Adjustable Shock Absorbers for Dynamic Compression and Rebound Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust damping characteristics in response to various driving conditions, such as cornering, braking, and terrain changes, leading to suboptimal handling and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A recreational vehicle equipped with adjustable shock absorbers and a controller that utilizes sensors to detect driving events and adjust damping characteristics, including compression and rebound damping, based on sensor information to enhance vehicle performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If damping characteristics are kept fixed in traditional suspension systems, then the system structure remains simple, but handling and comfort deteriorate under varying driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of damping characteristics by enabling the shock absorbers to automatically modify their compression and rebound damping values in real-time based on detected driving conditions (cornering, braking, terrain changes), transforming the static suspension system into an adaptive one that responds to varying operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor driving conditions and feed this information to a controller, which then adjusts the damping characteristics accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the suspension to adapt to cornering, braking, and terrain changes by processing sensor data and modifying shock absorber performance in response
2Reliability
If damping characteristics are dynamically adjusted based on sensor information, then handling and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor driving conditions and feed this information to a controller, which then adjusts the damping characteristics accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the suspension to adapt to cornering, braking, and terrain changes by processing sensor data and modifying shock absorber performance in response
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting driving conditions through integrated sensors and autonomously modifying damping characteristics without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across varying operational scenarios
3Stability of the object's composition
If compression and rebound damping are adjusted independently during cornering, then vehicle stability is enhanced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the damping control into separate compression and rebound components, allowing independent adjustment of each characteristic. During cornering, the system selectively modifies compression damping to stabilize the vehicle body while maintaining appropriate rebound damping, enabling precise control over different aspects of suspension behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different damping adjustments to different shock absorbers based on their specific location and function during cornering. Inner and outer shock absorbers receive tailored damping characteristics suited to their individual roles in maintaining vehicle stability, with the controller selectively modifying compression and rebound damping for each component
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.