Tension actuator load suspension system
US4826206A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 1987 |
| Grant date | May 2, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2400/822
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tension actuator suspension system is disclosed, providing control over the elevation of a load suspended from a reference system, as well as over the compliance of the suspension system. As employed in a vehicle suspension system, a preferred arrangement employs radially expansible, axially contractible tension actuators exhibiting tensile forces that decrease nonlinearly as each contracts. An antagonistic actuator pair is arranged in opposition between the chassis and each wheel of the vehicle. Air is supplied to the actuators from a compressor and accumulator by lines under the control of pressure regulator valves. Manual or automatic inputs allow the adjustment of both vehicle chassis elevation and suspension system compliance individually with respect to each wheel. Furthermore, automatic sensors are provided to detect roll, pitch, steering angle, vehicle velocity, wheel traction, braking forces and bumps experienced by the chassis and a microprocessor responds by producing the appropriate suspension system response. Ranging sensors are further employed to provide anticipatory response of the system to upcoming road surface variations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.