Active Mountain Bike Suspension With Real-Time Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mountain bike suspensions are passive and cannot adjust in real time to suit varying terrain and riding conditions, leading to inefficient pedaling and shock absorption, particularly in racing scenarios where quick changes between stiff and soft settings are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A data collection system on the bike differentiates between rider pedaling forces and obstacle forces using sensors, generating a suspension oscillation wave to automatically adjust the suspension settings, stiffening during pedaling and softening upon encountering obstacles, thereby optimizing shock absorption and pedaling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive suspension is used, then the suspension structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adjust in real time to suit varying terrain and riding conditions, resulting in inefficient pedaling and shock absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static passive configuration to a dynamic active system that automatically adjusts its characteristics in real-time based on detected riding conditions. The controller modulates the damper valve to change compression and rebound damping forces dynamically, enabling the suspension to adapt to varying terrain and pedaling phases without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect riding conditions including pedaling phase, suspension compression velocity, and wheel position. This feedback is processed by the controller to determine the optimal damping configuration, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously adjusts suspension parameters based on actual riding conditions rather than relying on preset modes.
2Speed
If semi-active suspension with preset modes is used, then automatic adjustment is achieved, but the suspension cannot adjust in real time to actual terrain, making adjustments once every few minutes at most
Solution Approach 1:
The controller operates in continuous periodic cycles, repeatedly sensing riding conditions, processing data, and adjusting damper settings at high frequency. This periodic control loop enables real-time adjustment capability, transitioning from discrete preset mode changes to continuous adaptive modulation of suspension parameters based on instantaneous riding conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system autonomously adjusts its own parameters without requiring external input from the rider. The integrated sensors and controller form a self-contained control system that automatically detects pedaling phase, compression velocity, and terrain conditions, then self-adjusts the damping forces optimally for each riding scenario.
3Productivity
If conventional suspension is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but it compresses due to pedaling forces, resulting in loss of pedaling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects the pedaling phase through crank position sensors and preemptively increases compression damping forces during the power stroke. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the suspension compression that would normally occur during pedaling, preventing energy loss while maintaining suspension compliance during non-pedaling phases when obstacles are encountered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the damping parameters of the suspension by electronically controlling the damper valve. The controller modulates compression and rebound damping coefficients in real-time based on detected pedaling phase and suspension state, transforming the fixed-parameter passive suspension into a variable-parameter active system that optimizes both pedaling efficiency and shock absorption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides suspension for a mountain bike. The system includes at least a shock and a data collection system. A set of wave characteristics are determined based on data collected by the data collection system. A first change in the wave characteristics is detected, the first change being greater than a threshold indicating an obstacle. Responsive to determining the first change is greater than the threshold, the system enables the shock to compress. A second change in the wave characteristics is detected, the second change being less than the threshold indicating an obstacle. Responsive to determining the second change is less than the threshold, the system causes destructive interference in the shock to inhibit compression of the shock.