Bicycle Suspension Control Using Axle Acceleration Sensing

The patent divides the acceleration sensing function into multiple sensors positioned at different locations on the vehicle (front wheel axle, rear wheel axle, and/or frame). Each sensor captures specific acceleration components related to different functions: wheel axle sensors detect terrain conditions through vertical acceleration, while frame sensors detect rider operations through fore-aft acceleration. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific detection purpose.

The patent transitions from using acceleration sensors only for pitch angle correction (single function) to utilizing them for multiple dimensions of detection: rider operations (fore-aft acceleration), terrain conditions (vertical acceleration), and vehicle dynamics. By adding the wheel axle dimension as a sensor location, the system gains access to terrain information that was previously unavailable.

The patent makes the acceleration sensor system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: pitch angle correction (original function), rider operation detection (new function), and terrain condition detection (new function). The electronic controller processes acceleration data from multiple sensors to simultaneously achieve these different objectives, maximizing the utility of the sensing system without requiring separate sensors for each function.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the electronic controller continuously monitors acceleration data from multiple sensors and uses this information to adjust vehicle control parameters. The detected rider operations and terrain conditions provide feedback that enables real-time adaptation of suspension control and other vehicle systems, improving overall vehicle performance and rider experience.