conductive ink printing. Forming the integrated circuit 160 via conductive ink printing allows for increased flexibility in the suspension element 200 and suspension assembly 100. Furthermore, conductive ink printing facilitates the integration of the integrated circuit 160. Conductive ink printing can also be a form of conductive ink coating.

[0028] In some cases, sensor 170 can be embedded within coating 150 via conductive ink printing. For example, if sensor 170 is a strain gauge, a specific strain gauge pattern can be integrated within coating 150. Conductive ink printing can facilitate the integration of specific and / or complex strain gauge patterns within suspension element 200. The position of sensor 170 within suspension element 200 can also vary. For example, sensor 170 can be positioned at a location on suspension element 200 where it is likely to experience maximum displacement. For example, if suspension element 200 is a coil spring with a vertical damper, sensor 170 can be positioned at the distal end of the coil spring closest to wheel assembly 130. In some cases, this position can be the reaction portion 203 of suspension element 200 to provide real-time data on compression and / or displacement of suspension element 200. In one example embodiment, sensor 170 can be positioned at a location on suspension element 200 that provides specific data for suspension assembly 100. For example, in some cases, if the suspension element 200 is a coil spring for a vertical damper, the sensor 170 can provide spring displacement data for end-stop control of the suspension element 200. In one example embodiment, the sensor 170 may be located at any part of the suspension element 200, including a first interface portion 201, a second interface portion 202, a reaction portion 203, and / or an exposed portion 204.

[0029] In some cases, sensor 170 can detect the presence of a suspension event and / or be used to classify the type of suspension event. In one example embodiment, the suspension event can be classified via the amount of displacement or compression of suspension element 200. In some cases, the intensity of light emitted from suspension element 200 can vary in response to a suspension event. For example, if no suspension event occurs, suspension element 200 may not emit light. However, if a suspension event is occurring, suspension element 200 may emit light in response to the suspension event.

[0030] In some cases, the intensity of light emitted from suspension element 200 can vary proportionally with suspension events. For example, if suspension element 200 is a spring and the suspension event is spring compression, the intensity of the emitted light can increase with increasing spring compression. Conversely, the intensity of the emitted light can decrease with decreasing spring compression. In one example embodiment, the intensity of light emitted from suspension element 200 can be inversely proportional to the suspension event.

[0031] In some cases, the intensity of light emitted from suspension element 200 may vary based on events and / or commands other than suspension events. In one example embodiment, the intensity of light emitted from suspension element 200 may vary based on the time of day or the amount of sunlight / light around vehicle 110. In some cases, the intensity of light emitted from suspension element 200 may vary based on input from control module 140. Input from control module 140 may be from the vehicle operator or based on data from sensors 170 of vehicle 110, and may be automatic.

[0032] In one example embodiment, if suspension element 200 is a spring, coating 150 can adjust the multi-rate spring characteristic of the spring. In some cases, the multi-rate spring characteristic can be a change in the spring constant as the spring is displaced. The spring constant can be a measure of the amount of force required to compress the spring a certain distance. For example, as shown in Figure 4, suspension element 200 can be a spring. Figure 4A As shown, the undisplaced spring 401 can be a suspension element 200 prior to a suspension event. The undisplaced spring 401 can have a first spring constant. In response to a suspension event, the undisplaced spring 401 can displace to, as shown in the diagram. Figure 4B The state is represented by the shift spring 402. The shift spring 402 may have a second spring constant. In some cases, the first spring constant may be greater than the second spring constant (i.e., the spring constant decreases as the spring shifts / compresses). In one example embodiment, the difference between the first spring constant and the second spring constant may be proportional to the suspension event (i.e., the amount of displacement / compression of the suspension element 200).

[0033] In some cases, the thickness of coating 150 can adjust the multi-rate spring characteristics. The thickness of coating 150 can vary based on the desired characteristics of the spring (i.e., a first spring constant, a second spring constant, etc.). In one example embodiment, the thickness of coating 150 can vary throughout the suspension element 200. For example, the thickness of coating 150 can be increased at the reaction portion 203 of the suspension element 200 compared to the first interface portion 201 and the second interface portion 202.

[0034] In some cases, light emitted from suspension element 200 can enhance specific images, logos, or text on suspension element 200. For example, a company logo or vehicle model can be illuminated by the emitted light. In one example embodiment, whole or part of suspension element 200 and / or suspension assembly 100 can be manufactured via additive manufacturing.

[0035] Therefore, a suspension assembly for a vehicle can be provided. The suspension assembly may include: suspension elements operatively connecting a chassis to a wheel assembly of the vehicle; and a coating operatively connected to exposed portions of the suspension elements, the coating being compressed or displaced in response to suspension events. The coating may emit light when energized to illuminate the suspension elements and areas adjacent to them.

