WO2011091082A2

WO2011091082A2 - Gas spring suspension system with gas dryer regeneration and method

Info

Publication number: WO2011091082A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/021771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brad W. Munchel; Anthony E. Gambrall; Joseph A. Bounds
Original assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, Llc
Priority date: 2010-01-19
Filing date: 2011-01-19
Publication date: 2011-07-28
Also published as: WO2011091082A3

Abstract

A gas spring suspension system can include a pressurized gas control system that includes a pressurized gas source, a plurality of gas spring assemblies and an air dryer or other device suitable for extracting water vapor from air. The air dryer can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the gas spring assemblies such that pressurized gas exhausted from the gas spring assemblies can be used to regenerate desiccant material contained within the air dryer. A method of operation is also included.

Description

GAS SPRING SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH

GAS DRYER REGENERATION AND METHOD

BACKGROUND

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the art of pressurized gas suspension systems and, more particularly, to a pressurized gas control system that is capable of providing gas dryer regeneration as well as a method of operating a pressurized gas suspension system for providing the same.

[0002] The subject matter of the present disclosure finds particular application and use in conjunction with suspension systems of wheeled vehicles, and will be described herein with specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the subject matter of the present disclosure is also amenable to broad use in other applications and environments, and that the specific uses shown and described herein are merely exemplary.

[0003] It is well known that land vehicles of most types and kinds are outfitted with a suspension system that supports a sprung mass of the vehicle (e.g., a body or chassis) on an unsprung mass of the vehicle (e.g., an axle or other wheel-engaging member). Known suspension systems typically include a plurality of spring elements (e.g., coil springs, leaf springs, torsion springs) that are responsive to forces and/or loads acting on the sprung and/or unsprung masses of the vehicle. Additionally, known suspension systems commonly include a plurality of damping members for dissipating energy inputs, such as the forces and/or loads acting on the sprung and/or unsprung masses of the vehicle.

[0004] In an effort to improve performance and/or ride quality of vehicles, suspension systems have been developed that utilize gas spring assemblies that are operative to adjust the height and/or orientation of the sprung mass with respect to the unsprung mass. Air is commonly used as the pressurized gas medium with which such gas spring assemblies are filled to thereby provide the desired spring-like characteristics thereof. While abundant and widely available under most operating conditions, the use of air as the operating medium of pressurized gas suspension systems can also have certain disadvantages.

[0005] One such disadvantage is that air, under most conditions of operation, will include some quantity of water vapor as well as other particulates and/or contaminants. It is well understood that in entry of water vapor and such other particulates into a pressurized gas suspension system can lead to performance degradation and other undesirable operational characteristics. As such, a filtering device is commonly employed to prevent or at least minimi/.e the ingress of particulates into a pressurized gas suspension system. Similarly, air dryers or other water vapor-reduction devices are often included as a component of pressurized gas suspension systems, which helps to minimize the entry of water vapor into the system. In some cases and under certain operating conditions, however, such air dryers can become less effective or even inoperative, such as after prolonged usage and/or during use in high humidity environments. This can result in an undesirable loss in performance of the pressurized gas suspension system due to the increased intake and distribution of water vapor throughout the suspension system. This can also result in the degradation of suspension system components due to the presence of water that may collect in and/or along such components.

[0006] As such, it is believed desirable to develop a pressurized gas suspension system and method that are capable regenerating air dryers or other water vapor- reduction devices in an attempt to overcome the foregoing and/or other disadvantages of known constructions.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] One example of a pressurized gas suspension system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as for operative connection between an associated sprung mass and an associated unsprung mass of an associated vehicle, for example, can include at least one gas spring assembly that includes a spring chamber and a gas communication port in fluid communication with an external atmosphere. A pressurized gas source can be included and can be in fluid communication with the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly. The pressurized gas source can be selectively operable to generate pressurized gas. A gas dryer can be included and can be in fluid communication with the gas communication port and the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly as well as the gas communication port and the pressurized gas source. The gas dryer can include a quantity of desiccant material that is operative to transfer water vapor into or out of gas flowing through the gas dryer. At least one control device can be included and can be operatively interposed in fluid communication between the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly and the gas dryer such that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred from the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly through the gas dryer and out of the gas communication port to draw water vapor out of the desiccant material of the gas dryer and thereby regenerate the desiccant material,

