Patent Publication Number: US-2021179222-A1

Title: Bicycle suspension components and electronic monitoring devices

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to bicycle components and, more specifically, to bicycle suspension components and electronic monitoring devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bicycles and other vehicles are known to have suspension components to improve vehicle ride and performance. Suspension components are used for various applications, such as cushioning impacts, vibrations, or other disturbances experienced by the bicycle during use. A common application for suspension components on bicycles is for cushioning impacts or vibrations experienced by the rider when the bicycle is ridden over bumps, ruts, rocks, pot holes, and/or other obstacles. These suspension components include rear and/or front wheel suspension components. Suspension components may also be used in other locations, such as a seat post or handlebar, to insulate the rider from impacts. 
     SUMMARY 
     An example electronic monitoring device for a suspension component of a bicycle is disclosed herein. The electronic monitoring device includes a housing defining a chamber. The housing is to be coupled to the suspension component. The electronic monitoring device includes a circuit board disposed in the chamber and a sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board. The sensor is to measure a characteristic of the suspension component. The electronic monitoring device also includes a battery holder coupled to the circuit board. 
     An example electronic monitoring device for a suspension component of a bicycle is disclosed herein. The electronic monitoring device includes a housing to be coupled to the suspension component. A passageway is defined through the housing. The electronic monitoring device also includes a circuit board disposed in the housing and a sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board. The sensor is to measure a characteristic of the suspension component. The electronic monitoring device further includes a valve disposed in the passageway to control a flow of fluid into or out of the suspension component. The valve is aligned along an axis that is offset from a central axis of the housing. 
     An example suspension component for a bicycle disclosed herein includes a first tube and a second tube configured in a telescopic arrangement. The first tube has an opening formed in an end of the first tube. The suspension component also includes a spring including a pneumatic chamber defined in the first tube and containing a mass of a pneumatic fluid configured to resist compression of the telescopic arrangement. The suspension component further includes an electronic monitoring device disposed in the opening. The electronic monitoring device includes a housing, a circuit board disposed in the housing, a sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board, the sensor to measure a characteristic of the spring, and a wireless communicator coupled to the circuit board. The wireless communicator is at least partially disposed on an opposite side of a plane defined by the end of the first tube relative to the sensor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an example bicycle that may employ an example suspension component and an example electronic monitoring device constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example front fork (a suspension component) and an example electronic monitoring device that may be implemented with the example front fork on the example bicycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows the example electronic monitoring device as separated from the example front fork. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the example electronic monitoring device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the example front fork and the example electronic monitoring device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the example front fork and the example electronic monitoring device of  FIG. 2  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the callout in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the example front fork and the example electronic monitoring device of  FIG. 2  showing an example cover and an example valve cap separated from an example housing of the example electronic monitoring device. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the example front fork and the example electronic monitoring device of  FIG. 2  showing an example cover, an example valve cap, an example dust seal, and an example battery separated from an example housing of the example electronic monitoring device. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the example front fork and the example electronic monitoring device taken along line B-B of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the callout in  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     The figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. 
     Descriptors “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein when identifying multiple elements or components that may be referred to separately. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on their context of use, such descriptors are not intended to impute any meaning of priority or ordering in time but merely as labels for referring to multiple elements or components separately for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for ease of referencing multiple elements or components. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are example suspension components and example electronic monitoring devices for use with suspension components. The example suspension components and example electronic monitoring devices disclosed herein may be used in connection with a bicycle, for example. The example electronic monitoring devices disclosed herein may be at least partially integrated with a suspension component and used to analyze and/or otherwise measure or qualify one or more variables and/or characteristics of the associated suspension component. The electronic monitoring devices include one or more characteristic measurement devices, such as a sensor, to measure or detect the characteristic(s) of the suspension component(s). By measuring and/or analyzing the characteristic(s), information about the suspension component and a rider&#39;s style can be provided to the rider. This information can also be used to adjust or tune the suspension component for improved performance. For example, on a bicycle, rider weight, riding style, and terrain greatly affect the performance of the suspension system. The performance of a suspension system may be represented by a suspension component&#39;s position and/or configuration versus time. This position and/or configuration may be characterized by a linear motion or position variable of the component. In some examples, an electronic monitoring device is used to measure a characteristic (e.g., a gas pressure) of a suspension component, which can be correlated to the position variable (e.g., via the ideal gas law). Once the motion or position variable is measured, other information can be derived, such as velocity, acceleration, position histograms, etc. By extension, direct measurement of other variables, such as velocity or acceleration, can be used to derive the position of the suspension versus time. Once the position over time is measured and/or derived, information can be provided that can aid a user in adjusting various settings of the suspension system to improve the performance of the system. In many cases, the suspension system includes settings that can be adjusted to the individual rider&#39;s need and environment. These adjustable settings may include, for example, air pressure, compression ratio, low speed compression damping, high speed compression damping, low speed rebound damping, high speed rebound damping, and/or other suspension settings. 
