Active Suspension Wheel Control for Tire-Surface Friction Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle steering and braking systems are dependent on accurate friction levels at the road-tire interface, and systems that fail to account for this can lead to errors and potentially dangerous driving behaviors due to varying road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that estimates tire-surface parameterization data, including friction coefficients and tire behavior, by independently controlling wheels to measure the force required to cause tires to lose traction, allowing for real-time adjustments to vehicle maneuvers and speed to maintain safety and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional steering and braking systems are used without active suspension, then the system complexity is lower, but the measurement precision of tire-surface friction parameters is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces active suspension as an intermediary system between the vehicle and road surface. The suspension system includes sensors that directly measure tire-surface interaction parameters, acting as a mediator that provides accurate friction data without requiring modification of the traditional steering and braking systems themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical inference methods with direct electronic sensing. Instead of estimating friction through mechanical system responses, the system uses electronic sensors in the active suspension to directly detect tire-surface friction parameters, achieving higher measurement precision.
2Reliability
If active suspension with independent wheel control is implemented, then the vehicle control and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into independently controllable wheel units, each with its own active suspension system. This segmentation allows independent measurement and control of each wheel's tire-surface interaction, improving overall vehicle control and safety through localized adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities where the active suspension system continuously adapts wheel parameters based on real-time tire-surface friction measurements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize vehicle handling and safety responses to changing road conditions.
3Measurement precision
If wheel loading is reduced to measure tire-surface parameters, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the vehicle stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary counteracting forces through the active suspension system before significant instability occurs. When tire-surface friction parameters are measured with reduced wheel loading, the system preemptively adjusts other wheel parameters to compensate, preventing vehicle instability before it develops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where tire-surface friction measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust wheel loading and other parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures that measurement activities do not compromise vehicle stability, as the system automatically compensates for loading changes.
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
Enhances safety and control by providing accurate tire-surface data for improved maneuverability and traction, enabling vehicles to adjust operations based on real-time road conditions, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
A system that estimates tire-surface parameterization data, including friction coefficients and tire behavior, by independently controlling wheels to measure the force required to cause tires to lose traction
Data Source
AI summary
A surface characterization system includes an active suspension a system with a wheel controller to control a first and second wheel of a vehicle where the active suspension causes a difference in loading between the first and second wheel. The wheel controller may cause the first wheel to slow and receive a signal indicative of a change of state of the vehicle. The wheel controller may cause the second wheel to oppose the change of state caused by the first wheel. The surface characterization system may estimate tire-surface parameterization data associated with the first tire and a surface upon which the vehicle is located.