Adaptive Sway Bar Control for Ride Comfort and Rollover Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems struggle to dynamically adjust between soft and stiff modes based on terrain and driving conditions, leading to suboptimal handling and increased risk of rollover in various driving scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system with sensors and processors that determine vehicle operation modes by comparing vehicle information to baseline settings, allowing automatic switching between operating modes and adjusting sway bar stiffness through electronically controlled damper links and physical disconnects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suspension is made softer to improve comfort on bumpy terrain, then ride comfort is improved, but vehicle stability and handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sway bar system dynamically adjusts its stiffness characteristic based on detected driving conditions. The system transitions from a static suspension system to a dynamic one that can modify its properties in real-time, switching between soft and stiff modes to optimize both comfort and stability for different terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of sway bar stiffness by adjusting the engagement of damper links and physical disconnects. By varying the damping coefficient and connection status of these components, the system transforms the sway bar from a fixed-stiffness component to one with variable stiffness characteristics.
2Reliability
If the suspension is made stiffer to improve handling on smooth terrain, then vehicle stability is improved, but ride comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its stiffness characteristic based on detected driving conditions. The system transitions from a static suspension system to a dynamic one that can modify its properties in real-time, switching between soft and stiff modes to optimize both comfort and stability for different terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of sway bar stiffness by adjusting the engagement of damper links and physical disconnects. By varying the damping coefficient and connection status of these components, the system transforms the sway bar from a fixed-stiffness component to one with variable stiffness characteristics.
3Productivity
If automatic mode switching is implemented to optimize handling, then vehicle performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor serves multiple functions: it detects driving conditions through sensor data, determines the appropriate operating mode, and controls the sway bar adjustment mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving optimized performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects driving conditions and adjusts the sway bar settings without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The processor continuously monitors sensor data and autonomously switches between operating modes, making the system self-regulating and reducing the complexity of manual control interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising: a memory; at least one sensor (5); at least one processor, said at least one processor configured to: obtain vehicle information from said at least one sensor (5); determine a vehicle operation mode based on said vehicle information; format said vehicle operation mode in a computer readable format; and present said vehicle operation mode in a computer readable format.