SYSTEM FOR LIMITING SUSPENSION STROKE AND WHEEL TURN BASED ON A DETECTED WHEEL DIAMETER

Abstract

A system configured to modify the limits of a vehicle's ride height adjustability and / or wheel steering distance based on wheel diameter. The system includes: a wheel speed sensor; a GPS receiver; a ride height adjustable system configured to raise and lower a vehicle's body; a steering system configured to turn the vehicle's wheels; and a control module.The control module is configured to: determine the wheel speed of a wheel based on input from the wheel speed sensor; determine the vehicle speed based on GPS signals; compare the wheel speed and the vehicle speed and identify any discrepancy between them; determine the wheel diameter based on the discrepancy and change a ride height adjustment limit of the system with adjustable ride height and / or a steering angle limit of a steering system based on the determined wheel diameter.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a system according to the preamble of claim 1, as is known essentially from DE 10 2008 055 900 A1.

[0002] Further information on the state of the art can also be found in the publications DE 10 2004 018 701 B3, DE 10 2006 058 567 A1 and DE 10 2019 125 655 A1.

[0003] Vehicles with adjustable ride height systems include upper and lower suspension travel limits. These limits may be based on the diameter of original equipment (OEM) wheels. Each wheel comprises a tire and rim assembly. The wheel diameter refers to the effective rolling diameter of the wheel. The lower suspension travel limit is set such that, at the lower limit, the vehicle body does not touch the tire or the ground when OEM wheels are fitted. The upper suspension travel limit is set such that, at the upper limit, the vehicle's aerodynamics remain acceptable. The vehicle's wheel wells are dimensioned and shaped such that, when the wheels are turned fully to the left and right, the OEM wheels do not touch any part of the vehicle that defines the wheel wells.

[0004] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of ensuring that there is no contact between the tire and the ground or bodywork when tires of a different size than the original equipment wheels are fitted. SUMMARY

[0005] Further applications of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and the specific examples serve only for illustration.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved with a system characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to further characteristics, the wheel comprises a rim with a tire attached to it, and the wheel diameter is an effective rolling diameter of the wheel.

[0008] According to further features, the control module is configured to determine that the wheel diameter is a standard diameter if there is no discrepancy between the wheel speed and the vehicle speed, or if the discrepancy is below a predetermined threshold.

[0009] According to further features, the control module is configured to determine that the wheel diameter is a non-standard diameter if the discrepancy exceeds the specified threshold.

[0010] According to further features, the control module is configured to: determine that the non-standard diameter is an undersized diameter when the wheel speed is greater than the vehicle speed, where the undersized diameter is smaller than the standard diameter; and determine that the non-standard diameter is an oversized diameter when the wheel speed is less than the vehicle speed, where the oversized diameter is larger than the standard diameter.

[0011] According to further features, the control module is configured to generate a warning for an operator indicating that a ride height level requested by the operator is below the second level and may result in an obstruction between the wheel and the body of the vehicle.

[0012] According to further features, the control module is configured to generate a warning for an operator indicating that a ride height level requested by the operator is above the second level and may negatively affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0013] According to further features, the control module is configured to generate a warning for an operator indicating that a ride height level requested by the operator is below the second level and may result in contact between the body and a ground surface.

[0014] According to further features, the control module is configured to: set a first steering distance limit for the wheel if there is no discrepancy between the wheel speed and the vehicle speed, or if the discrepancy is below a predefined threshold; and set a second steering distance limit for the wheel, which is smaller than the first steering distance limit, if the discrepancy exceeds the predefined threshold and the wheel speed is less than the vehicle speed.

[0015] Another system includes the following: a wheel speed sensor; a GPS receiver; an adjustable ride height system configured to raise and lower the body of a vehicle; a steering system configured to turn the vehicle's wheels; and a control module.The control module is configured to: determine the wheel speed of a vehicle wheel based on input from the wheel speed sensor, where the wheel comprises a rim with a tire attached and the wheel diameter is an effective rolling diameter of the wheel; determine the vehicle speed based on GPS signals received by the GPS receiver; compare the wheel speed and the vehicle speed and identify any discrepancy between them, and then, if the wheel speed is less than the vehicle speed and the discrepancy between the wheel speed and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold, reduce the upward and downward adaptability limits of the adaptive ride height system and reduce the steering system's wheel angle distance limit.

