Active Suspension Sensor Diagnostics for Vehicle State Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle systems lack a reliable method to detect malfunctions and state changes, such as unsecured loads or aerodynamic component malfunctions, using existing sensor information without additional sensors, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes existing sensors in active wheel suspension systems to capture and analyze sensor information, including force and acceleration data, to detect malfunctions and state changes, like plastic deformation or unsecured loads, by comparing expected and actual forces and movements, and informing the user accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors are installed to detect malfunctions and state changes, then detection reliability is improved, but production costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing sensors to serve dual purposes: their primary function for controlling the active wheel suspension system and an additional function for detecting malfunctions and state changes. The sensor information is processed by an evaluation unit that analyzes it for both suspension control and diagnostic purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using its own existing sensor infrastructure to monitor its own health and detect anomalies. The evaluation unit continuously analyzes sensor data to identify malfunctions in components like the rear wing or acceleration sensor, and detects state changes such as unsecured loads, without requiring external monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are installed to detect malfunctions and state changes, then detection reliability is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing sensors to serve dual purposes: their primary function for controlling the active wheel suspension system and an additional function for detecting malfunctions and state changes. The sensor information is processed by an evaluation unit that analyzes it for both suspension control and diagnostic purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection sensors.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing sensor information is used for both control and detection purposes, then production costs are reduced, but measurement precision for detection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing an evaluation unit that continuously analyzes sensor information and compares actual measurements with expected values based on the control system's operations. When deviations exceed predefined thresholds, the system identifies potential malfunctions or state changes, providing ongoing verification that maintains detection precision despite using shared sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-calculating expected sensor values based on control commands and vehicle state. This allows the evaluation unit to compare actual sensor readings against predicted values, enabling accurate detection of anomalies even though the same sensors are used for both control and detection purposes.
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 reduces production costs and complexity by leveraging existing sensor information to detect malfunctions and state changes, ensuring reliable motor vehicle operation and user awareness of potential issues like unsecured loads or aerodynamic component malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
increase a contact pressure of the motor vehicle by virtue of the airstream accordingly exerting a force on the aerodynamic component
Implementation Method 2
The sensor information may comprise force information relating to a force acting on the wheel suspension systems
Implementation Method 3
The component may be an acceleration sensor. The sensor information may be compared with acceleration information from the acceleration sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a malfunction of a component of a motor vehicle and/or a state change of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a plurality of wheels, a plurality of active wheel suspension systems, a plurality of sensors, a control unit, an evaluation unit and a body, wherein the wheels are each fastened to the body via one of the active wheel suspension systems. The sensors capture sensor information which is used by the control unit to control the active wheel suspension systems. The sensor information is likewise used by the evaluation unit to detect the malfunction and/or the state change.