     An example suspension component disclosed herein is a front fork on a bicycle. The front fork includes a first tube (an upper leg) and a second tube (a lower leg) configured in a telescoping arrangement. The front fork includes an air spring defined by a pressurized pneumatic chamber within the first tube. The pneumatic chamber is filled with a mass of pressurized pneumatic fluid (e.g., air) that resists compression of the first and second tubes, and thereby provides cushioning for impacts and vibrations. 
     An example electronic monitoring device disclosed herein can be disposed in an opening formed in an end of the first tube. The electronic monitoring device seals the opening and is exposed to the pressurized pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber in the first tube. The example electronic monitoring device includes a housing that may be threadably coupled (e.g., screwed into) to the first tube. The housing defines a chamber in which a circuit board and a power supply, such as a battery, are disposed. The electronic monitoring device may include one or more sensors electrically coupled to the circuit board. The sensor(s) is/are used to measure one or more characteristics or parameters of the suspension component. For example, one of the sensors may be a pressure sensor that measures a pressure of the pressurized pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber. In some examples, having the circuit board and the battery in the same chamber enables the use of a smaller housing compared to a housing having separate chambers for the circuit board and the battery. This results in a smaller, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing package. In some examples, the battery is disposed within a battery holder that is coupled to the circuit board. This reduces the overall volume consumed by the circuit board and the battery and, thus, also helps reduce the size of the electronic monitoring device. 
     In some examples, the electronic monitoring device includes a valve (e.g., a Schrader valve or a Presta valve) disposed in a passageway extending through the housing. The valve is used to control a flow of fluid into or out of the suspension component. For example, the valve can be used to add or remove fluid from the pneumatic chamber without removing the electronic monitoring device from the suspension component. In some examples, the passageway and the valve are aligned along an axis that is parallel to and offset from a central axis of the housing (which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first tube). In other words, the axis of the valve and the passageway is not coincident with the central axis of the housing and the longitudinal axis of the first tube. This enables the chamber to positioned closer to or along the central axis of the housing, which is the widest part of the housing. As such, the chamber can be sized larger (e.g., wider) to accommodate the circuit board, the battery, and/or other components (e.g., brackets, sensors, etc.). Further, the circuit board can be sized wider with a smaller height relative to known devices. Thus, the housing can be sized shorter than known devices, which results in a smaller, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing package. 
     In some examples, the electronic monitoring device includes a wireless antenna or communicator. The wireless communicator may be coupled and/or otherwise disposed on the circuit board. In some examples, when the electronic monitoring device is disposed in the opening of the first tube, the wireless communicator is disposed at least partially above a plane of an end of the tube defining the opening. In other words, the wireless communicator is disposed on a side of the plane that is opposite the sensor in the pneumatic chamber. This reduces the amount of obstruction and interference caused by the first tube. Thus, the example electronic monitoring device has improved signal range compared to known devices in which the wireless communicator is disposed below the plane of the end of the tube. 
     Also disclosed herein are example adjustment devices that can be used to change (increase or decrease) a volume of the pneumatic chamber to achieve specific air spring performance. An example adjustment device may be coupled to the housing of the electronic monitoring device, such that when the electronic monitoring device is coupled to the suspension component, the adjustment device is disposed in the pneumatic chamber, which reduces the overall volume of the pneumatic chamber. In some examples, the adjustment device is interchangeable with a larger or smaller adjustment device. In some examples, multiple adjustment devices may be coupled to the housing. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a human powered vehicle on which the example suspension components and the example electronic monitoring devices disclosed herein may be implemented. In this example, the vehicle is one possible type of bicycle  100 , such as a mountain bicycle. In the illustrated example, the bicycle  100  includes a frame  102  and a front wheel  104  and a rear wheel  106  rotatably coupled to the frame  102 . In the illustrated example, the front wheel  104  is coupled to the front end of the frame  102  via a first or front suspension component, such as a front fork  108 , and supports the front end of the frame  102 . The rear wheel  106  is coupled to the rear end of the frame  102 , and may be supported by a second or rear suspension component, such as a rear shock  110 . A front and/or forward riding direction or orientation of the bicycle  100  is indicated by the direction of the arrow A in  FIG. 1 . As such, a forward direction of movement for the bicycle  100  is indicated by the direction of arrow A. 
     The front fork  108  and the rear shock  110  form a suspension system of the bicycle  100  to absorb shocks while riding the bicycle  100  (e.g., when riding over rougher terrain). In other examples, the suspension system may employ only one suspension component (e.g., only the front fork  108 ) or more than two suspension components (e.g., an additional suspension component on a seat post  112 ) in addition to or as an alternative to the front fork  108  and the rear shock  110 . 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 1 , the bicycle  100  includes a seat  114  coupled to the frame  102  (e.g., near the rear end of the frame  102  relative to the forward direction A) via the seat post  112 . The bicycle  100  also includes handlebars  116  coupled to the frame  102  and the front fork  108  (e.g., near a forward end of the frame  102  relative to the forward direction A) for steering the bicycle  100 . The bicycle  100  is shown on a riding surface  118 . The riding surface  118  may be any riding surface such as the ground (e.g., a dirt path, a sidewalk, a street, etc.), a man-made structure above the ground (e.g., a wooden ramp), and/or any other surface. 
