US 12,070,980 B2
Communication modules as well as gas spring assemblies and vehicle systems including same
Graham R. Brookes, Noblesville, IN (US)
Assigned to Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC, Nashville, TN (US)
Appl. No. 17/270,992
Filed by FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC, Nashville, TN (US)
PCT Filed Sep. 4, 2019, PCT No. PCT/US2019/049450
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Feb. 24, 2021,
PCT Pub. No. WO2020/055637, PCT Pub. Date Mar. 19, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/730,836, filed on Sep. 13, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2021/0323369 A1, Oct. 21, 2021
Int. Cl. B60G 17/015 (2006.01); B60C 19/00 (2006.01); B60G 17/019 (2006.01); B60G 17/052 (2006.01); F16F 9/05 (2006.01); F16F 9/32 (2006.01); G08C 17/02 (2006.01); H02J 50/00 (2016.01)
CPC B60G 17/0155 (2013.01) [B60C 19/00 (2013.01); B60G 17/01908 (2013.01); B60G 17/0521 (2013.01); F16F 9/05 (2013.01); F16F 9/3292 (2013.01); G08C 17/02 (2013.01); B60C 2019/004 (2013.01); B60G 2202/152 (2013.01); B60G 2400/102 (2013.01); B60G 2400/252 (2013.01); B60G 2400/51222 (2013.01); B60G 2400/7122 (2013.01); B60G 2600/71 (2013.01); F16F 2222/126 (2013.01); F16F 2230/08 (2013.01); F16F 2230/18 (2013.01); F16F 2232/08 (2013.01); H02J 50/00 (2016.02)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. 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.