[0008] One example of a pressurized gas control system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as can be operative to selectively transfer pressurized gas into and out of an associated spring chamber of an associated gas spring assembly, for example, can include a gas communication port in fluid communication with an external atmosphere and a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with the gas communication port and selectively operable to generate pressurized gas. A gas dryer can be included and can be in fluid communication with the gas communication port and the pressurized gas source. The gas dryer can include a quantity of desiccant material that is operative to transfer water vapor into or out of gas flowing through the gas dryer. At least one control device can be included and can be in fluid communication the gas dryer. The at least one control device can be adapted for fluid communication with the associated spring chamber of the associated gas spring assembly such that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred from the associated spring chamber of the associated gas spring assembly through the gas dryer and out of the gas communication port to thereby draw water vapor out of the desiccant material of the gas dryer and thereby regenerate the desiccant material.

[0009] One example of a method of operating a pressurized gas suspension system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include providing at least one gas spring assembly including a spring chamber. The method can also include providing a gas communication port in fluid communication with an external atmosphere. The method can further include providing a pressurized gas source that is selectively operable to generate pressurized gas and connecting the pressurized gas source in fluid communication with gas communication port and the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly. The method can also include providing a gas dryer that includes a quantity of desiccant material that is operative to transfer water vapor into or out of gas flowing through the gas dryer and placing the gas dryer in fluid communication with the gas communication port and the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly. The method can further include providing at least one control device and connecting the at least one control device in fluid communication between the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly and the gas dryer. The method can also include selectively operating the at least one control device such that pressurized gas can be transferred from the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly through the gas dryer and out of the gas communication port to draw water vapor out of the desiccant material of the gas dryer and thereby regenerate the desiccant material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle with a gas suspension system that includes one example of a pressurized gas control system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another example of a pressurized gas control system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of still another example of a pressurized gas control system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of still a further example of a pressurized gas control system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Turning now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the present novel concept and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a pressurized gas suspension system 100 operatively disposed between a sprung mass, such as an associated vehicle body BDY, for example, and an unsprung mass, such as an associated wheel WHL or an associated wheel-engaging member WEM, for example, of an associated vehicle VHC. It will be appreciated that any such suspension system can include any number of one or more systems, components and/or devices and that the same can be operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the associated vehicle in any suitable manner. For example, such a suspension system can include a plurality of non-fluid springs NFS and/or a plurality of damping members, such as dampers D P, for example, that can be operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the associated vehicle in any suitable manner.

[0015] Additionally, or in the alternative, a pressurized gas suspension system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure also includes a plurality of gas spring assemblies that are supported between the sprung and unsprung masses of the associated vehicle. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , suspension system 100 includes two gas spring assemblies 102, one of which is disposed toward each corner of a portion of the associated vehicle adjacent a corresponding wheel WHL. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable number of gas spring assemblies could alternately be used in any other suitable configuration or arrangement.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , gas spring assemblies 102 are supported between wheel-engaging members WEM and body BDY of associated vehicle VHC. Additionally, it will be recognized that the gas spring assemblies shown and described herein (e.g., gas spring assemblies 102) are of a rolling lobe-type construction. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable gas spring assembly arrangements and/or construction could alternately be used, such as convoluted bellows-type gas spring assemblies, for example. Regardless of the type and/or kind of gas spring assembly that is used, one characteristic that is common to such gas spring assemblies is that the same include a spring chamber that is substantially fluid-tight and is generally capable of storing pressurized gas for significant durations without substantial pressurized gas loss.

[0017] Suspension system 100 also includes a pressurized gas control system 104 that is operatively associated with the gas spring assemblies for selectively transferring pressurized gas (e.g., air) into and out of the gas spring assemblies. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , pressurized gas control system 104 is shown as including a pressurized gas transfer passage 106 and a pressurized gas source, such as a compressor 108, for example, for generating quantities of pressurized air or other gases. It will be appreciated that the pressurized gas source (e.g., compressor 106) as well as other components, devices and/or systems can be communicatively coupled to a suitable electrical source (not shown) and/or electrical control system (not shown) that may be capable of selectively operating any one of more of such components, devices and/or systems. Optionally, a treatment element 110, such as filter or muffler, for example, can be operatively connected along passage 106, such as to trap particulates carried by inflowing air and/or reduce noise generated by outflowing air, for example. Additionally, the pressurized gas control system can, optionally, include pressurized gas storage chamber, such as a reservoir 112, for example.