     In the illustrated example, the bicycle  100  has a drivetrain  120  that includes a crank assembly  122 . The crank assembly  122  is operatively coupled via a chain  124  to a sprocket assembly  126  mounted to a hub  128  of the rear wheel  106 . The crank assembly  122  includes at least one, and typically two, crank arms  130  and pedals  132 , along with at least one front sprocket, or chainring  134 . A rear gear change device  136 , such as a derailleur, is disposed at the rear wheel  106  to move the chain  124  through different sprockets of the sprocket assembly  126 . Additionally or alternatively, the bicycle  100  may include a front gear change device to move the chain  124  through gears on the chainring  134 . 
     In the illustrated example, the front fork  108  includes an example electronic monitoring device  138  (which may also be referred to as a suspension component analysis (SCA) device, a sensing device, or a detection device) that is integrated with the front fork  108 . The electronic monitoring device  138  is used to measure or otherwise qualify one or more characteristics and/or other variables of the front fork  108 . The rear shock  110  may also an electronic monitoring device. Electronic monitoring devices may also be associated with other suspension components, such as the seat post  112 . 
     In some examples, the bicycle  100  includes a mobile device  140  that can communicate with the one or more electronic monitoring devices  138  to provide an interface between the electronic monitoring device(s)  138  and the user. The electronic monitoring device(s)  138  can wirelessly transmit the measured characteristics to the mobile device  140 . In other examples, the bicycle  100  may include one or more wired connections (e.g., wires, cables, etc.) to communicatively couple the electronic monitoring device(s)  138  and the mobile device  140 . The mobile device  140  can include a display to present the measured characteristics to a user (e.g., a rider). In some examples, the mobile device  140  has a user interface (e.g., buttons, a touch screen, etc.) to receive input commands from a user. In some examples, the mobile device  140  can perform further analysis using the measured characteristics to provide other information relating to the performance of one or more suspension components. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device  140  can be provided to control one or more components of the bicycle  100 , such as the front fork  108 . In one example, the mobile device  140  is a device distinct from the bicycle  100 , such as a handheld mobile computing device, a smartphone, or other computer. Multiple mobile devices may also be used. 
     As disclosed above, various characteristic(s) of a suspension component may be measured and used to determine performance of a suspension component. In some examples, gas pressure is measured. For example, an electronic monitoring device can include a sensor operative to measure a gas pressure in a suspension component to calculate the suspension displacement and/or a derivative thereof. The electronic monitoring device may be implemented to measure the pressure (gage pressure or absolute pressure) of a mass of gas within a bicycle suspension component. The gas may be contained in a particular volume or chamber of the suspension component. In some examples, the electronic monitoring device includes a pressure sensor, such as an electro-mechanical pressure sensor, to convert a measured gas pressure into an electrical signal through a piezo-resistive or other effect. This signal can then be analyzed (e.g., via the mobile device  140 ) to determine the change of pressure within the suspension component and/or the measured volume or chamber. This change in pressure is directly related to the displacement of system components, with the displacement being derivable through fluid dynamics calculations such as the ideal gas law. In some examples, the derived values are generated with additional considerations for the derivation, including compensation for diabatic and other external effects that may limit the assumptions required for ideal gas law calculations. 
     While the example bicycle  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  is a type of mountain bicycle, the example suspension components and example electronic monitoring devices disclosed herein can be implemented on other types of bicycles. For example, the disclosed suspension components and electronic monitoring devices may be used on road bicycles, as well as bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired, wireless) drive systems. The disclosed suspension components and electronic monitoring devices may also be implemented on other types of two-, three-, and four-wheeled human powered vehicles. Further, the example suspension components and electronic monitoring devices can be used on other types of vehicles, such as motorized vehicles (e.g., a motorcycle, a car, a truck, etc.). 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the example front fork  108  of the example bicycle  100  ( FIG. 1 ) with the example electronic monitoring device  138  coupled to the front fork  108 , and  FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the example front fork  108  showing the electronic monitoring device  138  as separated from the front fork  108 . Some of the internal components of the front fork  108  are shown in dashed lines in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the front fork  108  includes a steering tube  200 , a crown  202 , first and second upper legs  204 ,  206  (also referred to as inner legs, tubes, or stanchions), and first and second lower legs  208 ,  210  (also referred to as sliders or tubes). The steering tube  200  couples to the frame  102  ( FIG. 1 ) and the handlebars  116  ( FIG. 1 ). The first and second upper legs  204 ,  206  are slidably received within the respective first and second lower legs  208 ,  210 . Thus, the first and second upper legs  204 ,  206  form a telescopic arrangement with the respective first and second lower legs  208 ,  210 . The first and second lower legs  208 ,  210  include respective front wheel attachment portions  212 ,  214 , such as holes (e.g., eyelets) or dropouts, for attaching the front wheel  104  ( FIG. 1 ) to the front fork  108 . 
