PRACTICAL VALUE

Air Suspensions can be used to accomplish multiple objectives. Historically, the original purpose was to compensate for the significant mass conditions under which a passenger vehicle must operate. Varying numbers of passengers and varying loads of luggage and other carried objects can change the sprung mass of the vehicle significantly. If there is only a driver, a conventional vehicle trim height (i.e., without an Air Suspension) would tend to have the rear of the vehicle in a high position. If the vehicle is fully loaded with the maximum number of passengers and carried objects, the rear will be low compared to an ideal trim height. That adversely affects the vehicle’s ride and handling characteristics. An Air Suspension can adjust to the desired trim height regardless of the load. A second benefit is that headlamp aiming, which is subject to regulatory approval in many countries, is made much easier because an Air Suspension keeps the vehicle at the desired trim height. A third benefit is the improvement in fuel economy which Air Suspensions can facilitate. An Air Suspension can be used to automatically lower the front of a vehicle once it reaches a certain speed. When this capability is integrated with exterior vehicle design (e.g., air dams and design elements aimed at creating laminar underbody airflow) a noticeable improvement in fuel economy can be achieved. At lower speeds, the Air Suspension returns the front of the vehicle to a normal trim level.