Active Suspension Control for Vehicle Motion Sickness Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles often cause motion sickness in occupants due to unpredictable movements and lack of control over vehicle direction, exacerbated by conditions like sleep deprivation, leading to increased frequency and severity of symptoms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing active suspension systems that detect increased likelihood of motion sickness and mitigate vehicle motion within specific frequency ranges by adjusting suspension modes to reduce discomfort, using sensors and occupant feedback to adapt suspension settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles operate with standard suspension systems, then vehicle control and route determination are automated, but occupants experience increased motion sickness due to unpredictable movements and lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system dynamically adjusts its characteristics in real-time based on detected motion sickness conditions. The controller modifies suspension parameters (such as damping coefficients and stiffness) responsive to sensor data indicating occupant discomfort, enabling the system to adaptively mitigate harmful motions while maintaining automated vehicle control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor vehicle motion and occupant physiological states (such as heart rate, skin conductance, or self-reported discomfort). This feedback information is processed by the controller to determine when motion sickness is occurring or likely to occur, triggering appropriate suspension adjustments to counteract the harmful effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active suspension systems mitigate motion in first frequency range associated with motion sickness, then occupant comfort improves, but vehicle handling and road feedback may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system applies different mitigation strategies to different frequency ranges. It selectively dampens motions in the first frequency range (0.5-5 Hz) that are specifically associated with motion sickness, while preserving or minimally affecting vehicle handling characteristics in other frequency ranges. This localized approach allows comfort improvement without compromising overall vehicle control and road feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes suspension parameters based on operating conditions and detected motion sickness states. By adjusting damping and stiffness parameters selectively when motion sickness is detected, the system can reduce harmful vibrations in specific frequency bands while maintaining appropriate vehicle handling characteristics through parameter modulation rather than constant heavy damping.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If suspension system mitigates motion by a second degree greater than the first degree when motion sickness is detected, then occupant comfort significantly improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system operates in alternating modes of high and low mitigation intensity based on detected motion sickness conditions. During normal operation, the system maintains standard suspension characteristics with lower energy consumption. When sensors detect motion sickness (through physiological markers or motion patterns), the system transitions to a second mode with enhanced mitigation (second degree greater than first degree), applying stronger counteracting forces to reduce discomfort. This periodic switching between operational states reduces overall energy consumption while providing intensive mitigation only when necessary.
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
Reduces the likelihood and severity of motion sickness by dynamically controlling vehicle motion, enhancing occupant comfort and safety in various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
mitigating motion of at least a portion of the vehicle within a first frequency range by a first degree during a first mode of operation
Implementation Method 2
operating the active suspension system of the autonomous vehicle to induce a motion to the autonomous vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.