     In the illustrated example, the first upper leg  204  has a first end  216 , referred to herein as a top end  216 , and a second end  218 , referred to herein as a bottom end  218 , opposite the top end  216 . Similarly, the first lower leg  208  has a first end  220 , referred to herein as a top end  220 , and a second end  222 , referred to herein as a bottom end  222 , opposite the top end  220 . The top end  216  of the first upper leg  204  is disposed within the first lower leg  208 . The top end  216  of the first upper leg  204  and the bottom end  222  of the first lower leg  208  form first and second distal ends of the suspension component. During compression, the top end  216  (the first distal end) moves toward the bottom end  222  (the second distal end), and during extension or rebound, the top end  216  moves away from the bottom end  222 . The second upper and lower legs  206 ,  210  have a similar arrangement. 
     The legs  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  of the front fork  108  form a suspension system. The suspension system includes both a spring  224  and a damper  226 . In this example, the spring  224  is disposed in and/or otherwise integrated into the first upper and lower legs  204 ,  208 , and the damper  226  is disposed in and/or otherwise integrated into the second upper and lower legs  206 ,  210 . In particular, the spring  224  is disposed within and/or otherwise defined by an interior cavity or space of the first upper and lower legs  204 ,  208  bounded by the walls of the first upper and lower legs  204 ,  208 . Similarly, the damper  226  is disposed within and/or otherwise defined by an interior space formed by the walls of the second upper and lower legs  206 ,  210 . In other examples, the spring  224  may be disposed in and/or otherwise integrated into the second upper and lower legs  206 ,  210  and the damper  226  may be disposed in and/or otherwise integrated into the first upper and lower legs  204 ,  208 . The spring  224  is configured to resist compression of the top end  216  (the first distal end) toward the bottom end  222  (the second distal end) and return the legs  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  to the extended position after compression occurs. The damper  226  is configured to limit the speed at which the compression/extension occurs and/or otherwise absorb vibrations. 
     In this example, the spring  224  is implemented as an air spring formed by a pneumatic chamber  228  in the first upper leg  204 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a stem  230  extends upward from the bottom end  222  of the first lower leg  208  and through a seal  232  in the bottom end  218  of the first upper leg  204 . A piston  234  is coupled to the stem  230  and disposed within first upper leg  204 . The piston  234  is slidable within the first upper leg  204 . The pneumatic chamber  228  is formed in the first upper leg  204  between the piston  234  and the top end  216  of the first upper leg  204  (which is sealed by the electronic monitoring device  138 ). In some examples, the pneumatic chamber  228  is filled with a mass of a pneumatic fluid (e.g., a gas, such as air) having a higher pressure than ambient pressure. Therefore, in this example, the pneumatic chamber  228  forms a pressurized chamber (sometimes referred to as a highly pressurized zone or positive spring chamber). When the front fork  108  compresses and the ends of the first upper and lower legs  204 ,  208  move toward each other, such as when riding over a bump, the piston  234  moves toward the top end  216  of the first upper leg  204 . As a result, the volume of the pneumatic chamber  228  decreases and, thus, the pressure of the fluid within the pneumatic chamber  228  increases. After the compression, the increased pressure acts to push the ends of the first upper and lower legs  204 ,  208  away from each other, thereby acting as a spring to return the front fork  108  to its original or riding set up. The second upper and lower legs  206 ,  210  similarly follow this motion. The pressure of the fluid in the pneumatic chamber  228  can be correlated to the linear displacement of the legs using the ideal gas law. Therefore, pressure values obtained by measuring the pressure in the pneumatic chamber  228  can be used to determine displacement and/or movement of the front fork  108 . 
     In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  is disposed in an opening  300  ( FIG. 3 ) formed in the top end  216  of the first upper leg  204 . The electronic monitoring device  138  closes or seals the opening  300  to maintain the pressurized gas in the pneumatic chamber  228 . At least a portion of the electronic monitoring device  138  is disposed within the interior space of the first upper leg  204  and exposed to the fluid in the pneumatic chamber  228 . The electronic monitoring device  138  includes one or more sensors for measuring a characteristic of the front fork  108 , such as the pressure of the fluid in the pneumatic chamber  228 . The electronic monitoring device  138  may be removably coupled to the front fork  108 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a housing  302 . The housing  302  is cylindrical or tube-shaped to match the inside of the first upper leg  204 . The housing  302  contains one or more components, such as a sensor, as disclosed in further detail herein. The housing  302  has external threads  304  that mate with internal threads inside of the opening  300  (shown in further detail in  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the example electronic monitoring device  138 . As disclosed above, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes the housing  302 . The housing  302  is used to house or contain one or more components of the electronic monitoring device  138 . The housing  302  has the external threads  304  that mate with the threads on the inside of the first upper leg  204  ( FIG. 2 ) near the opening  300  ( FIG. 3 ). In the illustrated example, the housing  302  has a shoulder  400  (e.g., a lip, a ledge, etc.) extending from an outer surface  402  of the housing  302 . When the housing  302  is screwed into the opening  300  ( FIG. 3 ), the shoulder  400  engages the top end  216  of the first upper leg  204 , which provides a stop to ensure proper insertion. 
