Vehicle Suspension Damping Control Without Manual Shock Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems require operators to stop and manually adjust shock absorbers for optimal damping and comfort, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially in dynamic terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system that allows real-time adjustments to the damping characteristics of adjustable shock absorbers while the vehicle is in motion, using sensors and a controller to automatically alter damping based on input from various sensors and driver requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of shock absorbers is used, then adjustment capability is provided, but vehicle operation time is lost due to stopping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of shock absorbers with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect terrain conditions and automatically adjusts damping characteristics through electronic valves, eliminating the need for operators to stop and manually adjust shocks
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system performs self-adjustment through electronic controls that automatically modify damping characteristics based on sensor input from terrain and payload conditions, without requiring external manual intervention
2Extent of automation
If electronic control system with multiple sensors is implemented, then real-time damping adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system integrates multiple sensor inputs (accelerometers, gyroscopes, terrain sensors) into a single controller that manages damping adjustments across all shock absorbers, allowing one system to perform multiple functions of detecting various terrain conditions and coordinating suspension response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor types and control functions into an integrated electronic control unit that centrally manages suspension adjustments, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying system architecture
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 profile and a driver actuatable input. The driver actuatable input may be positioned to be actuatable by the driver in the absence of requiring a removal of either of the hands of the driver from a steering device of the vehicle.