Intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and posture sensing
By integrating damping and attitude sensing into an intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly, the problems of low integration, insufficient sensing information, and large delay in intelligent suspension have been solved, achieving high-precision and low-cost suspension status perception and control, and meeting the rapid response requirements of intelligent chassis.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROLLAX BEARINGS (NANJING) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies suffer from drawbacks in achieving intelligent suspension, including low integration, insufficient sensory information dimensions, large system latency, and high costs, making it difficult to meet the demands of intelligent chassis for high-precision, fast-response, and low-cost suspension status perception and control.
Design an intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing, including the bearing assembly body, integrated housing, multi-dimensional attitude sensing module, adaptive damping adjustment module and embedded controller. The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module directly measures the multi-dimensional mechanical state, and the embedded controller processes the signal in real time and drives the adaptive damping adjustment module to realize edge computing and control.
It achieves high-precision, low-cost suspension status perception and control, reduces system latency, lowers overall complexity and the number of external wiring harnesses, and meets the rapid response requirements of intelligent chassis.
Smart Images

Figure CN122040751A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to an intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing. Background Technology
[0002] The primary functions of the traditional shock absorber upper support bearing assembly are to bear the axial load between the vehicle body and the suspension, provide rotational freedom for the shock absorber, and isolate high-frequency vibrations. Its structure typically includes bearings, rubber damping elements, and mounting plates, and it is a completely passive mechanical component.
[0003] With the development of vehicle intelligence and electrification, higher demands are placed on the perception and control capabilities of the chassis system. Currently, the main method to achieve active or semi-active suspension is to install vehicle height and acceleration sensors separately next to the shock absorbers, and adjust damping through independent electronically controlled shock absorber valve bodies. This approach has the following drawbacks: The system is complex and costly: sensors, controllers and actuators are scattered, there are many wiring harnesses, they occupy a lot of space, the integration is low, and the total cost and weight are relatively high.
[0004] Limitations of sensory information: Dispersed sensors (such as those that only monitor vehicle height or acceleration) cannot accurately and synchronously obtain the most critical multidimensional mechanical states (such as axial force, lateral force, bending moment and their dynamic frequency) at the top of the shock absorber strut.
[0005] Insufficient response delay and control accuracy: Sensor signals need to be transmitted to the central controller for processing before commands are issued, resulting in a long path and delay. Furthermore, the control strategy is based on indirect signals and is not highly targeted to the real-time motion status of a single wheel suspension.
[0006] In summary, existing technical solutions suffer from drawbacks in achieving intelligent suspension, including low integration, insufficient sensory information dimensions, large system latency, and high costs. These shortcomings make it difficult to meet the demands of intelligent chassis for high-precision, fast-response, and low-cost suspension status perception and control. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly that integrates damping and attitude sensing, thereby solving the problems of low integration, insufficient sensing information dimensions, large system latency, and high cost in the process of realizing intelligent suspension in existing technical solutions, which make it difficult to meet the needs of intelligent chassis for high-precision, fast-response, and low-cost suspension state perception and control.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing. The intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing includes a bearing assembly body, an integrated housing, a multi-dimensional attitude sensing module, an adaptive damping adjustment module, and an embedded controller. The bearing assembly body is encapsulated inside the integrated housing. The bearing assembly body is used to provide the rotational degree of freedom of the shock absorber piston rod and bear the load. The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module and the embedded controller are integrated on the load-bearing structure of the bearing assembly body. The adaptive damping adjustment module is mechanically coupled to the internal damping structure of the bearing assembly body. Both the adaptive damping adjustment module and the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module are electrically connected to the embedded controller. The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module is used to directly measure the state signals of the bearing assembly in at least three mechanical dimensions and output attitude parameters including axial force dynamic value, lateral force component, pitch moment component and roll moment component. The adaptive damping adjustment module is used to actively adjust the equivalent damping characteristics of the bearing total cost body; The embedded controller is used to receive the attitude parameters output by the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module in real time, and generate damping control commands based on a preset algorithm model to drive the adaptive damping adjustment module to perform adjustment.
[0009] The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module includes a triaxial accelerometer, an integrated processing chip, and at least one strain sensor array. The strain sensor array is arranged in the core stress area of the bearing structure of the bearing assembly and is used to sense the structural strain caused by external loads. The triaxial accelerometer is fixedly installed inside the bearing assembly and is used to measure three-dimensional vibration acceleration. The integrated processing chip is used to synchronously acquire, condition, fuse, and calculate the raw signals output by the strain sensor array and the triaxial accelerometer, and directly output the digital results of the attitude parameters. The strain sensor array, the triaxial accelerometer, and the integrated processing chip are interconnected via flexible circuitry.
