Electronic Shock Absorber Control for On-the-Move Damping Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems require operators to stop and use tools to adjust shock absorbers for optimal ride comfort and terrain adaptation, which is inefficient and limits real-time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension system with electronically controlled shock absorbers and a controller that allows real-time adjustments based on user inputs and vehicle conditions, including speed, throttle position, and sensor data, to provide continuous damping control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of shock absorbers is used, then adjustment capability is provided, but vehicle stopping is required and adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with electronic control systems. Electronic shock absorbers with electric motors or solenoids automatically adjust damping characteristics based on user inputs or sensor data, eliminating the need for manual tool-based adjustment and vehicle stopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates sensors that automatically detect terrain conditions, vehicle speed, and loading states, enabling the electronic shock absorbers to self-adjust damping parameters without operator intervention or vehicle stopping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable electric shocks with sensors are used, then real-time control is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions: it processes sensor inputs from various sources (accelerometers, gyroscopes, load sensors), determines optimal damping parameters, and controls multiple shock absorbers simultaneously. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing comprehensive real-time adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring vehicle dynamics, terrain conditions, and shock absorber position, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust damping parameters in real-time, enabling adaptive control that responds to changing conditions.
3Device complexity
If current manual adjustment systems are used, then simplicity is maintained, but ride comfort optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic electronic control. The shock absorbers continuously adapt their damping characteristics based on real-time vehicle conditions, terrain variations, and operator preferences, providing optimized ride comfort that changes dynamically rather than remaining fixed.
Data Source
AI summary
A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.