Adaptive Off-Road Suspension Damping for Real-Time Ride Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current off-road vehicles require manual adjustments of shock absorbers, which are cumbersome and inefficient, especially in dynamic conditions, and lack advanced damping control systems for improved ride quality and handling.
Innovation Solution
An electronic controller adjusts damping characteristics of adjustable shock absorbers based on inputs from sensors, including longitudinal acceleration, pitch motion, turning, and other vehicle dynamics, enabling real-time adjustments to enhance ride control and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of shock absorbers is used, then the vehicle can be equipped with adjustable damping characteristics, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and inefficient requiring vehicle stop and tool usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses electric motors to automatically adjust shock absorber damping characteristics. The electronic controller receives signals from sensors and actuates the shock absorbers without requiring manual intervention, tools, or vehicle stoppage, thereby substituting mechanical adjustment operations with an automated electromechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system performs self-adjustment through the electronic controller that automatically monitors vehicle conditions via sensors and modifies shock absorber damping characteristics in real-time without operator intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously determining optimal damping settings based on detected terrain conditions, vehicle acceleration, and suspension position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of shock absorbers is used, then damping characteristics can be changed, but real-time adjustment during vehicle movement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system enables continuous real-time adjustment of shock absorber damping characteristics throughout vehicle operation. The electronic controller continuously processes sensor data and modifies damping settings without interruption, maintaining optimal suspension performance during dynamic driving conditions rather than requiring discrete manual adjustments between stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual adjustment mechanisms with an automated electronic system that can modify damping characteristics instantaneously during vehicle motion. The electronic actuators respond immediately to controller commands, eliminating the time delay and operational constraints of manual mechanical adjustment systems.
3Reliability
If basic shock absorbers are used, then the suspension system is simple, but ride quality and handling performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system integrates multiple functions into a single suspension platform: it monitors terrain conditions, calculates optimal damping parameters, actuates shock absorbers, and adapts to various driving scenarios. This multi-functional integration enhances ride quality and handling performance while managing system complexity through shared electronic components and centralized control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor suspension position, vehicle acceleration, and terrain conditions, feeding this data back to the electronic controller. The controller processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts damping characteristics to maintain optimal ride quality and handling performance across varying operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A damping control system is provided for an off-road recreational vehicles having a suspension located between a ground engaging member and a vehicle frame and including at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic based on an input from a sensor.