Air Suspension Ride Height Control Using IMU Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air suspension systems rely on electromechanical ride height sensors, which can be unreliable and difficult to install, and lack efficient methods for dynamic adjustment and calibration.
Innovation Solution
A suspension controller system utilizing inertial measurement units (IMUs) to determine relative angular positions of suspension members and adjust air suspension ride height, including calibration and error detection through a sensor interface, suspension model, and calibration manager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical ride height sensors are used, then ride height can be sensed, but the system becomes unreliable and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical ride height sensors with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that uses accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer data to calculate suspension geometry and ride height. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear components and complex physical linkages, thereby improving reliability while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process that uses IMU data combined with suspension geometry parameters to derive ride height information. Instead of directly measuring ride height with mechanical sensors, the system calculates it from inertial measurements through coordinate transformations and geometric relationships, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact sensors.
2Measurement precision
If electromechanical ride height sensors are used, then ride height can be sensed, but installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IMU serve multiple functions: it measures vehicle acceleration, orientation, and combines this data with suspension geometry to calculate ride height. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ride height sensors, simplifying installation while maintaining measurement precision through computational geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the suspension system geometry that mirrors the physical suspension. By copying the geometric relationships into a computational model and transforming IMU measurements through this model, the system achieves precise ride height measurement without physical ride height sensors, making installation easier.
3Productivity
If traditional sensors are used for air suspension control, then suspension position can be monitored, but dynamic adjustment and calibration efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the IMU continuously provides inertial measurement data to the controller, which calculates current suspension geometry and compares it to target positions. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic dynamic adjustment and streamlined calibration processes, improving productivity while increasing automation extent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by establishing suspension geometry parameters and IMU mounting offsets before normal operation. This preliminary setup creates a reference model that enables automatic real-time adjustments during operation, improving calibration efficiency and enabling automated dynamic adjustment without requiring complex calibration procedures at each adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides improved reliability and ease of installation by eliminating the need for electromechanical sensors, enabling precise dynamic adjustment and calibration of air suspension systems.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first motion sensor and the second motion sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and each of the first motion sensor data comprises accelerometer data
Implementation Method 2
each of the first motion sensor data comprises gyroscope data
Implementation Method 3
each of the first motion sensor data comprises magnetometer data
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling vehicle ride height include a suspension controller. The suspension controller is coupled to a motion sensor attached to a chassis of a vehicle and additional motion sensors each attached to a suspension member of the vehicle that pivots relative to the chassis. The suspension controller receives motion sensor data from the motion sensors and determines relative angular position of each suspension member as a function of motion sensor data received from the motion sensor attached to the chassis and motion sensor data received from the motion sensor attached to the suspension member. The suspension controller adjusts an air suspension based on the relative angular position. Other embodiments are described and claimed.