[0010] The strain sensor array specifically includes a first group of strain sensing units, a second group of strain sensing units, and a third group of strain sensing units. The first group of strain sensing units is arranged on the axial bearing surface of the upper bearing plate of the bearing assembly and is configured to measure axial pressure and its dynamic changes. The second set of strain sensing units is arranged on the lateral support structure of the bearing assembly and configured to measure lateral forces; The third set of strain sensing units is arranged asymmetrically or differentially at different locations on the load-bearing structure of the bearing assembly, configured to calculate the bending moment by measuring the non-uniform strain distribution.
[0011] The adaptive damping adjustment module is an integrated intelligent damper, which is selected from any one of the micro electro / magnetorheological fluid damping units and piezoelectric intelligent structural units.
[0012] The embedded controller includes a microprocessor, a memory, and a power management circuit. The memory stores a preset algorithm model, which is a trained lightweight machine learning classification model or rule-based control logic. It is configured to: take the time-domain and frequency-domain features of the attitude parameters as input, identify the road condition type and driving intention experienced by the current suspension in real time, and map and generate the corresponding target damping value.
[0013] The road condition types identified by the algorithm model include at least: smooth paved road surface, long-wave undulating road surface, high-frequency broken road surface, and discrete impact obstacle; the driving operation intentions identified by the algorithm model include at least: steady-state steering, transient steering, acceleration, and braking.
[0014] The integrated housing is also provided with a vehicle bus interface, which is used to realize data interaction between the bearing assembly and the vehicle control network.
[0015] This invention discloses an intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing, comprising a bearing assembly body, an integrated housing, a multi-dimensional attitude sensing module, an adaptive damping adjustment module, and an embedded controller. Integrating the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module, the adaptive damping adjustment module, and the embedded controller into a single compact unit reduces external wiring harnesses and independent components, directly lowering overall complexity and cost. Secondly, the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module is directly integrated into the load-bearing structure of the bearing assembly body, enabling synchronous and accurate measurement of multi-dimensional mechanical states, solving the problem of insufficient sensing information dimensions. Finally, the embedded controller processes the sensing signals in real time and generates control commands, driving the adaptive damping adjustment module to respond instantly, realizing edge computing and control, greatly shortening the signal transmission and processing path, effectively overcoming the defect of large system latency, thus meeting the needs of intelligent chassis for high-precision, fast-response, and low-cost suspension state sensing and control. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing provided by the present invention.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module provided by the present invention.
[0019] 101-Bearing assembly, 102-Integrated housing, 103-Multi-dimensional attitude sensing module, 104-Adaptive damping adjustment module, 105-Embedded controller, 106-Triaxial accelerometer, 107-Integrated processing chip, 108-Strain sensor array, 109-First group of strain sensing units, 110-Second group of strain sensing units, 111-Third group of strain sensing units, 112-Microprocessor, 113-Memory, 114-Power management circuit, 115-Vehicle bus interface. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0021] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention provides an intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing. The intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing includes a bearing assembly body 101, an integrated housing 102, a multi-dimensional attitude sensing module 103, an adaptive damping adjustment module 104, and an embedded controller 105. The bearing assembly body 101 is encapsulated inside the integrated housing 102. The bearing assembly body 101 is used to provide the rotational degree of freedom of the shock absorber piston rod and bear the load. The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module 103 and the embedded controller 105 are integrated on the load-bearing structure of the bearing assembly body 101. The adaptive damping adjustment module 104 is mechanically coupled to the internal damping structure of the bearing assembly body 101. The adaptive damping adjustment module 104 and the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module 103 are both electrically connected to the embedded controller 105. The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module 103 is used to directly measure the state signals of the bearing assembly 101 in at least three mechanical dimensions, and output attitude parameters including axial force dynamic value, lateral force component, pitch moment component and roll moment component. The adaptive damping adjustment module 104 is used to actively adjust the equivalent damping characteristics of the bearing total body 101; The embedded controller 105 is used to receive the attitude parameters output by the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module 103 in real time, and generate damping control commands based on a preset algorithm model to drive the adaptive damping adjustment module 104 to perform adjustment.