[0036] The suspension assembly of a vehicle in some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, extensions, etc., to achieve further objectives or enhance the performance of the propulsion system. These additional features, modifications, extensions, etc., can be added in any combination of each other. The following is a list of various additional features, modifications, and extensions, which can be added individually or in any combination of each other. For example, suspension elements may be coil springs, leaf springs, air springs, stabilizer bars, torsion springs, control arms, steering hubs, suspension sleeves, suspension bellows, suspension covers, or suspension bushings. In some cases, light may be emitted based on the electroluminescent properties of the coating. In one example embodiment, the coating may be powered via a wired connection to one or more onboard power sources of the vehicle. In some cases, the coating may be powered via a piezoelectric element. In one example embodiment, the coating may be powered via a radio frequency (RF) power element. In some cases, the suspension element may include an integrated circuit embedded within the coating. In one example embodiment, the integrated circuit may include one or more electrical connections to other components of the vehicle, and these electrical connections may be located at a substantially stationary portion of the suspension element. In some cases, the integrated circuit can be formed via conductive ink coating. In one example embodiment, the integrated circuit may include a sensor that can provide active suspension telemetry data to the vehicle's control module in real time. In some cases, the sensor may be a strain gauge. In one example embodiment, the intensity of light may vary in response to a suspension event. In some cases, the intensity of light may vary proportionally with the suspension event. In one example embodiment, the suspension event may be the amount of displacement or compression of a suspension element. In some cases, the suspension element may be a spring, the coating may adjust the multi-rate spring characteristics of the spring, and the multi-rate spring characteristics may be the change in the spring constant when the spring is displaced. In one example embodiment, the thickness of the coating may adjust the multi-rate spring characteristics. In some cases, the coating may be an elastic coating. In one example embodiment, the coating may provide corrosion resistance to the suspension element. In some cases, the reaction portion and the exposed portion may at least partially overlap.

[0037] A suspension element for operatively connecting a chassis to a wheel assembly of a vehicle according to an example embodiment may be provided. The suspension element may include: a first interface portion that contacts a chassis component; a second interface portion that contacts a wheel assembly component; a reaction portion disposed between the first and second interface portions to displace or be compressed in response to a suspension event; an exposed portion that is externally visible when the suspension event occurs; and a coating operatively attached to the exposed portion of the suspension element, the coating displaced or compressed in response to the suspension event. The coating may emit light when energized to illuminate the suspension element and an area adjacent to the suspension element.

[0038] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will conceive of many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein, benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments have been described in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions in the foregoing description and associated drawings, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated, for example, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some exemplary embodiments but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, essential, or necessary for all embodiments or the embodiments claimed herein. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A suspension assembly of a vehicle, wherein the suspension assembly comprises: a suspension element operably coupling a chassis to a wheel assembly of the vehicle; and a coating operably coupled to an exposed portion of the suspension element, the coating being compressed or displaced in response to a suspension event, wherein the coating emits light when energized to illuminate the suspension element and an area proximate to the suspension element.

2. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the suspension element is a coil spring, a leaf spring, a gas spring, a stabilizer bar, a torsion spring, a control arm, a steering hub, a suspension sleeve, a suspension bellows, a suspension cover, or a suspension bushing.

3. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the light is emitted based on an electroluminescent property of the coating.

4. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the coating is powered by a wired connection to one or more onboard power sources of the vehicle.

5. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the coating is powered via a piezoelectric element.

6. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the coating is powered via a radio frequency (RF) power element.

7. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the suspension element further comprises an integrated circuit embedded within the coating.

8. The suspension assembly of claim 7, wherein the integrated circuit comprises one or more electrical connections to other components of the vehicle, and wherein the one or more electrical connections are disposed at a substantially stationary portion of the suspension element.

9. The suspension assembly of claim 7, wherein the integrated circuit is formed via conductive ink printing.

10. The suspension assembly of claim 7, wherein the integrated circuit further comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor provides active suspension telemetry data to a control module of the vehicle in real-time, and wherein the sensor is a strain gauge.

11. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein an intensity of the light varies in response to the suspension event, wherein the intensity of the light varies proportionally to the suspension event, and wherein the suspension event is an amount of displacement or compression of the suspension element.

12. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the suspension element is a spring, wherein the coating adjusts a multi-rate spring characteristic of the spring, wherein the multi-rate spring characteristic is a change in spring constant as the spring is displaced, and wherein a thickness of the coating adjusts the multi-rate spring characteristic.

13. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the coating is an elastomeric coating, or wherein the coating provides corrosion resistance to the suspension element.

14. A suspension element for operably coupling a chassis to a wheel assembly of a vehicle, the suspension element comprising: a first interface portion in contact with a chassis component; a second interface portion in contact with a wheel assembly component; a reaction portion disposed between the first interface portion and the second interface portion to be displaced or compressed in response to a suspension event; ​ an exposed portion, the exposed portion being externally visible upon the suspension event occurring; and a coating, operably coupled to the exposed portion of the suspension element, the coating being displaced or compressed in response to a suspension event, wherein the coating emits light upon energization to illuminate the suspension element and an area proximate the suspension element.

15. The suspension element of claim 14, wherein the reaction portion and the exposed portion at least partially overlap.

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