     In the illustrated example, the housing  302  has a wall  404  extending from an end (shown in further detail in connection with  FIG. 7 ) of the housing  302 . In the illustrated example, an outside of the wall  404  has a plurality of flat surfaces  406  (one of which is referenced in  FIG. 4 ). The flat surfaces  406  may be used grip the housing  302  (e.g., via a tool, such as a wrench) when rotating the housing  302  for installing or uninstalling the electronic monitoring device  138 . In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  also includes a seal  408  (e.g., an o-ring) disposed in a seal gland  410  formed in the outer surface  402  of the housing  302 . The seal  408  creates a sealing interface between the housing  302  and the first upper leg  204  ( FIG. 2 ) to prevent leakage of the pneumatic fluid. 
     In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a cover  412  that is to be coupled to the housing  302  to cover the component(s) within the housing  302 . In this example, the cover  412  is threadably coupled to the wall  404 . In particular, in the illustrated example, the wall  404  has internal threads  414 . The cover  412  has a wall with external threads (shown in further detail in connection with  FIG. 7 ) that mates with the internal threads  414  on the wall  404 . 
     To enable a user to add or remove pneumatic fluid to/from the pneumatic chamber  228  ( FIG. 2 ), the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a valve  416 . In this example, the valve  416  is implemented as a Schrader valve. However, in other examples, the valve  416  may be implemented as another type of valve, such as a Presta valve. The valve  416  includes a valve body  418  (sometimes referred to as a stem) and a core  420  (e.g., a poppet valve) that controls the flow of fluid through the valve body  418 . When the electronic monitoring device  138  is assembled, the valve  416  is disposed in a passageway defined the housing  302 . In some examples, the valve  416  includes a valve cap  422  that can be threaded onto a top end  424  of the valve body  418 . 
     The electronic monitoring device  138  includes circuitry configured to receive and process (e.g., interpret) the signal(s) from one or more sensors. In this example, the circuitry is implemented as a circuit board  426 . The circuit board  426  includes a substrate (e.g., a board) and circuitry built on and/or contained in the substrate. The circuit board  426  may be implemented as any type of circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), or a flexible printed circuit. The circuitry may also analyze and/or condition the signals (e.g., perform AC/DC conversion, filtering, etc.). In some examples, the circuit board  426  includes a wireless transmitter to transmit signals (e.g., information representative of the measurements). An example of a wireless transmitter is shown in further detail in connection with  FIG. 11 . When the electronic monitoring device  138  is assembled, the circuit board  426  is disposed in a chamber formed in the housing  302 . In some examples, the chamber is substantially sealed to isolate the chamber from outside air and/or the pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber  228  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The electronic monitoring device  138  includes a power supply to provide power to the sensor(s), the circuit board  426 , and/or any other electrical component of the electronic monitoring device  138 . In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a battery  428  implemented as the power supply. In other examples, more than one battery may be used. In this example, the battery  428  is implemented as a coin cell battery (e.g., a CR2032 coin cell battery), sometimes referred to as a button cell battery or watch battery, which is a small disk-shaped battery. 
     In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a battery holder  430  to receive the battery  428  and interface with the terminals of the battery  428  (e.g., the flat sides of the battery  428 ). In this example, the battery holder  430  is a coin cell battery holder. However, in other examples, the battery holder  430  may be implemented as a different type of holder for different type of battery. The battery holder  430  includes a slot  432  (e.g., a disc-shaped slot) to receive the battery  428 . When the battery  428  is disposed in the slot  432  (assuming the battery  428  is charged), the battery  428  powers the circuit board  426  and other electrical components of the electronic monitoring device  138 . In this example, the battery holder  430  is coupled to the circuit board  426  (e.g., to a back side of the circuit board  426 ), such that when the battery  428  is disposed in the battery holder  430 , the battery  428  is oriented parallel to the circuit board  426 . As such, the battery  428  is disposed relatively close to the circuit board  426 . This arrangement results in a smaller space consumed by the circuit board  426  and the battery  428 , which enables the electronic monitoring device  138  to be sized smaller. In other examples, the battery holder  430  may be separate from the circuit board  426 . 
     In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a release tab  434  coupled to the battery holder  430 . The release tab  434  is a thin strip of material (e.g., metal) that is partially disposed along a bottom of the slot  432 . The release tab  434  extends outward from the slot  432  and beyond a top edge  436  of the circuit board  426 . The release tab  434  may be pulled by a user to remove the battery  428  from the battery holder  430 . In other examples, a release tab may not be included. 
     In some examples, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a dust seal  438 . The dust seal  438  may be constructed of rubber, for example. The dust seal  438  may be disposed in the housing  302  before attaching the cover  412 . The dust seal  438  may be used to provide extra covering to prevent dust and other debris from entering the chamber or other areas where the electrical components are disposed. The dust seal  438  may be held in place via friction fit. In the illustrated example, the dust seal  438  has an opening  440 . When the electronic monitoring device  138  is assembled, the valve body  418  of the valve  416  extends through the opening  440 . As such, the dust seal  438  does not need to be removed to access the valve  416 . In the illustrated example, the dust seal  438  has a tab  442  that can be gripped by a user when removing and inserting the dust seal  438 . 