[0016] According to further features, the control module is configured to generate a warning for an operator indicating that a ride height requested by the operator is outside the reduced upward and downward adjustability limits.

[0017] According to further features, the control module is configured to maintain normal vertical adaptability limits of the system with adjustable ride height when the discrepancy between wheel speed and vehicle speed is less than the specified threshold.

[0018] According to further features, the control module is configured to maintain normal left and right wheel steering distance limits when the discrepancy between wheel speed and vehicle speed is less than the specified threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings; these show: Fig. 1 a system according to the present invention, configured to detect a wheel diameter and to control a ride height and / or wheel steering angle based on the detected wheel diameter; Fig. 2A a side view of a vehicle containing a standard wheel having a standard diameter; Fig. 2B a side view of the vehicle containing an oversized wheel having an oversized diameter larger than the standard diameter; Fig. 2C a side view of the vehicle containing an undersized wheel having a diameter smaller than the standard diameter; Fig. 3 an exemplary control logic for a system according to the present invention, configured to detect a tire diameter and to control a ride height and / or wheel steering angle; Fig. 4. an obstruction between the oversized wheels and the body of the vehicle and Fig. 5 an exemplary warning for a vehicle operator generated by the system indicating a possible tire / fender obstruction due to the presence of oversized wheels.

[0020] Reference symbols can be used multiple times in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Vehicle owners may choose to replace the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) wheels on their vehicle with aftermarket wheels. Each wheel comprises a tire and rim assembly. The wheel diameter refers to the effective rolling diameter of the wheel. Aftermarket wheels may have a larger or smaller diameter than the OEM wheels. Lowering a vehicle with an adjustable ride height system may result in contact between the vehicle body and aftermarket wheels that have a larger diameter than the OEM wheels. Conversely, larger diameter aftermarket wheels may cause the vehicle to be raised unintentionally by the adjustable ride height system.If aftermarket wheels have a smaller diameter than original equipment wheels, lowering the vehicle's ride height may result in contact between the body and the ground. Aftermarket wheels larger than original equipment wheels may also result in contact between the wheels and the body when the wheels are turned fully to the left or right. The present invention provides a system configured to modify the limits of vehicle ride height adjustability and / or wheel steering distance based on the detected diameter of aftermarket wheels. Although the examples described herein are directed toward automotive applications, the present invention also applies to non-automotive applications.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary system 10 according to the present invention. The system 10 includes a control module 20 configured to receive inputs from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 30 and a wheel speed sensor 32. Based on the inputs, the control module 20 is configured to modify the limits of an adjustable ride height system 40 and / or to control a steering system 42, modifying wheel steering angle limits as described in detail herein. The adjustable ride height system 40 is any active suspension system or other system configured to raise and lower a vehicle body relative to the vehicle's wheels. The steering system 42 can be any suitable steering system for the vehicle's wheels configured to set variable limits for left and right steering, as further described herein. The steering system 42 can, for example,It should be a dynamic rack and pinion steering system.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2A illustrates an example vehicle 110 containing the system 10. The system 10 can also be configured for installation in any suitable non-vehicle application. With respect to the vehicle 110, it includes a body 120 with a fender 130. A wheel well 140 is at least partially defined by the body 120. The vehicle 110 can contain any suitable number of wheels, such as four. Only one of the four wheels is illustrated. The following description of the illustrated wheels applies to all wheels, which are typically identical.

[0024] In the example of Fig. 2A is a standard wheel 150A mounted on the vehicle 110, which is an original equipment manufacturer's wheel with a standard wheel diameter. A standard distance A is defined between an outer diameter of the standard wheel 150A and the fender 130 when the system with adjustable ride height 40 is in a neutral position (such as halfway between a maximum lowered position and a maximum raised position).

