Flexible Bump Sensor Calibration for Adaptive Suspension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems often require compromises in performance across different terrains, and existing solutions lack flexibility in adjusting suspension settings in response to varying road conditions.
Innovation Solution
An orientationally flexible bump sensor is installed in different locations and orientations, allowing for post-installation calibration to ensure equivalent output, and communicates with a suspension controller to adjust suspension settings dynamically based on terrain inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bump sensor is installed in a fixed orientation and location, then the installation process is simple, but the sensor cannot adapt to different mounting positions and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the bump sensor to operate with varying orientation parameters. The sensor can be mounted at different angles and positions, and the system compensates for these orientation variations through calibration procedures. This enables the sensor to maintain functional equivalence regardless of its mounting orientation, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through a calibration process that is performed after installation. During this calibration phase, the system characterizes the sensor's specific orientation and location, storing this information for use during operation. This preliminary characterization allows the sensor to be installed in any orientation without requiring precise pre-installation alignment, simplifying the installation process while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system is designed for smooth terrain, then ride comfort is improved, but performance on off-road terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the suspension system to dynamically adjust its characteristics based on real-time terrain conditions. The bump sensor detects road irregularities and triggers controller responses that modify suspension behavior on-the-fly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for smooth terrain during comfortable riding while automatically adjusting for off-road conditions when encountered, achieving versatility without sacrificing reliability in either environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a closed-loop control system where the bump sensor continuously monitors terrain conditions and provides input to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts suspension parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the suspension system to adapt to varying terrain types, maintaining reliable performance across different riding conditions by continuously optimizing based on actual road inputs.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to cover all orientations, then measurement coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single bump sensor that can perform its measurement function effectively regardless of its mounting orientation. Through calibration and computational compensation, one sensor is made multi-functional, capable of providing accurate terrain detection data whether mounted vertically, horizontally, or at intermediate angles. This eliminates the need for multiple orientation-specific sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by using computational models to create virtual representations of what multiple oriented sensors would detect, based on data from a single physical sensor. The system processes the single sensor's outputs through algorithms that replicate the measurement capabilities of multiple sensors would provide, achieving equivalent measurement precision without the physical complexity of installing multiple sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
An orientationally flexible bump sensor is disclosed. The system includes at least one bump sensor mounted to a vehicle, the at least one bump sensor comprising at least two axes of measurement. A computer processor is configured to evaluate the at least two axes of measurement to determine which axis of the at least two axes of measurement has a highest magnitude vector and determine a gain value to cause the highest magnitude vector to be approximately 1 g. The computer processor will assign the gain value to the axis with the highest magnitude vector, such that the gain value is applied to each measurement generated by the axis with the highest magnitude vector.