     The electronic monitoring device  138  may include one or more sensors to measure or detect one or more parameters or characteristics of the spring  224  ( FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a pressure sensor  444 . The pressure sensor  444  is to be electrically coupled to the circuit board  426 , such that the circuit board  426  receives signals from the pressure sensor  444 . In this example, the pressure sensor  444  is electrically coupled to the circuit board  426  via a flexible printed circuit  445 . When the electronic monitoring device  138  is assembled, a portion of the pressure sensor  444  extends from a bottom of the housing  302 , such that the pressure sensor  444  is exposed to the pneumatic fluid and can detect a pressure of the pneumatic fluid. The electronic monitoring device  138  includes a seal  446  (e.g., an o-ring) to seal an opening through which the pressure sensor  444  extends (shown in further detail in connection with  FIG. 7 ). In other examples, the electronic monitoring device  138  may include one or more other types of sensors in addition to or as an alternative to the pressure sensor  444 . 
     In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a first mount or bracket  448  for coupling the circuit board  426  to the housing  302 . When the electronic monitoring device  138  is assembled, the first bracket  448  is coupled to the circuit board  426  via fasteners  452  (e.g., threaded fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc.), and the first bracket  448  is coupled to the housing  302  via fasteners  453 , which may be threaded fasteners. Any number of fasteners  452 ,  453  may be used. In other examples, the first bracket  448  may be coupled to the circuit board  426  and/or the housing  302  using other fastening techniques (e.g., friction fit, adhesives, etc.). Further, in other examples, no bracket may be used. Instead, the circuit board  426  may be coupled directly to the housing  302  (e.g., via threaded fasteners). 
     In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a second mount or bracket  450 . When the electronic monitoring device  138  is assembled, the second bracket  450  is coupled to the housing  302  via threaded fasteners  454  (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) over the pressure sensor  444 . The second bracket  450  reacts to pressure lads on the pressure sensor  444 . Any number of threaded fasteners  454  may be used. In other examples, the second bracket  450  may be coupled to the housing  302  using other fastening techniques (e.g., friction fit, adhesives, etc.). 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the example front fork  108  with the example electronic monitoring device  138 .  FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the example front fork  108  and the example electronic monitoring device  138  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the electronic monitoring device  136  is nearly completely disposed in the first upper leg  204 . This is advantageous over known devices that have externally mounted components, because the components in the electronic monitoring device  136  are less susceptible to damage from the environment. Further, this more aesthetically pleasing to riders. 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the callout  600  in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the electronic monitoring device  138  is disposed in the opening  300  formed in the top end  216  of the first upper leg  204 . As such, the electronic monitoring device  138  is at least partially disposed within the pressurized chamber  228  formed in the first upper leg  204 . In the illustrated example, the top end  216  and the opening  300  are formed in part by the crown  202 . However, it is understood that the crown  202  and the first upper leg  204  may be formed as two separated components or as one integral component and, thus, the crown  202  may form part of the first upper leg  204 . 
     In the illustrated example, the external threads  304  on the housing  302  are threadably engaged with matching internal threads  700  on an inner surface  702  of the first upper leg  204 . The housing  302  may be screwed into or out of the opening  300  to install or uninstall the electronic monitoring device  138 . When the housing  302  is being screwed into the first upper leg  204 , the shoulder  400  engages the top end  216 , which forms a stop or seat to prevent the housing  302  from being further inserted into the opening  300 . The seal  408  is compressed between the housing  302  and the inner surface  702  of the first upper leg  204 , which prevents leakage of pneumatic fluid out of the pneumatic chamber  228 . 
     In the illustrated example, the housing  302  has a first end  704  (e.g., a top end) and a second end  706  (e.g., a bottom end) opposite the first end  704 . The housing  302  has a central axis  708 . The central axis  708  is coincident with or the same as a longitudinal axis of the first upper leg  204 . In the illustrated example, the housing  302  defines a chamber  710 . In this example, the circuit board  426  and the battery  428  are disposed at least partially in the chamber  710 . The circuit board  426  is coupled to the housing  302  in the chamber  710  via the first bracket  448  ( FIG. 4 ). In the illustrated example, the circuit board  426  and the battery  428  are oriented vertically in the chamber  710 . In particular, the battery  428  and the battery holder  430  are oriented such that a central axis  712  of the battery  428  and the battery holder  430  is perpendicular to the central axis  708  of the housing  302 . Because the circuit board  426  and the battery  428  are disposed in the same chamber, the housing  302  can be sized smaller than known devices that have separate chambers for a circuit board and a power supply. This results in a lighter, smaller volume, less expensive device. 
     In the illustrated example, the chamber  710  is accessible through an opening  714  formed in the first end  704  of the housing  302 . The dust seal  438  is disposed over the first end  704  of the housing  302  and covers the opening  714  to substantially seal the chamber  710 , thereby protecting the circuit board  426  and other components in the chamber  710  from debris and other material. In the illustrated example, the dust seal  438  is engaged with the first end  704  of the housing  302 . In other examples, the dust seal  438  may be spaced from the first end  704  of the housing  302 . The dust seal  438  has a lip  716  that fits under a shoulder  718  on the housing  302  to hold the dust seal  438  in place. As disclosed above, the dust seal  438  may be constructed of rubber or another flexible material. As such, the dust seal  438  can be press fit under the shoulder  718  to install the dust seal  438 . The dust seal  438  may be pulled out (e.g., by pulling on the tab  442 ) from the shoulder  718  and removed to access the circuit board  426 , the battery  428 , and/or other component(s) in the housing  302 . 