[0018] A pressurized gas suspension system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure will also include a water-vapor or moisture-reducing device or system. As one example, pressurized gas control system 104 is shown as including an air or gas dryer 114, such as of the type that may include or otherwise utilize desiccant material to extract water vapor from air. It will be appreciated, however, that water vapor-reducing devices of other types, kind and/or constructions could alternately be used.

[0019] A pressurized gas suspension system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can also include any number of one or more control devices of any suitable type, kind and/or construction as may be capable of selectively controlling the transfer of pressurized gas into, out of and/or through the pressurized gas suspension system. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , for example, one or more spring-biased check valves could be used, such as check valves 116 and 118, for example. Check valves 116 and 118 are shown as being disposed in fluid communication between transfer passage 106 and air dryer 114. In such an arrangement, check valve 116 opens to permit air to be drawn into the pressurized gas control system and check valve 118 opens to permit air to be exhausted from the pressurized gas control system. One advantage of including check valves 116 and 118 is that the same can help to isolate air dryer 114 from the external atmosphere ATM and thereby minimize moisture saturation of the air dryer.

[0020] In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , compressor 108 is in fluid communication with air dryer 114 and reservoir 112 and operatively disposed therebetween. As such, operation of the compressor can cause air from atmosphere ATM to be drawn into the system through check valve 116 and through air dryer 114 before being delivered to reservoir 112 for storage or further fluid transfer downstream to gas spring assemblies 102, such as by way of gas transfer lines 120, for example.

[0021] In some cases, pressurized gas may be transferred directly into and out of the spring chamber of the gas spring assemblies. In other cases, however, one or more control devices can be placed in fluid communication between compressor 108 and/or reservoir 112 and the one or more gas spring assemblies, such as gas spring assemblies 102, for example. It will be appreciated that the control devices can be of any suitable type, kind, configuration and/or construction, and can be operated or otherwise controlled in any suitable manner. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , for example, pressurized gas control system 104 is shown as including a plurality of height control valves 122 that are operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle, such as between wheel-engaging members WEM and body BDY, for example. As the distance between the sprung and unsprung masses change during use of the vehicle, a control arm 124 that is operatively connected to the wheel-engaging members varies the position of a valve arrangement housed within height control valves 122 to alter fluid communication between ports E, D and S of the height control valves.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 , supply ports S of height control valves 122 are fluidically connected to gas transfer lines 120 and are operative to receive pressurized gas from the compressor and/or reservoir. Delivery ports D of the height control valves are fluidically connected with the spring chambers of gas spring assemblies 102 by way of gas transfer lines 126 such that pressurized gas can be transferred into and out of the gas spring assemblies therethrough. Additionally, exhaust ports E of the height control valves are shown as being in fluid communication with air dryer 114, such as by way of gas transfer lines 128. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , a gas transfer line 130 is disposed in fluid communication between air dryer 114 and compressor 108 with gas transfer line 128 connected in fluid communication along gas transfer line 130. It will be appreciated, however, that any other suitable arrangement and/or configuration could alternately be used.

[0023] In a neutral range of positions of height control valves 122, neither supply port S nor exhaust port E will be in fluid communication with delivery port D. As such, pressurized air is not transferred into or out of the gas spring assemblies. As the sprung and unsprung masses move closer to one another from the neutral range of positions, supply port S and delivery port D may be placed in fluid communication with one another and cause pressurized gas to be transferred from the compressor and/or reservoir into the spring chamber of the gas spring assemblies. As the sprung and unsprung masses move away from one another with respect to the neutral range of positions, exhaust port E and delivery port D may be placed in fluid communication with one another such that pressurized gas can flow out of the spring chamber of the gas spring assemblies through gas transfer line 128.

[0024] In a non-operating state, compressor 108 acts as a closed valve. As such, pressurized gas can be exhausted from the spring chamber of the gas spring assemblies and transferred through the height control valves to air dryer 114. Check valve 118 is then forced open such that the pressurized gas can flow through the air dryer and be exhausted from gas transfer passage 106 through treatment element 110. It will be appreciated that the pressurized gas being exhausted from the system will be capable of holding moisture as it passes through the air dryer and, as such, will draw moisture from the desiccant material contained within the air dryer. This moisture will be expelled from the system as the pressurized gas is exhausted from the gas transfer passage. In this manner, the desiccant material contained within the air dryer can be regenerated.

