Active Suspension Vibration Signatures for Hazard Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle active suspension systems lack the ability to effectively categorize detected objects and provide distinct vibration signatures based on object classification, which limits their capability to alert drivers of potential hazards in a nuanced and timely manner.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle active suspension system that includes a suspension actuator and a controller programmed to categorize detected objects and induce specific vibration signatures based on object classification, using predefined actuation profiles that vary frequency and amplitude in response to different object types, thereby providing differentiated alerts to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the active suspension system provides generic vibration alerts, then the system complexity is low, but the ability to provide nuanced hazard information to drivers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments detected objects into multiple predefined categories (e.g., animals, pedestrians, stationary objects, animals on road) based on object detection sensor data. Each category is associated with a distinct vibration signature, enabling differentiated hazard information delivery without requiring a single complex alert mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Different vibration signatures with varying frequencies and amplitudes are applied to different suspension actuators based on the categorized object type. This creates localized quality differences in the vibration feedback, allowing drivers to distinguish between various hazard types through nuanced tactile sensations
2Reliability
If the system uses multiple vibration frequencies and amplitudes for different object types, then hazard alert effectiveness is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration frequency and amplitude based on the categorized object type. The controller modifies vibration parameters in real-time according to the detected hazard, enabling reliable differentiation between hazard types while using a single adjustable vibration mechanism rather than multiple fixed systems
Solution Approach 2:
Different predefined vibration signatures with distinct frequency and amplitude parameters are assigned to different object categories. The controller changes these parameters based on object classification, improving alert effectiveness without requiring physically different vibration mechanisms for each hazard type
3Loss of information
If the suspension actuator is actuated in response to detected objects, then driver awareness is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides vibration alerts before the vehicle physically encounters the detected object or hazard. This preliminary action allows drivers to react to hazards in advance, enhancing awareness while limiting energy consumption to brief alert periods rather than continuous suspension operation
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension actuator is activated periodically or intermittently to deliver vibration alerts rather than operating continuously. The controller applies vibrations in discrete pulses or sequences corresponding to detected hazards, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective driver awareness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively alerts drivers to potential hazards by inducing distinct vibration signatures based on object classification, enhancing their ability to react to various road conditions and obstacles, thereby improving safety and reducing the risk of collisions.
Implementation Method 1
actuate the suspension actuator to induce a vibration signature in the vehicle based on the object classification
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a vehicle active suspension system may include, in response to an object being detected forward of the vehicle and a vehicle speed exceeding a threshold, identifying an object classification associated with the object. The method may further include actuating the active suspension system to induce a vibration signature in the vehicle based on the object classification such that a different identified object classification corresponds to a different vibration signature.