     In the illustrated example, the pressure sensor  444  extends at least partially into an opening  720  between the chamber  710  and the second end  706  of the housing  302 . As such, the pressure sensor  444  is exposed to the pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber  228 . The second bracket  450  is disposed over the pressure sensor  444  to react to pressure loads on the pressure sensor  444 . The seal  446  is disposed in the opening  720  between the pressure sensor  444  and the housing  302  to prevent leakage of pneumatic fluid into the chamber  710 . In this example, the pressure sensor  444  extends beyond the second end  706  of the housing  302 . However, in other examples, the pressure sensor  444  may not extend beyond the second end  706  of the housing  302 . 
     In the illustrated example, the housing  302  has a passageway  722  defined through the housing  302  between a first opening  724  in the first end  704  of the housing  302  and a second opening  726  in the second end  706  of the housing  302 . The valve  416  is disposed in the passageway  722  and extends outward from the first opening  724 . In this example, the valve body  418  is screwed into the housing  302  and a seal  728  is disposed between the housing  302  and the valve body  418  in the passageway  722 . In other examples, the valve body  418  may be coupled to the housing  302  via other techniques (e.g., friction fit, adhesives, etc.). As shown in  FIG. 7 , the valve body  418  extends through the opening  440  in the dust seal  438 . The valve  416  is used to control the flow of pneumatic fluid through the passageway  722  and, thus, can be used to add or remove pneumatic fluid to/from the pneumatic chamber  228 . In the illustrated example, a bottom side  727  of the dust seal  438  has a recess  729 . The top edge  436  of the circuit board  426  extends into the recess  729 . In some examples, this enables certain components on the circuit board  426  to be disposed above a plane defined by the top end  216  of the first upper leg  204 , as disclosed in further detail in connection with  FIG. 11 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the passageway  722  and, thus, the valve  416  are aligned along an axis  730 . The axis  730  is parallel to and offset from the central axis  708  of the housing  302  (and the longitudinal axis of the first upper leg  204 ) by a distance D. This enables the chamber  710  for the circuit board  426  and the battery  428  to be more centrally located, where the housing  302  is wider. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the chamber  710  intersects the central axis  708  of the housing  302 . This enables the chamber  710  to be sized larger (wider) to contain the component(s) of the electronic monitoring device  138 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the circuit board  426  and the battery  428  can be disposed along or close to the central axis  708  of the housing  302 . This location is the widest dimension (diameter) of the housing  302 . As such, the circuit board  426  can be sized wider (into and out of the figure) and therefore less deep. This reduces the overall length or depth required of the housing  302 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the wall  404  extends from the first end  704  of the housing  302 . In the illustrated example, the cover  412  has a wall  732  with external threads  734 . The external threads  734  mate with the internal threads  414  of the wall  404  to threadably couple the cover  412  to the wall  404 . Thus, the cover  412  can be screwed onto or off of the housing  302 . 
     In some examples, it may be desired to change (e.g., reduce) the volume of the pneumatic chamber  228  for specific air spring tuning. Therefore, in some examples, the electronic monitoring device  138  may include one or more adjustment devices to change the volume of the pneumatic chamber  228 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the electronic monitoring device  138  includes an adjustment device  736  coupled to the housing  302  and disposed in the pneumatic chamber  228 . The adjustment device  736  consumes space in the pneumatic chamber  228 , thereby reducing the overall volume of the pneumatic chamber  228 . The adjustment device  736  includes openings  738  to enable the pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber  228  to fill an area  740  between the second end  706  of the housing  302  and the adjustment device  736 , so that the pressure sensor  444  is still exposed to the fluid in the pneumatic chamber  228 . 
     In this example, the adjustment device  736  is threadably coupled to the housing  302 . For example, the housing  302  has a wall  742  extending from the second end  706  of the housing  302 . The wall  742  has internal threads  744 . The adjustment device  736  has external threads  746  that mate with the internal threads  744  on the housing  302 . In other examples, the adjustment device  736  may be coupled to the housing  302  via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques, such as interference fit, friction fit, welding, soldering, adhesives, magnets, etc. The adjustment device  736  may be coupled to the housing  302  before the housing  302  is inserted into the first upper leg  204 . 
