Active Suspension Pitch Control for Road Gradient Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle active suspension systems fail to effectively manage changes in driving surface gradients, leading to reduced visibility and comfort due to inadequate control of relative ride height between the front and rear of the vehicle body.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the active suspension based on detected changes in driving surface gradients to control the relative ride height between the front and rear of the vehicle body, optimizing pitch angle and rate of change to improve visibility and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the active suspension maintains a standard pitch angle relative to the driving surface, then the vehicle structure remains simple and stable, but visibility is reduced and comfort deteriorates during gradient transitions due to excessive pitch angle changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by detecting gradient changes ahead of time using sensor data and predictive algorithms. Before the vehicle actually encounters the gradient transition, the active suspension pre-adjusts the pitch angle to an optimal value, thereby reducing the severity of pitch changes during the transition and improving both visibility and comfort without requiring complex real-time adjustments
2Ease of operation
If the active suspension rapidly adjusts pitch angle to maintain horizontal attitude during gradient transitions, then comfort is improved by reducing head toss, but the rate of change of pitch angle increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements periodic action by adjusting the pitch angle in controlled stages rather than as a single rapid movement. The pitch angle is adjusted progressively through multiple smaller adjustments over time, allowing the vehicle body to smoothly transition to the optimal attitude while keeping the rate of change within comfortable limits for occupants
Solution Approach 2:
The control system applies dynamics by continuously adapting the pitch angle adjustment rate based on real-time vehicle state and gradient characteristics. The system dynamically modifies the control parameters to balance the need for rapid pitch correction with the constraint of maintaining a comfortable rate of change, optimizing comfort throughout the transition process
3Loss of information
If the active suspension controls pitch angle to peek over blind gradient changes, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies partial action by adjusting the pitch angle to the extent necessary to improve visibility over blind gradient changes, but not beyond what is needed. The system calculates the minimum required pitch adjustment to clear the line of sight obstruction and applies only that amount, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still achieving the visibility improvement goal
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a method and to a control system for controlling an active suspension of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more controllers, the control system configured to: obtain information indicative of a change of gradient of a driving surface in a direction of travel; and control the active suspension to adjust relative ride height between a front and rear of a vehicle body of the vehicle above the driving surface beneath the vehicle in dependence on the change of gradient.