[0025] Another example of a pressurized gas control system 200 in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 2, and can be used in operative association with a corresponding suspension system, such as has been described above in connection with pressurized gas control system 104 of suspension system 100, for example. Pressurized gas control system 200 is similar to pressurized gas control system 104 in that air or gas dryer 202, compressor 204 and reservoir 206 are disposed in fluid communication with one another in the same order. Additionally, pressurized gas control system 200 also includes a plurality of control devices, such as check valves 208 and 210 as well as height control valves 212 that are operatively associated with gas spring assemblies 214. It will be appreciated that such devices and components are substantially similar to those described above in connection with pressurized gas control system 104. As such, a detailed description of these devices is not repeated here.

[0026] Pressurized gas control system 200 differs in several respects relative to pressurized gas control system 104. For example, pressurized gas control system 200 includes a plurality of gas transfer passages 216 and 218 that each include a treatment element 220 and 222 respectively connected therealong. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 2, outside air is drawn into the system through gas transfer passage 216. The outside air passes check valve 208 and reaches dryer 202, compressor 204 and reservoir 206, if provided. Pressurized gas from the compressor and/or reservoir is delivered to height control valves 212 by way of gas transfer lines 224. Additionally, pressurized gas exhausts from the gas spring assemblies and other portions of the system by way of gas transfer lines 226, which are in fluid communication with a gas transfer line 228 that is in fluid communication between the air dryer and the compressor. The pressurized gas can then flow through the air dryer, such as has been deschbed above, for example, and exhausted from the system by forcing open check valve 210 and passing through gas transfer passage 218 to reach the external atmosphere. In this manner, the desiccant material contained within the air dryer can be regenerated.

[0027] Pressurized gas control system 200 also differs from pressurized gas control system 104 in that an operator-actuated air-dump feature is also provided. As such, pressurized gas can be exhausted from the gas spring assemblies in a conventional manner, such as may be used for height control purposes, for example, and the exhausted air can be used to regenerate air dryer 202, such as has been described above. Additionally, pressurized gas can be rapidly evacuated from the gas spring assemblies, such as may be useful for placing a vehicle in a kneeling or dock-height condition, for example, and this air can also be transferred to the external atmosphere by way of the air dryer to further assist in regenerating the drying agent therein.

[0028] In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 2, pressurized gas control system 200 includes control devices 230 that are connected in fluid communication between height control valves 212 and gas spring assemblies 214. It will be appreciated that any suitable control devices can be used. For example, normally- open 3-port/2-position, spring-biased and electrically-actuated valves are shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, an operator-actuated button, switch or other control feature can be provided that will permit the operator to selective activate the air dump feature, such as, for example, a physical switching device or a virtual button on a touch screen display could be used. In the exemplary arrangement shown, an operator- actuated control feature, such as a button 232, for example, could be placed in electrical communication (not shown) with the electric actuators of control devices 230 to permit selective actuation of the same. Additionally, or in the alternative, the pressurized gas source (e.g., compressor 204), the operator-actuated control feature (e.g., button 232) and/or electrical actuators of one or more of the control devices (e.g., control devices 230) as well as other components, devices and/or systems can be communicatively coupled to a suitable electrical source (not shown) and/or electrical control system (not shown) that may be capable of selectively operating any one of more of such components, devices and/or systems.

[0029] In the normally-open position shown in FIG. 2, delivery ports D of height control valves 212 are in fluid communication with the spring chambers of the gas spring assemblies. As such, the pressurized gas control system will operate in a manner substantially similar to that described above with pressurized gas being transferred into and out of the gas spring assemblies as the height of the vehicle changes. However, when the air dump feature is actuated by the operator, the normal-open control device switches position and the spring chamber of the gas spring assemblies is placed into direct fluid communication with the gas transfer passage 226, bypassing height control valves 212. The pressurized gas dumped from the gas spring assemblies is then transferred through the air dryer and out of the system in the manner described above. In this manner, additional regeneration of the desiccant material contained within air dryer 202 can be achieved.