[0022] In this embodiment, the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module 103, the adaptive damping adjustment module 104, and the embedded controller 105 are integrated with the bearing assembly 101 into a single compact unit. This reduces external wiring harnesses and independent components, directly lowering overall complexity and cost. Secondly, the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module 103 is directly integrated into the load-bearing structure of the bearing assembly 101, enabling synchronous and accurate measurement of multi-dimensional mechanical states, thus solving the problem of insufficient sensing information dimensions. Finally, the embedded controller 105 processes the sensing signals in real time and generates control commands, driving the adaptive damping adjustment module 104 to respond instantly. This achieves edge computing and control, significantly shortening the signal transmission and processing path and effectively overcoming the drawback of high system latency. This meets the requirements of intelligent chassis for high-precision, fast-response, and low-cost suspension state perception and control.
[0023] Furthermore, the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module 103 includes a triaxial accelerometer 106, an integrated processing chip 107, and at least one strain sensor array 108. The strain sensor array 108 is arranged in the core stress area of the bearing structure of the bearing assembly 101 and is used to sense the structural strain caused by external loads. The triaxial accelerometer 106 is fixedly installed inside the bearing assembly 101 and is used to measure three-dimensional vibration acceleration. The integrated processing chip 107 is used to synchronously acquire, condition, fuse, and calculate the raw signals output by the strain sensor array 108 and the triaxial accelerometer 106, and directly output the digital results of the attitude parameters. The strain sensor array 108, the triaxial accelerometer 106, and the integrated processing chip 107 are interconnected via flexible circuitry.
[0024] In this embodiment, the flexible circuit is designed with a serpentine wiring structure to accommodate the limited space and potential micro-deformation within the bearing assembly 101, ensuring long-term reliability of the electrical connection. The integrated processing chip 107 employs system-in-package technology to achieve miniaturization, low power consumption, and high anti-interference capability.
[0025] Furthermore, the strain sensor array 108 specifically includes a first group of strain sensing units 109, a second group of strain sensing units 110 and a third group of strain sensing units 111. The first group of strain sensing units 109 is arranged on the axial bearing surface of the upper bearing plate of the bearing assembly 101 and is configured to measure axial pressure and its dynamic changes. The second set of strain sensing units 110 are arranged on the lateral support structure of the bearing assembly 101 and configured to measure lateral forces. The third set of strain sensing units 111 are arranged in an asymmetric or differential manner at different locations on the load-bearing structure of the bearing assembly 101, configured to calculate the bending moment by measuring the non-uniform strain distribution.
[0026] In this embodiment, the first set of strain sensing units 109, the second set of strain sensing units 110, and the third set of strain sensing units 111 all employ piezoresistive strain gauges based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and are configured with a Wheatstone bridge to improve measurement sensitivity and temperature compensation. Specifically, the third set of strain sensing units 111 are symmetrically arranged at 90-degree or 180-degree intervals along the circumference of the upper bearing plate of the bearing assembly 101. By calculating the difference in the bridge output values of the two symmetrical units, the pitching and roll moment components can be accurately calculated.
[0027] Furthermore, the adaptive damping adjustment module 104 is an integrated intelligent damper, which is selected from any one of the micro electro / magnetorheological fluid damping units and piezoelectric intelligent structural units.
[0028] Specifically, the micro-electro- / magnetorheological fluid damping unit comprises: an annular sealed cavity integrated within the main rubber damping element of the bearing assembly 101; an electro- / magnetorheological fluid filled within the cavity; and a pair of micro-electrodes or a micro-electromagnetic coil embedded in the cavity wall. By changing the voltage applied to the electrodes or the current in the coil through the embedded controller 105, the shear yield strength of the rheological fluid can be changed in milliseconds, thereby achieving continuous and reversible adjustment of the assembly damping force.
[0029] Specifically, the piezoelectric intelligent structural unit includes a piezoelectric ceramic stack actuator pre-tightened inside an elastic element (such as a main rubber spring) installed in the bearing assembly 101, and a hydraulic amplification mechanism connected in series or parallel with it. When the embedded controller 105 applies a driving voltage, the piezoelectric stack generates a micro-displacement, which is converted into active control of the pre-tightening force of the elastic element through the amplification mechanism, thereby changing its overall dynamic stiffness and hysteresis damping characteristics.
[0030] Furthermore, the embedded controller 105 includes a microprocessor 112, a memory 113, and a power management circuit 114; the memory 113 stores a preset algorithm model, which is a trained lightweight machine learning classification model or rule-based control logic, configured to: take the time-domain and frequency-domain features of attitude parameters as input, identify in real time the road condition type and driving operation intention experienced by the current suspension, and map to generate the corresponding target damping value.
[0031] In this embodiment, the microprocessor 112 is an ARM Cortex-M series core with digital signal processing capabilities. After the algorithm model is trained and verified in the cloud using a large amount of real vehicle data, it is deployed in the memory 113 through compression and quantization technology. It can complete the entire closed-loop calculation from signal input to damping command output with a latency of less than 10 milliseconds within limited embedded resources.
