14-02-2017, 10:36 AM
Pneumatic suspension is a type of vehicle suspension driven by an electric or motor driven pump or compressor. This compressor pumps air into a flexible bellows, usually made of textile reinforced rubber. The air pressure inflates the bellows, and raises the axle chassis. The air ride suspension carries the load on each axle with a pressurised air bag as well as a high pressure balloon. Air suspension systems have been in common use for over forty years and have been shown to provide the smoother, shock-free pass of any known vehicle suspension system. Modern air bags are built using the same methods as a tire by using high strength cables that are then encapsulated in rubber. These units are very durable in service and have a proven life span of many years.
In addition to providing extremely smooth driving quality, air suspension suspension also provides other important features. First, the system automatically adjusts the air pressure in the airbag so that the trailer is always mounted at the same height, either slightly loaded or heavily loaded. This allows the suspension system to always provide the maximum usable wheel travel independent of the trailer load. In addition, the increased air bag pressure associated with higher trailer loads, automatically provides a stiffer suspension that is exactly what is required for a smooth ride. The lower airbag pressure for slightly loaded conditions, automatically provides a softer suspension, the same driving quality for all trailer load conditions. Since each axle is independently supported by its own airbag, the air suspension suspension is a fully independent suspension system.
Automatic airbag pressure control is achieved by an electronic solid-state control system designed and packaged specifically for the use of the vehicle. This system continuously monitors the "ride height" of the trailer suspension and increases the air pressure if the driving height is too low, turning on an air compressor on board. The air compressor stops automatically when the correct travel height is reached. If the driving height is too high, an automatic air vent valve ventes excess air pressure and stops venting when the correct ride height is reached. All electrical power required is provided by a 12 volt battery contained in the trailer equipment compartment.
In addition to providing extremely smooth driving quality, air suspension suspension also provides other important features. First, the system automatically adjusts the air pressure in the airbag so that the trailer is always mounted at the same height, either slightly loaded or heavily loaded. This allows the suspension system to always provide the maximum usable wheel travel independent of the trailer load. In addition, the increased air bag pressure associated with higher trailer loads, automatically provides a stiffer suspension that is exactly what is required for a smooth ride. The lower airbag pressure for slightly loaded conditions, automatically provides a softer suspension, the same driving quality for all trailer load conditions. Since each axle is independently supported by its own airbag, the air suspension suspension is a fully independent suspension system.
Automatic airbag pressure control is achieved by an electronic solid-state control system designed and packaged specifically for the use of the vehicle. This system continuously monitors the "ride height" of the trailer suspension and increases the air pressure if the driving height is too low, turning on an air compressor on board. The air compressor stops automatically when the correct travel height is reached. If the driving height is too high, an automatic air vent valve ventes excess air pressure and stops venting when the correct ride height is reached. All electrical power required is provided by a 12 volt battery contained in the trailer equipment compartment.