Adjustable Shock Absorbers for Cornering and Braking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems lack adaptive damping control, particularly during cornering, braking, and terrain changes, leading to reduced stability and handling performance.
Innovation Solution
A recreational vehicle equipped with adjustable shock absorbers and a controller that uses sensors to adjust damping characteristics based on cornering events, braking conditions, and terrain, by decreasing or increasing compression and rebound damping accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed damping characteristics are used in shock absorbers, then the suspension system is simple and reliable, but vehicle stability and handling performance deteriorate during cornering, braking, and terrain changes
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber system transitions from fixed damping to dynamic damping by incorporating sensors that detect vehicle state (acceleration, steering angle, brake pressure) and a controller that adjusts damping characteristics in real-time based on detected conditions such as cornering, braking, and terrain changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the damping parameter (compression and rebound damping coefficients) based on detected vehicle conditions. The controller modifies damping characteristics dynamically to match changing driving conditions, improving stability and handling performance without requiring a completely different suspension system
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable shock absorbers with sensor control are added, then damping adaptability and handling performance improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data from various sources (acceleration sensors, steering angle sensors, brake pressure sensors), determines vehicle state (cornering, braking, terrain), and controls damping characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing sensors and control infrastructure to provide damping adjustment, rather than requiring entirely separate dedicated systems. The controller integrates with the vehicle's existing electronic architecture, reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If compression damping is decreased during cornering, then vehicle stability improves, but rebound damping must be increased to maintain suspension control
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different damping characteristics to different phases of suspension operation (compression vs. rebound) based on the same detected cornering condition. During cornering, compression damping is decreased while rebound damping is increased, creating locally optimized damping properties for each phase of suspension movement
Data Source
AI summary
A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame are disclosed. The vehicle including at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic.