Adaptive Ride Height Control for Precise Suspension Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) systems for vehicles lack precision in configuring preload for specific loading conditions, leading to reduced ride quality and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle ARH system that includes a control module with processors to execute damping and vehicle attitude analyses based on sensor data from the suspension system, allowing dynamic control of the front and rear suspensions to adjust ride height seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control ARH systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to configure preload precisely for specific vehicle loading conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect vehicle loading conditions and the control module automatically adjusts suspension preload without manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself and achieve precise preload configuration for specific loading conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and actuators to automatically adjust suspension preload based on detected loading conditions, eliminating the need for manual configuration while achieving precision
2Length of stationary object
If seat foam reduction or reduced suspension travel is used to lower seat height, then the seat height is reduced, but ride comfort and quality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts suspension preload and ride height in real-time based on vehicle loading conditions, allowing the suspension to maintain optimal characteristics for both low seat height and high ride comfort rather than being fixed in a compromised state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the preload parameter of the suspension system dynamically rather than permanently modifying the suspension geometry or seat structure, allowing seat height to be reduced while maintaining ride comfort through active parameter adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single channel is used to detect rear suspension position, then the detection system is simple, but the ability to control both front and rear suspension preload dynamically is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the suspension control into independent front and rear channels, each with its own sensors and actuators, allowing dynamic control of both front and rear suspension preload while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions by managing both front and rear suspension systems, detecting loading conditions, and coordinating adjustments across the entire vehicle, making a single component perform multiple roles to reduce overall system complexity
4Ease of operation
If an electric motor is used as power source for suspension movement, then the system can achieve precise control, but the system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic or hydraulic actuators instead of electric motors to adjust suspension preload, leveraging fluid pressure systems that can provide precise control with simpler mechanical components and reduced electrical system complexity
5Adaptability or versatility
If air compressor is activated independently of vehicle condition, then ride height adjustment is achieved, but energy consumption increases and the system lacks seamless adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vehicle loading conditions through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically activate the air compressor only when adjustment is needed, enabling seamless adaptation to changing vehicle conditions while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The air compressor operates periodically based on detected vehicle conditions rather than continuously, activating only when loading changes require ride height adjustment, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adaptive capability
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example vehicle adaptive ride height (ARH) systems to provide semi-active damping and ARH functionality. Each example ARH system is operable to dynamically control the vehicle, in response to dynamic detection of one or more operational parameters, between a raised vehicle state or position (e.g., ride height) and a lowered vehicle state or position. Such dynamic control facilitates greater reach-to-ground when in the lowered vehicle state and automatically controls vehicle ride height when in the raised vehicle state for dynamic loading conditions.