Decentralized Actuator Control for Variable Ride Height Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle actuator systems require complex and costly electronic control units (ECUs) due to the need for extensive wiring and additional functionalities beyond actuator control, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a local controller within the actuator assembly that performs local processing and communicates directly with sensors and the ECU, reducing wiring complexity and allowing for decentralized control of actuators, such as in the variable ride height system for motorcycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate ECU is used to control actuators, then supervisory control functionality is maintained, but wiring complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two parts: a separate ECU that provides supervisory control and a local controller integrated with the actuator assembly that handles direct control. This segmentation allows the ECU to maintain oversight without requiring extensive wiring to the actuator, as the local controller handles communication and control signals locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The local controller acts as an intermediary between the ECU and the actuator. It receives commands from the ECU, processes them locally, and controls the actuator accordingly. This intermediary role reduces wiring complexity by consolidating control functions at the actuator level while maintaining ECU supervisory capability.
2Reliability
If a separate ECU is used to control actuators, then supervisory control functionality is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control functions between the ECU and local controller, the system can use a simpler, less expensive ECU that only needs to provide high-level supervisory commands rather than full control functionality. The local controller, being integrated with the actuator, handles the complex control logic locally, reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The local controller is designed to be a multi-functional component that handles both actuator control and communication with the ECU. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining supervisory control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized control with local controller is implemented, then flexibility increases and wiring complexity reduces, but control coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The local controller implements feedback mechanisms that allow it to autonomously adjust actuator control based on sensor inputs and ECU commands. This feedback loop simplifies coordination by enabling the local controller to handle real-time adjustments independently, reducing the coordination burden on the ECU while maintaining system flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
System, method, and assembly for controlling a vehicle. In one example, the system includes a first suspension system and a first controller. The first controller is configured to receive an input signal representing vehicle operating parameters. The first controller is also configured to receive a first target displacement determined by a second controller for a second suspension system of the vehicle. The first controller is further configured to determine a second target displacement for the first suspension system of the vehicle based on the first target displacement and the input signal. The first controller is also configured to set a height of the first suspension system based on the second target displacement.