Communication modules as well as gas spring assemblies and vehicle systems including same
AssigneeFirestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
InventorGraham R. Brookes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A communication and power transmission module includes a communication connection portion adapted for communicative coupling with an associated controller. A wireless power and communication portion is adapted for communicative coupling with an associated sensing device operatively associated with an associated suspension component and/or an associated wheel. The wireless power and communication portion is operable to communicate wireless data and/or signals to and/or from the associated sensing device and operable to wirelessly transmit power to the associated sensing device. Gas spring assemblies and vehicles including one or more of such communication and power transmission modules are also included.
Claims20
A gas spring assembly dimensioned for securement to an associated vehicle component adjacent an associated wheel that has an associated sensing device operatively associated therewith, said gas spring assembly comprising:
- a flexible spring member having a longitudinal axis, said flexible spring member extending lengthwise between opposing first and second ends and peripherally about said longitudinal axis to at least partially define a spring chamber;
- a first end member secured across said first end of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween;
- a second end member secured across said second end of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween;
- a gas spring sensing device adapted to communicate outputs having a relation to a property of said gas spring assembly;
- and,
- a communication and power transmission module supported on one of said first and second end members, said module including:
- a communication connection portion communicative coupled with an associated controller by way of one of a wireless connection and a wired connection that includes at least one electrical conductor;
- a sensor connection portion communicatively coupled with said gas spring sensing device;
- and,
- a wireless power and communication portion adapted for communicative coupling with the associated sensing device of the associated wheel, said wireless power and communication portion operable to communicate wireless data and/or signals to and/or from the associated sensing device of the associated wheel and operable to wirelessly transmit power to the associated sensing device of the associated wheel.
A gas spring assembly dimensioned for securement to an associated vehicle component adjacent an associated wheel that has an associated axis of rotation and an associated sensing device operatively associated therewith, said gas spring assembly comprising:
- a flexible spring member having a longitudinal axis, said flexible spring member extending lengthwise between opposing first and second ends and peripherally about said longitudinal axis to at least partially define a spring chamber;
- a first end member secured across said first end of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween;
- a second end member secured across said second end of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween;
- a gas spring sensing device adapted to communicate outputs having a relation to a property of said gas spring assembly;
- and,
- a communication and power transmission module supported on one of said first and second end members, said module including:
- a communication connection portion adapted for communicative coupling with an associated controller;
- a sensor connection portion communicatively coupled with said gas spring sensing device;
- and,
- a wireless power and communication portion adapted for communicative coupling with the associated sensing device of the associated wheel with at least said wireless power and communication portion is positioned within a zone of communication of the associated sensing device as the associated wheel undergoes rotation about the associated axis of rotation such that said wireless power and communication portion is operable to communicate wireless data and/or signals to and/or from the associated sensing device of the associated wheel and operable to wirelessly transmit power to the associated sensing device of the associated wheel.
A vehicle comprising:
- a first sensing device operatively associated with a wheel and operable to communicate outputs having a relation to a property of said wheel;
- and,
- a gas spring assembly supported on a vehicle component adjacent said wheel, said gas spring assembly having a longitudinal axis and including:
- a flexible spring member having a longitudinal axis, said flexible spring member extending lengthwise between opposing first and second ends and peripherally about said longitudinal axis to at least partially define a spring chamber;
- a first end member secured across said first end of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween;
- a second end member secured across said second end of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween;
- a gas spring sensing device adapted to communicate outputs having a relation to a property of said gas spring assembly;
- and,
- a communication and power transmission module supported on one of said first and second end members, said module including:
- a communication connection portion adapted for communicative coupling with a controller;
- a sensor connection portion communicatively coupled with at least said gas spring sensor;
- and,
- a wireless power and communication portion adapted for communicative coupling with said first sensing device, said wireless power and communication portion operable to communicate wireless data and/or signals to and/or from said first sensing device of said wheel and operable to wirelessly transmit power to said first sensing device of said wheel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.