[0030] Another example of a pressurized gas control system 300 in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3, and can be used in operative association with a corresponding suspension system, such as has been described above in connection with pressurized gas control system 104 of suspension system 100, for example. Pressurized gas control system 300 includes many of the same components as pressurized gas control system 200. However, it will be recognized that some of these components have be arranged in a different order than in pressurized gas control system 200. For example, an air or gas dryer 302 is disposed in fluid communication between compressor 304 and reservoir 306. Additionally, a plurality of gas transfer passages 308 and 310 are included that each includes a treatment element 312 and 314 respectively connected therealong. However, gas transfer passage 308 is provided upstream of compressor 304 while gas transfer passage 310 is provided downstream of the compressor. Also, a control device 316 is connected in fluid communication along gas transfer passage 310. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, control device 316 is a normally-closed, 2-port/2-position, spring biased and electrically actuated valve that is selectively operated to permit pressurized gas to be exhausted from the system along gas transfer passage 310. One benefit of such a configuration is that such an action of exhausting pressurized gas from the system can be performed while fluidically isolating air dryer 302 from external atmosphere and preventing pressurized gas losses when the system is in a non-exhaust condition (e.g., when compressor 304 is operational),

[0031] In a manner similar to that described above in connection with pressurized gas control system 200, reservoir 306 is in fluid communication with supply ports S of the height control valves 318 through gas transfer lines 320. Delivery ports D of the height control valves are in fluid communication with gas spring assemblies 322 with control devices 324 fluid ically connected therebetween. Control devices 324 can be of the type and kind described above as control devices 230, and can operate and be selectively actuated or otherwise energized in substantially the same manner. Additionally, an operator-actuated button, switch or other control feature can be provided that will permit the operator to selective activate the air dump feature, such as, for example, a physical switching device or a virtual button on a touch screen display could be used. In the exemplary arrangement shown, an operator-actuated control feature, such as a button 326, for example, could be placed in electrical communication (not shown) with the electric actuators of control devices 324 to permit selective actuation of the same. Additionally, or in the alternative, the pressurized gas source (e.g., compressor 304), the operator- actuated control feature (e.g., button 326) and/or electrical actuators of one or more of the control devices (e.g., control devices 324) as well as other components, devices and/or systems can be communicatively coupled to a suitable electrical source (not shown) and/or electrical control system (not shown) that may be capable of selectively operating any one of more of such components, devices and/or systems.

[0032] When an air dump feature is initiated by the operator, such as by using button 326, for example, exhaust ports E of the height control valves and control devices 324 are placed in fluid communication with one another and with gas transfer lines 328, which are in fluid communication with a gas transfer line 330 fluidically interconnected between air dryer 302 and reservoir 306. In this manner, pressurized gas can be exhausted from the gas spring assemblies to treatment element 314 through air dryer 302 and the desiccant material contained within the air dryer can be regenerated. Check valves 332 and 334 ensure that pressurized gas flows through the system in the intended directions.

[0033] A further example of a pressurized gas control system 400 in accordance, for example, with the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4, and can be used in operative association with a corresponding suspension system, such as has been described above in connection with pressurized gas control system 104 of suspension system 100, for example. Pressurized gas control system 400 includes many of the same components as pressurized gas control systems 200 and 300. However, it will be recognized that some of these components have be arranged in a different order. For example, an air or gas dryer 402 is disposed downstream of both compressor 404 and reservoir 406. Air dryer 402 is in fluid communication with height control valves 408 via gas transfer lines 410. The height control valves are in fluid communication with gas spring devices 414 with control devices 416 disposed therebetween as has been previously described. Exhaust ports E of height control valves 408 are in fluid communication with an external atmosphere via an gas transfer passage 418 that terminates at a treatment device 420.