[0025] Fig. Figure 2B illustrates vehicle 110, where the standard wheel 150A (the original equipment wheel) is replaced by an oversized wheel 150B. The oversized wheel 150B has a maximum diameter that is larger than the maximum diameter of the standard wheel 150A. As a result, a reduced distance B between the outer diameter of the oversized wheel 150B and the fender 130 is defined when the adjustable ride height 40 system is in the neutral position.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2C illustrates vehicle 110, where the standard wheel 150A (the original equipment wheel) is replaced by an undersized wheel 150C. The undersized wheel 150C has a maximum diameter that is smaller than the maximum diameter of the standard wheel 150A. As a result, an increased distance C between the outer diameter of the undersized wheel 150C and the fender 130 is defined when the adjustable ride height 40 system is in the neutral position.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an example control logic 210 of system 10 or any other suitable system configured to modify the limits of a vehicle ride height adjustability and / or a wheel steering distance based on a detected wheel diameter. System 10, and specifically control module 20, is configured to execute control logic 210. From starting point 220, the control logic proceeds to block 230. In block 230, control module 20 determines whether the vehicle 110, or any other suitable vehicle, is equipped with the adjustable ride height system 40 and / or the steering system 42. If the adjustable ride height system 40 and / or the steering system 42 are present, control logic 210 proceeds to block 232, and so on. Otherwise, the logic returns to repeat block 230.

[0028] In block 232, vehicle speed, such as the speed of vehicle 110, is determined based on GPS tracking. For example, control module 20 is configured to regularly receive GPS signals from GPS receiver 30 and identify the vehicle's location based on these signals. Control module 20 is configured to calculate the vehicle speed based on the distance traveled over a period of time (vehicle speed = distance / time).

[0029] In block 234, the control module 20 is configured to identify the wheel speed of one or more wheels 150 (such as wheels 150A, 150B, 150C) in any suitable manner. For example, the control module 20 is configured to receive signals from a wheel speed sensor 32 representing a wheel speed. Any suitable wheel speed sensor, such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS) wheel speed sensor, can be used. The control module 20 is configured to measure the wheel speed of all wheels of the vehicle 110 and then average the speeds to obtain an average wheel speed, which is compared to the vehicle speed measured using GPS. Thus, a reference here to a wheel speed can be the average wheel speed of all wheels of the vehicle.Alternatively, the wheel speed of fewer than all wheels can be used and compared with the vehicle speed measured using GPS.

[0030] In block 236, the control module 20 is configured to use the wheel speed sensor 32 to measure the wheel speed and to use the GPS signals from the GPS receiver 30 to measure a vehicle speed over any suitable distance interval, such as once per mile. The control module 20 is configured to compare the measured vehicle speed and the measured wheel speed recorded at each distance interval. At each interval, there will typically always be a discrepancy (i.e., a difference) between the measured vehicle speed and the measured wheel speed, even if the vehicle 110 is equipped with the standard wheels 150A. The control module 20 is configured to store and track this discrepancy. For example, the control module 20 can be configured to store and track the discrepancy for the preceding 160.9 km (100 miles).When a measurement is taken once per mile over 160.9 km (100 miles), the control module stores 20,100 discrepancy measurements between the vehicle speed and the wheel speed.

[0031] With the standard 150A wheels fitted to the vehicle, any discrepancy between the GPS vehicle speed and the wheel speed is minimized (and potentially eliminated). For example, the discrepancy might be 1.2%, or approximately 1.2% on average over 160.9 km (100 miles). As long as the discrepancy remains below a predetermined threshold, such as 1.5% or 2.0%, for example, the control module 20 is configured to determine that the vehicle 110 is equipped with the standard 150A wheels (which can be considered the original equipment wheels). As long as the vehicle 110 has the standard 150A wheels, the control module 20 is configured to retain standard original equipment settings for the adjustable ride height system 40 and the steering system 42.

