Active Suspension Valve Control for Terrain-Adaptive Prosthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems, including those for prosthetics and exoskeletons, lack the ability to dynamically adjust suspension characteristics in real-time based on terrain and user input, leading to suboptimal performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an active valve system that uses sensors to read terrain conditions and adjust suspension characteristics, such as damping settings, automatically through electronic control, allowing for customizable tunes and settings via a mobile application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive suspension components (springs and dampers) are used, then the device provides basic suspension function, but it cannot dynamically adjust to varying terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active suspension components that can dynamically adjust their characteristics in real-time. The active valve in the shock assembly allows compression and rebound damping characteristics to be modified while the vehicle is in motion, enabling the suspension to adapt to varying terrain conditions rather than remaining fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect terrain conditions and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the suspension system to automatically adjust damping characteristics based on actual terrain conditions, achieving adaptability through closed-loop control
2Extent of automation
If active valve system with sensors and electronic control is integrated, then real-time adjustment capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: processing sensor data, determining optimal suspension characteristics, controlling active valves, and providing user interfaces. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated controller, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system automatically adjusts itself based on sensor input without requiring constant user intervention. The control system autonomously processes terrain information and modifies suspension characteristics, enabling self-service operation that reduces the burden on the user
Data Source
AI summary
An active suspension system with body wearable device integration is disclosed. The system includes a prosthetic having a shock assembly with at least one active valve and a controller communicatively coupled with the at least one active valve of the shock assembly, the controller configured to communicate damping adjustment information to the at least one active valve of the shock assembly, the damping adjustment information used by said at least one active valve to modify a damping characteristic of the shock assembly.