906 results about "Active suspension" patented technology

A bicycle is disclosed having a control system with a user interface and an active suspension system. The control system includes a one or more sensors arranged to measure and transmit a signal indicative of the terrain over which the bicycle is being ridden. The active suspension system includes a valve box that is fluidly coupled to each chamber of the lower cylinder. An orifice in the valve box is changed in size in response to a signal from a sensor associated with the front wheel that changes the response of the suspension system due to changing terrain conditions. The user interface includes a selection device mounted to the handlebars that allows the user to change parameters of the active suspension system during operation of the bicycle.

A method for controlling an active suspension includes steps of determining a dimension of a road abnormality ahead of the vehicle and comparing the dimension with a vehicle dimension. Responsive to the comparison, the abnormality is classified as one type of a plurality of predetermined types. Responsive to a height dimension of the abnormality, the abnormality is further classified as having one of a small, medium, or large severity. The suspension is controlled responsive to the type and severity.

The invention relates to an optimal damping control algorithm of a continuous-control-type semi-active suspension system, and the optimal damping control algorithm is researched and developed for meeting the taking comfort of people and automobile driving safety requirements well. The control algorithm comprises the following steps of: measuring automobile body vibration acceleration signals, automobile speed signals and rotation angle signals by utilizing a sensor; sensing the automobile driving road condition and suspension system damping ratio according to the signals measured by the sensor; according to the measured automobile body and automobile wheel vibration acceleration, obtaining the automobile body and automobile wheel vertical motion speed and the relative motion speed between an automobile body and automobile wheels; determining the optimal damping coefficient and the damping force of a shock absorber required under the current automobile speed and road condition according to automobile parameters, outputting stepping motor rotation angle control signals through a controller, and controlling and regulating the area of the damping throttling hole of a controllable shock absorber, so that the semi-active suspension system achieves the required optimal damping and damping force. The semi-active suspension optimal damping control algorithm provided by the invention is simple and easy to implement, has low requirements for the dynamic property of an actuating element, and is beneficial to the applications and popularization of the semi-active suspension.

A collision mitigation system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of headlight mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to characterize the road surface, identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.

An active suspension for a driver seat of a bus or a heavy vehicle which comprises an electric actuator allowing the exertion of the force between the floor of the vehicle and the bottom of the seat. The adjustment of the height of the seat is accomplished by an electric actuator or by an independent mechanical system. A controller generates a control force calculated from measurements obtained by sensors located at different locations on the suspension. Forces exerted by the electric actuator can be relieved by passive element placed in parallel which cannot assume by themselves the role of a suspension for a given application.

A strut (12) is configured for an active suspension system (142) which provides electronic control for both the force applied by the strut (12) and the dampening characteristics of the strut (12). A compressible fluid (18) is used within the strut (12), and preferably includes a compressible base fluid and electromagnetic field responsive particles (132) which are suspended in the compressible base fluid. The electromagnetic field responsive particles (132) are preferably closely matched in density and modulas of elasticity to that of the compressible base fluid to prevent sedimentation of the particles (132) and to maintain the elasticity of the compressible fluid (18). The amount compressible fluid (18) within the strut (12) is electronically controlled to determine the force applied by the strut (12) and a field strength applied to the compressible fluid in a fluid flow passage is electronically controlled to determine the dampening characteristics of the strut (12).

An active suspension system senses roadway defects and adjusts an active and controllable suspension system of the vehicle before tires come in contact with the defect. The active suspension system identifies a type of defect or debris, e.g., pothole, bump, object, etc., along with the size, width, depth, and/or height information of the defect to more accurately control operation of the suspension system to prepare for, or avoid contact with the roadway defects and obstacles. Imaging techniques are employed to identify the defect or debris. Operation of a serviced cruise control system is controlled to enhance passenger safety and comfort.

