Adaptive Ride Height Control for Dynamic Vehicle Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems that lower ride height for improved aerodynamics and handling can degrade vehicle dynamics during dynamic driving, leading to reduced steering feel and ride comfort, as they optimize for a standard ride height.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses on-board sensors to detect dynamic driving conditions and sends control signals to the suspension system to maintain or raise the ride height, inhibiting lowering and thus preserving vehicle dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the ride height is lowered to improve aerodynamic performance and handling, then vehicle drag is reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but vehicle dynamics are degraded during dynamic driving
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static fixed ride height to a dynamic adjustable ride height that can change based on driving conditions. The system uses sensors to detect dynamic driving conditions and automatically adjusts ride height between lowered (for fuel efficiency) and raised (for handling) positions, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and vehicle dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of ride height based on detected driving conditions. When dynamic driving is detected through sensor data analysis, the ride height parameter is changed from lowered to raised position, thereby improving vehicle dynamics while maintaining the ability to operate in lowered position for fuel efficiency during normal driving.
2Force
If the ride height is lowered to reduce centre of gravity and improve traction, then grip is improved and rollover risk is reduced, but steering feel is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ride height based on detected driving conditions. During dynamic driving maneuvers where steering feel is critical, the system raises the ride height to improve steering characteristics while maintaining the traction benefits of lower center of gravity during steady-state driving through the lowered position.
Solution Approach 2:
The ride height parameter is changed from lowered to raised position when dynamic driving conditions are detected, thereby improving steering feel and handling characteristics while preserving the ability to operate in lowered position for improved traction during normal driving conditions.
3Loss of energy
If adaptive suspension automatically lowers ride height above predetermined speed, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but driving experience is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor feedback to detect dynamic driving conditions and automatically adjusts ride height accordingly. When dynamic driving is detected, the system raises the ride height to improve handling and driving experience, while maintaining lowered ride height for aerodynamic efficiency during normal driving, thus resolving the contradiction through condition-based feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The ride height parameter is dynamically changed from lowered to raised position when dynamic driving conditions are detected through sensor feedback, thereby improving driving experience during spirited driving while preserving aerodynamic performance during normal driving conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention resides in a system and method for determining the manner in which a vehicle is driven. The system comprises a processor comprising an input configured to receive dynamic ride data from at least one on-board vehicle dynamic ride sensor, wherein the processor is configured (i) to calculate an output signal which is indicative of whether the dynamic ride data exceeds at least one dynamic ride data threshold value for a predetermined period of time; and (ii) to compare the output signal with at least one output threshold to determine the manner in which the vehicle is driven. The processor comprises an output configured to send a control signal to one or more vehicle components, wherein the control signal is indicative of the manner in which the vehicle is driven.