[0032] If the control module 20 determines that the discrepancy between the GPS vehicle speed and the wheel speed is equal to or greater than the specified threshold, the control module 20 is configured to determine that the standard wheels 150A have been replaced by non-standard wheels, and the control logic 210 progresses from block 236 to block 238. In block 238, the control module 20 is configured to identify the diameter of the non-standard wheels. For example, if the control module 20 determines that the wheel speed is 7% lower than the vehicle speed, the control module 20 is configured to determine that oversized wheels 150B have been fitted to the vehicle 110. This is because the oversized wheels rotate relatively more slowly than the standard wheel 150 over a given distance.The reduction in rotational speed of the oversized wheels 150B is proportional to the size difference between the standard wheels 150A and the oversized wheels 150B. Thus, a 7% reduction in wheel speed is related to the fact that the oversized wheels 150B are 7% larger than the standard wheels 150A. If the wheel speed is 10% greater than the vehicle speed, the oversized wheels 150B are 10% larger than the standard wheels 150A.

[0033] If the control module 20 determines that the wheel speed is 7% greater than the vehicle speed, the control module 20 is configured to determine that undersized wheels 150C have been fitted to the vehicle 110. This is because the undersized wheels rotate relatively faster than the standard wheels 150 over a given distance. The increase in the rotation of the undersized wheels 150C is proportional to the size difference between the standard wheels 150A and the undersized wheels 150C. Thus, a 7% increase in wheel speed is related to the fact that the undersized wheels 150C are 7% smaller than the standard wheels 150A. If the wheel speed is 10% less than the vehicle speed, then the undersized wheels 150C are 10% smaller than the standard wheels 150A.

[0034] From block 238, the control logic 210 proceeds to block 240. In block 240, the control module 20 determines whether the wheel diameter exceeds a safe tire runout and a safe displacement movement within the wheel well 140. The tire runout is the space that the wheel (hub and tire) can reasonably occupy within the wheel well 140. The wheel should be free of contact with the body 120 (such as the fender 130) when the system with adjustable ride height 40 moves the body 120 up and down and when the wheels turn left and right. “Displacement movement” refers to the distance over which the suspension can move when actuated while driving, without contact between the oversized wheel 150B and the body 120, and without contact between the body 120 and the ground when the vehicle is fitted with the undersized wheel 150C.

[0035] If the control module 20 in block 240 determines that the oversized wheel 150B is too large to allow the same degree of suspension travel provided by the adjustable ride height system 40 when the standard wheels 150A are fitted to the vehicle 110, then in block 250 the control module 20 is configured to raise a lower limit of the adjustable ride height system 40 such that the oversized wheel 150B does not touch the body 120 (such as the fender 130) when the suspension is actuated. In block 250 the control module 20 can also be configured to lower an upper limit of the adjustable ride height system 40 such that the vehicle 110 does not ride too high with the oversized wheel 150B, which could impair its aerodynamics.

[0036] In block 240, the control module 20 also determines whether the undersized wheel 150C is too small to allow the adjustable ride height system 40 to lower the body 120 to its lowest setting without the body 120 touching the ground. If the control module 20 determines that ground contact will occur, block 250 configures the control module 20 to raise a lower limit of the adjustable ride height system 40 to a greater height compared to the standard lower limit when the standard wheel 150A is used, such that the body 120 does not touch the ground with the undersized wheel 150C.

[0037] In block 240, the control module 20 is further configured to determine whether the oversized wheel 150B will touch the body 120 (as in the case of the fender 130) when the oversized wheel 150B is turned to the left or right by the steering system 42. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an example where, due to the increased size of the oversized wheels 150B, turning the oversized wheels 150B to their maximum left position results in the oversized wheels 150B touching the fender 130 when the steering system 42 is set to a standard steering angle limit used for the standard wheel 150A. If the control module 20 determines that the oversized wheel will touch the body 120, block 252 configures the control module 20 to set a reduced steering angle limit for the oversized wheels 150B, which is smaller than a standard steering angle limit used by the steering system 42 for the standard wheels 150A. The reduced steering angle limit prevents the oversized wheels 150B from touching the body 120 when turned left and right. From block 152, the control logic returns to 230.

