Chassis Actuator Control via Height Profile Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling motor vehicle chassis actuators are inadequate in accurately detecting and compensating for uneven road surfaces, leading to potential vehicle instability and discomfort, as they fail to effectively differentiate between noise and actual unevenness.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze the height profile of the subsoil using sensors, filter the data, and identify unevenness by comparing it to a predetermined threshold and tolerance values, using functions dependent on parameters to describe the shape of the height profile and detect deviations, thereby activating actuators to compensate for identified unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor data is used to detect road surface height profile, then road unevenness can be detected, but measurement noise cannot be effectively differentiated from actual unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filtering of the height profile data before analysis. A moving average filter is applied to smooth the raw sensor data and remove high-frequency noise components. This preliminary action prepares the data for more accurate unevenness detection by separating signal from noise in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing steps between raw sensor data and final unevenness detection. A moving average filter serves as an intermediary to process the height profile data, and derivative calculations act as intermediaries to identify transitions and unevenness characteristics. These intermediaries enable reliable differentiation between noise and actual road features.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the actuator is activated to compensate for identified unevenness, then vehicle stability is improved, but the system may react to noise rather than actual unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary filtering using a moving average filter before detecting unevenness. This smoothing operation removes high-frequency noise that could trigger false actuator activation. By preparing the data in advance, the system ensures that only genuine road unevenness triggers compensation actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses derivative calculations to provide feedback on the rate of change of the height profile. By monitoring the first derivative (slope) and second derivative (curvature), the system can distinguish between gradual terrain changes and abrupt noise spikes. This feedback mechanism prevents premature or false actuator activation.
3Reliability
If filtering is applied to the height profile data, then noise is reduced, but response time to actual unevenness may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a moving average filter with a carefully selected window size that balances noise reduction with response time. The filter operates continuously on incoming sensor data, providing periodic updates. This periodic processing ensures that noise is reduced while maintaining timely detection of road unevenness through continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial filtering by using a moving average with a limited window size rather than extensive smoothing. This partial action reduces noise to an acceptable level while preserving the temporal characteristics of actual unevenness. The filter strength is calibrated to provide sufficient noise reduction without excessive time delay.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one actuator of a chassis of a motor vehicle, which travels over a subsurface, wherein a height profile of the subsurface is detected, wherein it is analyzed for a section of the subsurface whether the height profile along said section has a value which deviates from a threshold value by a specified tolerance value, and wherein a regulating variable for activating the actuator is adjusted in consideration of the identified unevenness when the motor vehicle travels over the identified unevenness.