Active Suspension Control for Predictive Pothole Traversal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems face challenges in mitigating the adverse effects of potholes and road surface discontinuities, leading to jarring experiences for occupants and potential damage to the vehicle, as existing technologies struggle to effectively manage wheel interaction with potholes during traversal.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling an active suspension actuator that adjusts the ride height and applies compressive forces to reduce the impact of potholes by making the wheel airborne or ensuring it rolls along the pothole floor, utilizing data from sensors and vehicle information to predict pothole position and size, and strategically applying forces through suspension actuators to minimize penetration and maintain vehicle stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wheel is allowed to contact the pothole floor during traversal, then the suspension system experiences reduced stress and potential damage, but the occupants experience increased jarring and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a compressive force with the diagonally opposite suspension actuator before the wheel contacts the pothole floor, creating a counterbalancing moment that prevents excessive suspension compression and reduces both structural stress and occupant jarring
Solution Approach 2:
The diagonally opposite suspension actuator functions as a counterbalancing system, applying upward force to offset the downward impact moment generated when the wheel contacts the pothole, thereby protecting both the suspension structure and occupants
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the wheel is made airborne to avoid pothole contact, then occupant comfort is improved, but the suspension system experiences increased stress and potential damage from sudden impact
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a compressive force with the diagonally opposite suspension actuator in advance of wheel contact, creating a counterbalancing moment that limits the magnitude of impact forces when the wheel strikes the pothole floor, thereby protecting suspension components from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The control system determines pothole traversal parameters and pre-positions the diagonally opposite suspension actuator to apply the appropriate compressive force before the wheel contact event occurs, enabling proactive protection of the suspension system
3Reliability
If compressive force is applied by the diagonally opposite suspension actuator during pothole traversal, then both suspension durability and occupant comfort are improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates the diagonally opposite actuator control into the existing active suspension control architecture, combining multiple functions (ride height control, impact mitigation, and occupant comfort) into a unified control system that manages all suspension actuators through a single controller
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
This approach significantly reduces the adverse effects of potholes by minimizing wheel penetration and maintaining vehicle stability, thereby enhancing the comfort of occupants and reducing the risk of damage to the vehicle's suspension and tires.
Implementation Method 1
a controller determines a strategy for traversing the pothole... a compressive force is applied with the suspension actuator of the first suspension assembly to reduce the anticipated mismatch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments are related to suspension systems including dampers and suspension actuators and related methods of control for mitigating the effects of potholes and other road surface discontinuities.