Adjustable Shock Absorber Control for Real-Time Damping Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable shock absorbers in vehicles do not effectively adapt damping characteristics to various driving conditions, such as cornering, braking, and terrain changes, leading to suboptimal ride comfort and handling.
Innovation Solution
A recreational vehicle equipped with adjustable shock absorbers and sensors that communicate with a controller to dynamically adjust damping characteristics based on sensor information, including cornering events, braking events, terrain conditions, and vehicle orientation, allowing for real-time adjustments to compression and rebound damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed damping characteristics are used in shock absorbers, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber employs dynamic adjustment of damping characteristics through electronically controlled valves that modify fluid flow resistance in real-time based on sensor feedback about vehicle motion and road conditions, transforming a static damping system into an adaptive one
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect vehicle motion parameters and feed this information to a controller, which then adjusts the damping characteristics accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously adapts to changing driving conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable damping characteristics are implemented, then adaptability to driving conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions by processing sensor data, determining vehicle state, and controlling damping adjustment through a single integrated controller, reducing overall system complexity despite the added adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses electronically controlled valves to adjust damping, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of operation
If real-time damping adjustment is made, then ride comfort is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates in discrete control cycles, periodically updating damping characteristics based on current sensor readings rather than continuous adjustment, reducing energy consumption while maintaining ride comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts damping parameters dynamically based on detected driving conditions, using energy only when parameter changes are necessary to maintain optimal ride comfort, rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously
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.