Electronically Adjustable Damper for Remote Suspension Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension systems lack user-friendly, remote access for adjusting dampers, requiring time-consuming and costly manual adjustments during testing, and are often complex and expensive, especially in off-road and racing applications where varying conditions demand different suspension setups.
Innovation Solution
An electronically adjustable damper system with electronically controlled valves and a remote electronic device allows users to adjust damping characteristics via a controller, enabling remote tuning of dampers for different applications and conditions, transforming standard passive dampers into semi-active or active systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of dampers is used during testing, then suspension setup can be optimized for different conditions, but testing time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of dampers with an electronically controlled system. The electronic control unit receives signals from sensors and automatically adjusts damper settings through electronic actuators, eliminating the need for manual intervention during testing. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with electronic automation directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining suspension adaptability while dramatically reducing testing time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is designed to automatically adjust its own damper settings based on sensor feedback and pre-programmed parameters. The electronic control unit autonomously manages damper adjustments without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself during testing. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to different conditions while minimizing human involvement and testing time.
2Ease of operation
If active suspension systems with separate actuators are used, then riding characteristics are improved, but system cost, complexity, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of active suspension (improved riding characteristics) while removing the complex separate actuators typically required. By integrating the adjustment mechanism directly into the damper assembly and using electronic control, the system achieves active suspension performance without the mechanical complexity of external actuators, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control system and adjustment mechanism into an integrated electronic control unit that manages multiple dampers simultaneously. Instead of separate actuators for each damper, the system combines control functions and uses a centralized electronic approach to adjust riding characteristics. This merging reduces the number of independent components, simplifies the system architecture, and lowers maintenance requirements while preserving the ability to optimize riding characteristics.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple test cycles with manual adjustments are conducted, then optimal suspension design is determined, but time and resource costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual adjustment procedures with electronic automation, allowing multiple test cycles to be conducted without manual intervention. The electronic control unit can rapidly adjust damper settings between tests based on sensor data and pre-programmed parameters, maintaining manufacturing precision in suspension design optimization while dramatically improving testing efficiency by eliminating repetitive manual adjustment tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-programmed with optimal suspension parameters for different conditions and terrains. Before actual testing begins, the electronic control unit is configured with predetermined settings, allowing it to automatically select and apply appropriate damper adjustments during testing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration during multiple test cycles, maintaining design optimization capability while significantly improving testing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces testing time and costs by allowing real-time adjustments and data harvesting, improving vehicle handling and occupant comfort across various terrains and conditions, while being adaptable for different vehicle types and industries.
Implementation Method 1
The electronically adjustable damper includes a shock body, a piston movable within the shock body, and at least one electronically controlled valve. The piston includes a piston rod extending from a first end of the piston, a piston body at a second end of the piston rod, and an annular groove formed in the piston body.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically adjustable damper system includes at least one electronically adjustable damper. The electronically adjustable damper includes at least one electronically controlled valve, whereby, the damper is electronically adjustable. The electronically adjustable damper system also includes a controller for adjusting each of the electronically adjustable dampers independently via the electronically controlled valves, and a remote electronic device. The electronically adjustable damper system allows a user to tune the dampers by allowing a user to adjust the electronically adjustable damper system to different applications and functions for various users, conditions, or both.