The invention discloses a real-time control device and a real-time control method for a motion direction of an electromagnetic energy-regeneration semi-active suspension of a vehicle. A bi-directional controllable double ratchet mechanism composed of a first ratchet mechanism and a second ratchet mechanism which are jointly arranged on an input shaft of an energy-regeneration motor rotor is arranged between an energy-regeneration motor and a nut-ball screw mechanism. The first ratchet mechanism and the second ratchet mechanism respectively comprise a ratchet, a pawl, a pawl rotating shaft, a tensioning spring and an electromagnet. The electromagnets are electrically connected with a control unit, and the rotating directions of the two ratchets combined with the pawls are opposite. When the control unit inputs control signals to a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet of the first ratchet mechanism and the second ratchet mechanism, the input shaft of the energy-regeneration motor rotor can only rotate anticlockwise or clockwise, and the suspension can only be stretched or compressed. When the control unit does not input control signals to the first electromagnet or the second electromagnet, the suspension can only be stretched and compressed. When the vehicle is subjected to a large inertial force, by real-time control of the motion direction of the related suspension, pitching and side tipping of the vehicle are reduced, and the running safety of the vehicle is improved.

The present invention provides regenerative passive and semi-active suspension systems. A regenerative suspension system generally includes at least one regenerative damper, a module, an electric switch, and a battery. The at least one regenerative damper converts mechanical vibration energy within a vehicle into a voltage, which the damper passes to the module. The module measures the voltage from the regenerative damper, and in response, changes electric switch settings for each regenerative damper between an open circuit, a closed circuit completed by a power resistance, and a closed circuit completed by circuitry for charging a battery. Additionally, the module sets electric switch levels to adjust the damping forces within each regenerative damper.

The present invention relates to a semi-active damper controlled by a control circuit including a direct control loop made up of an inverse model of the damper. The inverse model of the damper determines an ideal value for an electrical current ith for controlling a compression controlled-restriction valve and an expansion controlled-restriction valve on the basis of a measured value for a relative speed +E,dot y+EE between the two ends of the damper and on the basis of a force reference value Fc. The semi-active damper of the invention is applicable as a transverse secondary suspension for a passenger rail vehicle.

The transportation system in this invention provides vehicle coupling units which allow the electrical connections and reconfigurations of two or more vehicles together at highway speeds. The coupling unit provides for the bidirectional exchange of electrical power between these vehicles to meet the various power demands of each vehicle. The system is designed to permit coupling and decoupling process of the vehicles while they are traveling at highway speeds. To facilitate the coupling event, each vehicle will employ vehicle active steering, vehicle active suspension, and coupler joint articulation, which will be under vehicle computer control, and will employ vehicle to vehicle data communication. This transportation system allows the electric vehicles to electrically and mechanically couple together for flexible electrical power sharing to achieve the extension of the range of electrically powered vehicles to minimize the time needed for stationary re-charging of electrical vehicles required by electrical charging stations.

The invention discloses an automotive energy-regenerative active suspension system with rigidity and damping variable. The suspension system comprises a suspension variable-rigidity mechanism, a suspension energy-regenerative mechanism and an active suspension control system. The suspension variable-rigidity mechanism comprises a low-rigidity spring, a magneto-rheological damper and a high-rigidity spring. The suspension energy-regenerative mechanism is formed by bi-directionally connecting a linear motor, an energy-regenerative circuit and a storage battery in sequence. The active suspension control system includes a controller. The data input end of the controller is connected with a vibration measuring and processing circuit. The magneto-rheological damper and the control input end of the linear motor are respectively connected with the control output end of the controller. The suspension system can automatically adjust the damping and rigidity at the same time, so that the good steering stability and ride comfort of a finished automobile are achieved; the control system is high in response speed; energy consumption is substantially lowered, and therefore the economy requirement of the finished automobile is met; moreover, the structure and a control algorithm are simple, working is stable and reliable, service life is long, and the suspension system can be conveniently applied to an existing automotive suspension so that real-time control can be achieved.

A method for reducing power consumption in an active suspension system through the selective use of high performance, associated with high power demand, only in situations instantaneously deemed to provide a high ratio of benefit to cost. Input events are classified ahead of time, and are identified during operation of the system, ahead of time if possible through the use of look-ahead sensing or statistical analysis, or at the beginning of the event through the use of motion sensing. Once an event is detected, an estimation of the cost and benefits for an intervention of the active suspension system is made, and the intervention is scaled in a way to provide a good compromise. Relying on the nonlinearity of the cost and benefit expressions, this leads to overall reduced power consumption with small loss in perceived benefit.