Damper Interface Device Emulates Semi-Active Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
When vehicle owners replace original equipment semi-active dampers with aftermarket passive dampers, the suspension controller interprets this change as a fault condition, leading to a reduced performance state that cannot be restored to normal without a functional status message from the semi-active damper system, which is no longer present.
Innovation Solution
A damper interface device (DID) is installed to emulate the functional state of semi-active dampers by connecting to the vehicle network, parsing messages, and generating responses to maintain a normal performance state, allowing the vehicle to function as if the original semi-active dampers were still installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If semi-active dampers are replaced with passive dampers, then vehicle owner can modify handling dynamics according to preference, but suspension controller interprets absence as fault condition and enters reduced performance state
Solution Approach 1:
The DID creates a virtual copy of the semi-active damper system by emulating its communication behavior on the vehicle network. It generates synthetic response messages that mirror what the original suspension controller would send, allowing the vehicle to operate in normal performance state without actual semi-active dampers
Solution Approach 2:
The DID acts as an intermediary device between the vehicle network and the suspension controller. It intercepts CAN messages intended for the semi-active dampers and generates appropriate response messages, mediating the communication gap created by damper removal
2Ease of operation
If semi-active dampers are removed and replaced with passive dampers, then vehicle owner achieves desired handling characteristics, but fault status cannot be cleared without functional status message from original dampers
Solution Approach 1:
The DID copies the communication protocol and message structure of the original semi-active damper system. By generating responses that exactly match the expected functional status messages, it enables the cluster module to clear fault status without requiring actual semi-active damper components
3Reliability
If suspension controller continuously outputs fault status to cluster module, then vehicle remains in reduced performance state, but installing DID requires disconnecting suspension connector from suspension controller
Solution Approach 1:
The DID is installed as an intermediary device between the suspension connector and the suspension controller. It physically interfaces with the existing connector without requiring modification to the suspension controller itself, maintaining ease of installation while restoring normal performance state
Data Source
AI summary
A damper interface device (DID) includes a microcontroller including a memory and a processor, at least one algorithm stored to the memory, and a DID connector configured to connect the microcontroller to a vehicle network without having to modify the wiring system of the vehicle. The algorithm is configured to receive network messages from the vehicle network via the DID connector, where the network messages include an input message directed to a suspension controller. The algorithm is executed by the processor to identify the input message as directed to the suspension controller, parse the input message for response requirements, determine contents of a response to the input message, where the contents of the response emulate a response of the suspension controller, and generate a response message including the contents of the response. The microcontroller is configured to output the response message to the vehicle network via the DID connector.