Adaptive Chassis Damper Actuator for Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive damping systems in vehicles face challenges in achieving reliable and flexible damping control with quick response times, often requiring complex communication with the vehicle's on-board network, which can be unreliable and increase latency.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive damping control arrangement that includes actuator arrangements with a data input, memory, and actuator for adapting damper behavior, allowing for independent operation without on-board network communication, using pre-defined characteristic curves that can be adjusted based on external signals and sensor data to optimize damping performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive dampers are controlled via central control unit through on-board network, then damping behavior can be adjusted based on vehicle data, but communication latency and network reliability issues increase response time and reduce system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into decentralized actuator assemblies at each damper location, each with independent data input, data storage unit, and actuator. This segmentation eliminates dependence on central control unit communication, allowing each damper to independently adjust damping behavior based on locally stored characteristic curves, thereby improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Characteristic curves defining damping behavior are pre-loaded into data storage units at each actuator assembly before operation. This preliminary action enables the actuators to immediately execute damping adjustments without waiting for communication with the central control unit, reducing response time and eliminating communication latency while maintaining full adaptability.
2Speed
If multiple characteristic curves are stored in each actuator assembly, then damping flexibility and response speed improve, but device complexity and data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage unit in each actuator assembly is designed to universally store multiple characteristic curves that define different damping behaviors. This multi-functionality allows a single actuator assembly to handle various damping requirements (different road conditions, driving modes, vehicle loads) without requiring multiple specialized actuators, thereby improving response speed while managing complexity through consolidation.
3Reliability
If actuator assemblies operate independently without on-board network communication, then system reliability improves, but ability to receive updated damping profiles and optimize performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic operation where actuator assemblies can function independently using pre-loaded characteristic curves for immediate reliability, while also maintaining the capability to receive and implement updated damping profiles through data input when communication is available. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its operation mode based on communication availability, preserving both reliability and adaptability.
4Productivity
If damping control requires communication with central control unit, then centralized optimization is possible, but communication load and latency increase response time
Solution Approach 1:
Each actuator assembly is equipped with self-service capabilities including local data storage for characteristic curves, embedded processing logic, and autonomous actuation functionality. This self-service design eliminates the need for continuous communication with the central control unit for basic damping adjustments, allowing each damper to independently and efficiently adjust its behavior in real-time without communication latency, thereby improving productivity while reducing time loss.
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
Enables reliable and flexible damping control with reduced communication load and latency, allowing for real-time adaptation of damping characteristics based on vehicle and environmental data, ensuring safe operation even in case of control unit failures.
Implementation Method 1
The cylinder is filled with hydraulic oil. The piston divides the cylinder volume into at least two volumes. In an adaptive damper system, the flow characteristics of the hydraulic oil can be adjusted when switching between the two volumes.
Implementation Method 2
The damper unit is usually located between the vehicle body and a wheel. Active damper systems can generate virtually any state between a movement (velocity) performed by the damper system and a force exerted by the damper system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A damping control arrangement and an actuator arrangement (2) for an adaptive chassis damper (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) are proposed. The actuator arrangement (2) comprises: a data input, a data memory, and an actuator for adapting an operating behavior of the damper, wherein the data memory contains at least a first number of characteristics for the operating behavior of the damper (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), and the actuator is designed to implement a second characteristic, not contained in the first number of characteristics, in response to a first signal received via the data input.