Reflector and gas spring assembly
AssigneeBFS Diversified Products, LLC
InventorsGraham R. Brookes, Daniel L. Nordmeyer, Joshua R. Leonard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A reflector includes a first end surface, an opposing second end surface and a plurality of reflector surfaces. A first reflector surface extends from adjacent the first end surface toward the second end surface. A second reflector surface extends from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end surface. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones. A gas spring assembly and suspension system using the reflector is also disclosed.
Claims20
A reflector for use with an associated gas spring assembly and which is capable of reflecting associated ultrasonic waves toward an associated ultrasonic sensing device in a plurality of aligned conditions relative to the associated ultrasonic sensing device, said reflector comprising:
- a first end surface;
- a second end surface spaced from said first end surface;
- a first reflecting area extending from approximately said first end surface at a first included angle;
- and,
- a second reflecting area extending from approximately said first reflecting area at a second included angle that is different from said first included angle.
A gas spring assembly for use with an associated ultrasonic sensor that is capable of transmitting and receiving associated ultrasonic waves, said gas spring assembly comprising:
- a first end member;
- a second end member spaced from said first end member;
- a flexible wall secured therebetween and at least partially defining a spring chamber;
- and,
- a reflector supported within said spring chamber, said reflector including a first end surface, a second end surface spaced from said first end surface, a first reflecting surface extending from adjacent said first end surface at a first included angle, and a second reflecting surface extending from adjacent said first reflecting surface at a second included angle;
- wherein under a first aligned condition of said reflector said first end surface is aligned approximately transverse to a direction of transmission of the associated ultrasonic waves and under a second aligned condition of said reflector one of said first and second reflecting surfaces is aligned approximately transverse to said direction of transmission.
A gas spring assembly for use on an associated vehicle between an associated sprung mass and an associated unsprung mass thereof, said gas spring assembly comprising:
- an upper end member operatively connected to the associated sprung mass;
- a lower end member spaced from said upper end member and operatively connected to the associated unsprung mass;
- a flexible wall secured between said upper and lower end members and at least partially defining a spring chamber therebetween;
- an ultrasonic sensor operable for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves within said spring chamber, said ultrasonic sensor supported along one of said upper and lower end members;
- and,
- a reflector supported within said spring chamber on the other of said upper and lower end members and capable of reflecting said ultrasonic waves, said reflector including a top surface, a bottom surface spaced from said top surface, a first reflecting surface extending from adjacent said top surface at a first included angle, and a second reflecting surface extending from adjacent said first reflecting surface at a second included angle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.