Multi-Chamber Air Spring Valve Control for Quiet Fast Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-chamber air springs in vehicle suspension systems face challenges in selecting an optimal switching mode that balances rapid valve operation with audible noise, leading to undesirable 'knock' noises, particularly in electric vehicles, which operate more quietly than petrol/diesel vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines a valve switching mode based on vehicle parameters such as audio and dynamic driving conditions, adjusting the valve operation speed to prioritize either rapid response or reduced noise generation depending on the driving scenario.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a current profile is used to close and/or open a valve as quickly as possible, then the vehicle can promptly adjust the spring volume in response to an open/close signal, but the valve exhibits a 'knock' noise when it reaches a travel limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve switching mode adjustable based on driving conditions. The control system dynamically selects between a first switching mode (faster switching) and a second switching mode (slower switching) depending on whether the vehicle is in a dynamic driving event or normal operation, allowing the system to adapt its response characteristics to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of valve switching speed based on driving conditions. The control system modifies the current profile parameters applied to the valve motor depending on the detected driving scenario, using faster switching parameters during dynamic events and slower switching parameters during normal operation to minimize knock noise.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a current profile is used to close and/or open a valve as quietly as possible, then production of a 'knock' noise is greatly reduced, but the valve closes and/or opens at a slower rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the valve switching speed based on real-time detection of driving conditions. During normal operation, the system uses a quieter, slower switching mode. When a dynamic driving event is detected, it switches to a faster switching mode, ensuring both noise reduction and rapid response are achieved at appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the current profile parameters applied to the valve motor based on driving conditions. It uses different current magnitude and ramp rate parameters for normal operation versus dynamic events, optimizing the balance between noise reduction and switching speed for each operational context.
3Productivity
If the valve switching mode is optimized for rapid response, then the vehicle can quickly adjust suspension characteristics, but audible noise increases particularly in electric vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mode selection system that adapts to different driving scenarios. The control system detects dynamic driving events and switches between two valve operating modes accordingly, ensuring rapid suspension adjustment during critical events while maintaining quiet operation during normal driving conditions in electric vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the valve motor based on detected driving conditions. It adjusts current profile parameters including magnitude, ramp rate, and duration to optimize the balance between response time and noise generation for each specific driving scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to control systems (100), air spring systems (300), vehicle suspension systems, vehicles (700), methods (600) and computer software for a multi-chamber air spring (200, 250) for a vehicle (700). The multi-chamber air spring (200, 250) comprises at least a first chamber (204, 254) and a second chamber (206, 256) and a valve (210, 260, 262) therebetween. The control system (100) comprises one or more controllers (110). An example control system (100) is configured to: receive a signal indicative of one or more vehicle parameters, the one or more vehicle parameters indicative of one or more vehicle driving conditions; determine a valve switching mode in dependence on the one or more vehicle parameters, wherein the valve switching mode is indicative of a current profile (400, 440) to operate the valve (210, 260, 262); and output a valve control signal to operate the valve (210, 260, 262) in accordance with the determined valve switching mode.