Adaptive Suspension Control for Overtaking-Induced Vehicle Shaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles experience unstable behavior and reduced ride comfort due to sudden air pressure changes caused by overtaking vehicles, leading to lateral shaking and compromised straight-line driving stability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system equipped with a camera for image data collection, processors to determine the position of overtaking vehicles, and electronically controlled suspensions that adjust damping forces based on the vehicle's position relative to the overtaking vehicle, as well as steering and speed controls to minimize shaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host vehicle drives in a straight line at normal speed, then fuel efficiency and driving comfort are maintained, but the vehicle becomes vulnerable to lateral shaking when overtaken by fast-moving vehicles due to sudden air pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The camera detects the approach of an overtaking vehicle before it passes the host vehicle, allowing the controller to predict the timing and direction of air pressure changes. The suspension system is adjusted in advance to counteract the expected lateral forces, preventing shaking rather than reacting to it after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller applies counteracting forces through the suspension system before the overtaking vehicle completes its pass. By detecting the overtaking vehicle's position and predicting the pressure differential, the system pre-adjusts the damping forces to resist the harmful lateral movement that would otherwise occur when the high-pressure area forms behind the host vehicle.
2Reliability
If the suspension damping force is increased to counteract lateral shaking, then ride comfort and stability are improved, but energy consumption increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension damping force is adjusted periodically and dynamically based on the detected position of the overtaking vehicle. The controller increases damping force only when an overtaking vehicle is detected and predicts lateral shaking will occur, rather than maintaining high damping force continuously. This on-demand adjustment reduces energy consumption while maintaining ride comfort when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system transitions from a static, fixed damping configuration to a dynamic, adaptive system. The damping force is continuously adjusted based on real-time camera detection of overtaking vehicles and predictions of air pressure changes, allowing the system to optimize between comfort and energy efficiency by applying force only when necessary.
3Reliability
If a camera and control system are added to detect and respond to overtaking vehicles, then straight-line driving stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it detects overtaking vehicles for suspension control, monitors the surrounding environment for general safety awareness, and provides data that can be used for other driver assistance features. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single sensor system rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure include a camera having a surrounding field of view of a host vehicle and configured to obtain image data, a plurality of suspensions provided at a corresponding wheel of the host vehicle, a controller electrically connected to the plurality of suspensions and comprising one or more processors and memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to: determine, based on the image data, a position, relative to the host vehicle, of an overtaking vehicle overtaking the host vehicle, and control, based on the position of the overtaking vehicle, a damping force of at least one of the plurality of suspensions.