Dynamic Suspension Control for Human-Powered Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for human-powered vehicles do not effectively improve usability by dynamically adjusting suspension settings based on traveling conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control device that includes an electronic controller to output signals for adjusting the front and rear initial sag amounts, overall lengths, and volumes of the suspension chambers of a human-powered vehicle based on traveling information such as pitch angle, load distribution, and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If suspension settings are fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different traveling conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension settings are made dynamic by automatically adjusting the initial sag amounts and overall lengths of the front and rear suspensions based on real-time traveling conditions detected by sensors. The electronic controller modifies suspension parameters during operation to adapt to varying road conditions, rider weight, and speed requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring traveling conditions through sensors and using this information to adjust suspension settings. The electronic controller receives input from sensors detecting road gradient, rider position, and vehicle speed, then automatically modifies suspension parameters to optimize performance for current conditions.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of suspension is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system performs self-adjustment automatically based on detected traveling conditions. Instead of requiring the rider to manually adjust suspension settings, the electronic controller autonomously modifies the initial sag amounts and overall lengths of the suspensions according to real-time data from sensors detecting road conditions and vehicle state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary adjustment by pre-configuring multiple suspension settings corresponding to different traveling conditions. When a specific condition is detected (such as uphill or downhill terrain), the controller automatically selects and applies the appropriate pre-set suspension parameters in advance, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suspension settings are provided, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller serves multiple functions by integrating sensor data processing, suspension parameter calculation, and actuator control into a single system. The same controller handles both front and rear suspension adjustments, and can operate in multiple modes (automatic adjustment, manual override, fixed settings) depending on rider needs and detected conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device is provided for controlling an adjusting device of a human-powered vehicle. The adjusting device adjusts a front initial sag amount of a front suspension of the human-powered vehicle in a state in where a rider is riding the human-powered vehicle and a rear initial sag amount of a rear suspension of the human-powered vehicle in a state where the rider is riding the human-powered vehicle. The control device comprises an electronic controller configured to output a front control signal that adjusts the front initial sag amount of the front suspension of the human-powered vehicle, and output a rear control signal that adjusts the rear initial sag amount of the rear suspension of the human-powered vehicle to the adjusting device based on traveling information related to traveling of the human-powered vehicle.