     In some examples, the adjustment device  736  is interchangeable with other adjustment devices. For example, the housing  302  may be removed from the first upper leg  204  and the adjustment device  736  may be replaced with a larger or smaller sized adjustment device depending on the desired volume reduction/increase. Additionally or alternatively, one or more additional adjustment devices may be coupled to the adjustment device  736 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the adjustment device  736  has a wall  748  with internal threads  750 . The internal threads  750  are sized to mate with the external threads  746 . Therefore, another adjustment device, being the same size and shape as the adjustment device  736 , can be screwed into the adjustment device  736 . Multiple adjustment devices can be screwed together in a stacked manner. Thus, only one size/shape adjustment device may need to be manufactured, and then multiple ones of the adjustment devices can be stacked together depending on the desired volume reduction/increase. 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of the front fork  108  with the electronic monitoring device  138 . If a user desires to change the amount of fluid (e.g., air) in the pneumatic chamber  228  ( FIG. 2 ), the user may remove the cover  412  from the housing  302  (e.g., by unscrewing the cover  412 ) and remove the valve cap  422  from the valve body  418  (e.g., by unscrewing the valve cap  422 ), as shown in  FIG. 8 . A user can open the valve  416  (e.g., by pressing on the core  420  ( FIG. 4 ) to release pneumatic fluid from the pneumatic chamber  228 . A user can also open the valve  416  (e.g., by contact with a nozzle on a pump hose) and pump fluid through the valve  416  and into the pneumatic chamber  228 . The dust seal  438  does not need to be removed to operate the valve  416 . After the desired pressure is reached, the user can reattach the valve cap  422  and the cover  412 . Thus, the electronic monitoring device  138  does not need to be removed from the front fork  108  to adjust the pressure in the pneumatic chamber  228 . 
       FIG. 9  is another front view of the front fork  108  with the electronic monitoring device  138 . If a user desires to remove the battery  428 , for example, the user may remove the cover  412  from the housing  302  (e.g., by unscrewing the cover  412 ), remove the valve cap  422  from the valve body  418  (e.g., by unscrewing the valve cap  422 ), remove the dust seal  438  from the housing  302 , and then remove the battery  428  from the housing  302 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The dust seal  438  includes the tab  442 , which enables a user to easily grip the dust seal  438  when removing the dust seal  438 . The battery  428  can be charged and reinstalled or can be replaced with another battery. Once a battery is installed, for example, the user can reinstall the dust seal  438 , and then reattach the valve cap  422  and the cover  412 . 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the front fork  108  and the electronic monitoring device  138  taken along line B-B of  FIG. 9 . The cover  412 , the valve cap  422 , the dust seal  438 , and the battery  428  are shown as separated from the housing  302 . 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the callout  1000  in  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the release tab  434  of the battery holder  430  ( FIG. 4 ) extends upward and out of the chamber  710 . Once the dust seal  438  ( FIG. 10 ) is removed, the release tab  434  can be pulled to help extract the battery  428  ( FIG. 10 ) from the battery holder  430 . 
     As disclosed above, when the housing  302  is fully screwed into the first upper leg  204 , the shoulder  400  engages the top end  216  of the first upper leg  204 . A plane  1100  (which may be referred to as a housing seating plane) is defined by the top end  216  of the first upper leg  204 . The circuit board  426  is disposed in the chamber  710  formed in the housing  302 . In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a wireless antenna or communicator  1102  to transmit signals (e.g., data representative of pressure measurements) to one or more devices, such as the mobile device  140  ( FIG. 1 ). In the illustrated example, the wireless communicator  1102  is disposed on and/or otherwise coupled to the circuit board  426  at or near the top edge  436  of the circuit board  426 . At least a portion of the wireless communicator  1102  is to be positioned above the plane  1100 . In other words, the wireless communicator  1102  is at least partially disposed on an opposite side of the plane  1100  relative to the pressure sensor  444  and other electrical components in the housing  302 . This reduces the amount of obstruction or interference caused by the first upper leg  204  compared to known devices where the wireless communicator is disposed further down in the suspension component. In this example, the wireless communicator  1102  intersects the plane  1100 . In other examples, the wireless communicator may be separated by a specific distance from (above) the plane  1100 . The location of the wireless communicator  1102  may be determined by various parameters, such as by the location of the shoulder  400  on the housing  302 , the location of the circuit board  426  within the chamber  710 , and/or the location of the wireless communicator  1102  on the circuit board  426 . Any of these parameters can be modified to change the location of the wireless communicator relative to the plane  1100 . While in this example the wireless communicator  1102  is coupled to the circuit board  426 , in other examples, the wireless communicator  1102  may not be coupled to circuit board  426 . Instead, the wireless communicator  1102  may be coupled directly to the housing  302 . 
     In some examples, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a switch to turn the electronic monitoring device on or off. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a switch  1104 . In this example, the switch  1104  is coupled to the circuit board  426  at or near the top edge  436  of the circuit board  426 . A user may activate the switch (e.g., by pressing the switch) to turn the electronic monitoring device  138  on or off. In other examples, the switch  1104  may be disposed in other locations. In some examples, the electronic monitoring device  138  includes an indicator to indicate whether the electronic monitoring device  138  is active. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the electronic monitoring device  138  includes a light  1106  (e.g., an LED light). In this example, the light  1106  is coupled to the circuit board  426  at or near the top edge  436  of the circuit board  426 . The light  1106  may illuminate when the electronic monitoring device  138  is activate and the battery  428  ( FIG. 4 ) has sufficient power. If the light  1106  is not illuminated, it may indicate to the user the electronic monitoring device  138  is off or does not have sufficient power. In other examples, other types of indicators may be used (e.g., an audible alert, a vibration, etc.) in addition to or as an alternative to the light  1106 . 
     The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
     It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.