Patent ID: 7357397
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
1. A method of positioning a vehicle chassis of a vehicle in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum, the chassis including a plurality of chassis corners, the vehicle including a fluid suspension system at least partially supporting the chassis, the fluid suspension system including a plurality of fluid suspension members, a fluid control device, a pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members through the fluid control device, an exhaust passage in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members through the fluid control device, and an electronic control unit operatively associated with the fluid control device, the method comprising: a) providing an alignment sensor supported on the chassis and adapted to generate an alignment signal indicative of an orientation of the chassis; b) acquiring an alignment signal generated by said alignment sensor and comparing said alignment signal to said predetermined datum; c) determining whether a first chassis corner of the plurality of chassis corners can be lowered a sufficient distance to approximately align the chassis with said predetermined datum; d) if said first corner is capable of being lowered said sufficient distance then selectively operating the fluid control device to permit fluid communication between the exhaust passage and at least said first chassis corner until the chassis is in approximate alignment with said predetermined datum; and, e) if said first corner is incapable of being lowered said sufficient distance then selectively operating the fluid control device to permit fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and at least a second chassis corner of the plurality of the plurality of chassis corners until the chassis is in approximate alignment with said predetermined datum.