Driveline angle control assembly and method for controlling driveline angles in a vehicle
US6345826B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2800/91
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for automatically controlling angles in a driveline of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes an air-wide suspension system, and the driveline includes a drive shaft driven through a universal joint. The universal joint produces a rotational velocity that is detected by a sensor of a control assembly. A controller, also part of the control assembly, converts the rotational velocity into alternating rotational acceleration and deceleration of the drive shaft. Once quantified, the acceleration and deceleration of the drive shaft is compared to determine any changes in rotational acceleration. In response to any changes in rotational acceleration, the air-ride suspension system is adjusted to control the driveline angle at one end of the drive shaft such that the driveline angle at one end is balanced relative to the driveline angle at the other end of the drive shaft, and noise, vibration, fatigue, or failure of the drive shaft is reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.