[0034] A control device 422 similar to control devices 416 is disposed between reservoir 406 and air dryer 402. An operator-actuated button, switch or other control feature can optionally be provided that will permit the operator to selective activate the air dump feature, such as, for example, a physical switching device or a virtual button on a touch screen display could be used. In the exemplary arrangement shown, an operator-actuated control feature, such as a button 424, for example, could be placed in electrical communication (not shown) with the electric actuators of control devices 416 and/or 422 to permit selective actuation of the same. Additionally, or in the alternative, the pressurized gas source (e.g., compressor 404), the operator-actuated control feature (e.g., button 424) and/or electrical actuators of one or more of the control devices (e.g., control devices 416 and/or 422) as well as other components, devices and/or systems can be communicatively coupled to a suitable electrical source (not shown) and/or electrical control system (not shown) that may be capable of selectively operating any one of more of such components, devices and/or systems. Furthermore, a control device 426, which can be similar in construction to control device 316 in FIG. 3, is in fluid communication with reservoir 406 and gas transfer passage 428, and can be selectively energized for use in evacuating fluid collected within the reservoir, such as through a treatment element 430, for example.

[0035] Additionally, it is noted that a standard system consists of an air compressor controlled by a differential pressure switch, an air storage tank, and one or more mechanical height control valves, each controlling one or more air springs. Optionally, a 3/2 valve (3 port, 2 position) is installed between the height control valves and air springs to provide a "dump feature^" whereby the air is exhausted from the springs to lower the vehicle. The invention consists of installing a desiccant air dryer in one of three locations: 1 ) in the air supply line between atmosphere and the compressor inlet; 2) in the air line between the air compressor and the air storage tank; and, 3) in the air line between the air storage tank and the height control valves. The used air that would normally be exhausted from the air springs, through the height control valves to atmosphere is now routed back through the dryer to remove moisture previously trapped in the desiccant.

[0036] Check valves and/or electropneumatic control valves can be included to control the air flow, and in some cases, a simple electronic logic circuit (not shown) could be included, such as to interrupt compressor operation while the air springs are being exhausted and/or for other functions. The electronic logic circuit can be expanded to also control a valve that is momentarily opened to drain any water trapped in the air tank when the dump valves are activated. A pressure sensor (not shown) can be used to trigger a warning light (not shown) to alert the vehicle operator of overload conditions and the logic circuit can be further expanded to add a time delay preventing momentary alerts due to dynamic spring pressure when the vehicle is loaded to near the gross vehicle weight limit.

[0037] As used herein with reference to certain elements, components and/or structures (e.g., "first end" and "second end"), numerical ordinals merely denote different singles of a plurality and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. Additionally, the term "gas" is used herein to broadly refer to any gaseous or vaporous fluid. Most commonly, air is used as the working medium of suspension systems and the components thereof, such as those described herein. However, it will be understood that any suitable gaseous fluid could alternately be used.

[0038] While the subject novel concept has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the structures and structural interrelationships between the component parts of the embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the principles of the subject novel concept. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the present novel concept and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended that the subject novel concept be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS;

1 . A pressurized gas suspension system for operative connection between an associated sprung mass and an associated unsprung mass of an associated vehicle, said pressurized gas suspension system comprising:

at least one gas spring assembly including a spring chamber;

a gas communication port in fluid communication with an external atmosphere;

a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly and selectively operable to generate pressurized gas;

a gas dryer in fluid communication with said gas communication port and said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly, said gas communication port and said pressurized gas source, said gas dryer including a quantity of desiccant material operative to transfer water vapor into or out of gas flowing through said gas dryer; and,

at least one control device operatively interposed in fluid communication between said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly and said gas dryer such that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred from said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly through said gas dryer and out of said gas communication port to draw water vapor out of said desiccant material of said gas dryer and thereby regenerate said desiccant material.

2. A pressurized gas suspension system according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one control device includes a plurality of control devices in fluid communication with one another and with said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly.

3. A pressurized gas suspension system according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of control devices include a first control device and a second control device that are selectively actuatable such that:

in a first condition, said first and second control devices fluidically communicate in series with one another such that pressurized gas can be transferred into said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly; in a second condition, said first control device permits fluid communication therethrough between said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly and said gas dryer, and said second control device inhibits fluid communication therethrough between said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly and said gas dryer; and,

in a third condition, said second control device permits fluid communication therethrough between said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly and said gas dryer, and said first control device inhibits fluid communication therethrough between said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly and said gas dryer.

4. A pressurized gas suspension system according to claim 3, wherein said first control device is a height control valve that is operatively connected between the associated sprung and unsprung masses of the associated vehicle, and said first condition corresponds to a first position of the associated sprung mass relative to the associated unsprung mass, and said second condition corresponds to a second position of the associate sprung mass relative to the associates unsprung mass.