[0032] Furthermore, the road condition types identified by the algorithm model include at least: smooth paved road surface, long-wave undulating road surface, high-frequency broken road surface, and discrete impact obstacle; the driving operation intentions identified by the algorithm model include at least: steady-state steering, transient steering, acceleration, and braking.
[0033] In this embodiment, the algorithm model distinguishes different road conditions by analyzing the dominant frequency and energy distribution of axial force and vertical acceleration in the attitude parameters; and identifies driving intentions by analyzing the temporal characteristics of lateral force, yaw rate (derived from roll moment) and longitudinal acceleration.
[0034] Furthermore, the integrated housing 102 is also provided with a vehicle bus interface 115, which is used to realize data interaction between the bearing assembly 101 and the vehicle control network.
[0035] In this embodiment, the vehicle bus interface 115 is a controller area network or vehicle Ethernet physical connector conforming to automotive industry standards, which is directly connected to the embedded controller 105. This interface supports the assembly in uploading fused attitude data, operating status, and fault codes to the vehicle domain controller, while also receiving global mode commands from the entire vehicle, enabling the combination of local adaptive adjustment and vehicle-level collaborative control.
[0036] The above description discloses only one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A smart shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing, characterized in that, The device includes a bearing assembly, an integrated housing, a multi-dimensional attitude sensing module, an adaptive damping adjustment module, and an embedded controller. The bearing assembly is encapsulated inside the integrated housing and provides rotational freedom for the shock absorber piston rod and bears the load. The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module and the embedded controller are integrated on the load-bearing structure of the bearing assembly. The adaptive damping adjustment module is mechanically coupled to the internal damping structure of the bearing assembly. Both the adaptive damping adjustment module and the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module are electrically connected to the embedded controller. The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module is used to directly measure the state signals of the bearing assembly in at least three mechanical dimensions and output attitude parameters including axial force dynamic value, lateral force component, pitch moment component and roll moment component. The adaptive damping adjustment module is used to actively adjust the equivalent damping characteristics of the bearing total cost body; The embedded controller is used to receive the attitude parameters output by the multi-dimensional attitude sensing module in real time, and generate damping control commands based on a preset algorithm model to drive the adaptive damping adjustment module to perform adjustment.
2. The intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-dimensional attitude sensing module includes a triaxial accelerometer, an integrated processing chip, and at least one strain sensor array. The strain sensor array is arranged in the core stress area of the bearing structure of the bearing assembly and is used to sense the structural strain caused by external loads. The triaxial accelerometer is fixedly installed inside the bearing assembly and is used to measure three-dimensional vibration acceleration. The integrated processing chip is used to synchronously acquire, condition, fuse, and calculate the raw signals output by the strain sensor array and the triaxial accelerometer, and directly output the digital results of the attitude parameters. The strain sensor array, the triaxial accelerometer, and the integrated processing chip are interconnected via flexible circuitry.
3. The intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The strain sensor array specifically includes a first group of strain sensing units, a second group of strain sensing units, and a third group of strain sensing units. The first group of strain sensing units is arranged on the axial bearing surface of the upper bearing plate of the bearing assembly and is configured to measure axial pressure and its dynamic changes. The second set of strain sensing units is arranged on the lateral support structure of the bearing assembly and configured to measure lateral forces; The third set of strain sensing units is arranged asymmetrically or differentially at different locations on the load-bearing structure of the bearing assembly, configured to calculate the bending moment by measuring the non-uniform strain distribution.
4. The intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adaptive damping adjustment module is an integrated intelligent damper, which is selected from any one of the following structures: micro electro / magnetorheological fluid damping unit and piezoelectric intelligent structural unit.
5. The intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The embedded controller includes a microprocessor, a memory, and a power management circuit. The memory stores a preset algorithm model, which is a trained lightweight machine learning classification model or rule-based control logic. It is configured to: take the time-domain and frequency-domain features of the attitude parameters as input, identify the road condition type and driving intention experienced by the current suspension in real time, and map and generate the corresponding target damping value.
6. The intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The road condition types identified by the algorithm model include at least: smooth paved road surface, long-wave undulating road surface, high-frequency broken road surface, and discrete impact obstacle; the driving operation intentions identified by the algorithm model include at least: steady-state steering, transient steering, acceleration, and braking.
7. The intelligent shock absorber bearing assembly integrating damping and attitude sensing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated housing is also provided with a vehicle bus interface, which is used to realize data interaction between the bearing assembly and the vehicle control network.