[0038] From block 240, the control logic 210 can optionally proceed to block 260. In block 260, the control module 20 is configured to generate a message for the driver or other operator of the vehicle 110 with a warning about the problems identified in block 240. For example, and with reference to Fig.5. The control module 20 can generate a warning 310 informing the driver / operator that the oversized wheels 150B may touch the fender 130 when turned to the maximum right or left position set for the standard wheels 150A. Warning 310 will allow the driver / operator to continue operating the vehicle 110 using the steering limits set for the standard wheel 150A. The warning can also be configured to allow the driver / operator to continue operating the vehicle 110 using the upper and lower limits of the adjustable ride height system 40 set for the standard wheel 150A, even though the oversized wheel 150B or the undersized wheel 150C may be fitted to the vehicle 110.In block 262, control module 20 is configured to give the driver / operator the option to authorize an override of the new suspension limits set in block 250 and the new wheel steering angle limits set in block 252. If the driver / operator authorizes the override, control module 20 advances from block 262 to block 264, allowing the vehicle 110 to operate without changing the suspension height limits and steering angle limits set for the standard wheels 150A. The driver / operator may wish to authorize the override for a variety of performance-related and non-performance-related reasons, such as to personalize the appearance of the vehicle 110. If the driver / operator approves the override in block 262, the control module proceeds from block 262 to blocks 250 and 252 to set new limits.

Claims

[1] System configured to change limits of vehicle ride height adjustability and / or wheel steering distance based on wheel diameter, the system comprising: a wheel speed sensor (32); a GPS receiver (30); a steering system (42) configured to turn the vehicle's wheels (110); and a control module (20) that is configured to: Determining a wheel speed of a wheel (150A) of the vehicle (110) based on an input from the wheel speed sensor (32); Determining the vehicle speed of the vehicle (110) based on GPS signals received by the GPS receiver (30); Comparing wheel speed and vehicle speed and identifying any discrepancy between them; Determining a wheel diameter of the wheel (150A) based on the discrepancy, and Changing a wheel steering distance limit of a steering system (42) based on the determined wheel diameter; characterized by , that the system further comprises a system with adjustable ride height (40) configured to raise and lower a body (120) of a vehicle (110); wherein the control module (20) is further configured to change a ride height adjustment limit of the system with adjustable ride height (40); and wherein the control module (20) is further configured to: (i) Setting a lower limit of the adjustable ride height system (40) to a first level when there is no discrepancy between the wheel speed and the vehicle speed or the discrepancy is below a predetermined threshold; and Setting the lower limit of the adjustable ride height system to a second level higher than the first level if the discrepancy exceeds the specified threshold and the wheel speed is lower than the vehicle speed; or (ii) Setting an upper limit of the adjustable ride height system to a first level if there is no discrepancy between the wheel speed and the vehicle speed or the discrepancy is below a predetermined threshold; and Setting the upper limit of the adjustable ride height system to a second level lower than the first level if the discrepancy exceeds the specified threshold and the wheel speed is less than the vehicle speed; or (iii) Setting a lower limit of the adjustable ride height system to a first level if there is no discrepancy between the wheel speed and the vehicle speed or the discrepancy is below a predetermined threshold; and Setting the lower limit of the adjustable ride height system to a second level that is higher than the first level if the discrepancy exceeds the specified threshold and the wheel speed is greater than the vehicle speed. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the wheel (150A) comprises a rim with a tire attached to it and the wheel diameter is an effective rolling diameter of the wheel (150A). [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the control module (20) is further configured to determine that the wheel diameter is a standard diameter when there is no discrepancy between the wheel speed and the vehicle speed or the discrepancy is below a predetermined threshold. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the control module (20) is further configured to determine that the wheel diameter is a non-standard diameter if the discrepancy exceeds the specified threshold. [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the control module (20) is further configured to: Determine that the non-standard diameter is an undersized diameter if the wheel speed is greater than the vehicle speed, where the undersized diameter is smaller than the standard diameter, and Determine that the non-standard diameter is an oversized diameter if the wheel speed is less than the vehicle speed, where the oversized diameter is larger than the standard diameter. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein the control module (20) is further configured to generate a warning to an operator indicating that a ride height level requested by the operator is below the second level and may result in an obstruction between the wheel (150A) and the body (120) of the vehicle (110). [7] System according to claim 1, wherein the control module (20) is further configured to generate a warning to an operator indicating that a ride height level requested by the operator is above the second level and may negatively affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle (110).

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