5. A pressurized gas suspension system according to claim 3, wherein said second control device is an electrically-actuatable valve that is selectively actuatable independent of a relative position between the associated sprung and unsprung masses.

6. A pressurized gas suspension system according to claim 5 further comprising an operator-actuated control device communicatively coupled with said electrically-actuatable valve and capable of communicating a control signal thereto for selective actuation thereof.

7. A pressurized gas suspension system according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one gas spring assembly includes a plurality of gas spring assemblies, and said at least one control device include a plurality of control devices with at least two control devices operatively associated with each of said plurality of gas spring assemblies.

8. A pressurized gas control system operative to selectively transfer pressurized gas into and out of an associated spring chamber of an associated gas spring assembly, said pressurized gas control system comprising:

a gas communication port in fluid communication with an external atmosphere;

a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with said gas communication port and selectively operable to generate pressurized gas;

a gas dryer in fluid communication with said gas communication port and said pressurized gas source, said gas dryer including a quantity of desiccant material operative to transfer water vapor into or out of gas flowing through said gas dryer; and,

at least one control device in fluid communication said gas dryer and adapted for fluid communication with the associated spring chamber of the associated gas spring assembly such that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred from the associated spring chamber of the associated gas spring assembly through said gas dryer and out of said gas communication port to thereby draw water vapor out of said desiccant material of said gas dryer and thereby regenerate said desiccant material.

9. A pressurized gas control system according to claim 8, wherein said at least one control device includes a first control device and a second control device in fluid communication with one another, said first and second control devices being selectively actuatable such that:

in a first condition, said first and second control devices fluidically communicate in series with one another such that pressurized gas can be transferred from said pressurized gas source into the spring chamber of the associated gas spring assembly;

in a second condition, said first control device permits fluid communication therethrough such that pressurized gas can be transferred to said gas dryer from the associated spring chamber of the associated gas spring assembly, and said second control device inhibits fluid communication therethrough; and, in a third condition, said second control device permits fluid communication therethrough such that pressurized gas can be transferred to said gas dryer from the associate spring chamber of the associate gas spring assembly, and said first control device inhibits fluid communication therethrough.

10. A pressurized gas control system according to claim 9, wherein said first and second control devices are selectively actuatable such that:

in a fourth condition, said first and second control devices inhibit fluid communication therethrough such that said pressurized gas source and said gas dryer are fluidically isolated from the associated spring chamber of the associated gas spring assembly.

1 1 . A pressurized gas control system according to claim 8, wherein said gas communication port is a first gas communication port and said pressurized gas control system further comprises a second gas communication port in fluid communication with an external atmosphere, and wherein said at least one control device includes an electrically-actuatable valve operatively interposed between said second gas communication port and at least one of said pressurized gas source and said gas dryer.

12. A pressurized gas control system according to claim 1 1 further comprising an operator-actuated control device communicatively coupled with said electrically-actuatable valve and capable of communicating a control signal thereto for selective actuation thereof.

13. A pressurized gas control system according to claim 8, wherein said pressurized gas source is an electrically-operated compressor that is operatively interposed in fluid communication between said gas communication port and said gas dryer such that said compressor can function as a closed-valve in conditions of non-operation.

14. A pressurized gas control system according to claim 8, wherein said pressurized gas source is an electrically-operated compressor and said pressurized gas control system further includes a storage reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of said compressor, said gas dryer and said at least one control device.

15. A method of operating a pressurized gas suspension system, said method comprising:

providing at least one gas spring assembly including a spring chamber; providing a gas communication port in fluid communication with an external atmosphere;

providing a pressurized gas source selectively operable to generate pressurized gas and connecting said pressurized gas source in fluid communication with said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly;

providing a gas dryer including a quantity of desiccant material operative to transfer water vapor into or out of gas flowing through said gas dryer and placing said gas dryer in fluid communication with said gas communication port and said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly;

providing at least one control device and connecting said at least one control device in fluid communication between said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly and said gas dryer; and,

selectively operating said at least one control device such that pressurized gas can be transferred from said spring chamber of said at least one gas spring assembly through said gas dryer and out of said gas communication port to draw water vapor out of said desiccant material of said gas dryer and thereby regenerate said desiccant material.