Off-Road Suspension Feedback Control for Faster Shock Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicle riders face difficulty in determining the appropriate suspension settings due to the interrelated effects of various settings, which depend on the rider and terrain, leading to a trial-and-error adjustment process that is time-consuming and intimidating for many.
Innovation Solution
A suspension monitoring and adjustment system that uses a distance sensor to measure shock displacement, providing data for visual representation and automatic adjustment signals, allowing riders to efficiently tune settings based on accumulated data and real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If riders manually adjust suspension settings through trial-and-error, then they may eventually find appropriate settings, but the process is time-consuming and intimidating
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors shock displacement using a distance sensor and provides real-time feedback through visual graphs and automatic adjustment signals. This feedback loop allows riders to see the direct effect of terrain on suspension performance without manual trial-and-error, dramatically reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment through two modes: visual feedback that allows riders to independently tune settings based on observed data, and automatic adjustment mode where the system self-corrects suspension settings based on pre-programmed rules and thresholds, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual experimentation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If riders attempt to learn and tune suspension settings, then they can optimize vehicle performance, but the complexity of interrelated settings intimidates many riders
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a distance sensor and processing unit as intermediaries between the rider and the complex suspension system. These intermediaries automatically measure shock displacement, process the data according to pre-programmed rules, and translate complex interrelated settings into simple visual feedback or automatic adjustments, making the system accessible to riders of all skill levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with electronic sensing and processing. The distance sensor optically measures shock displacement, the processor applies logical rules to interpret the data, and the system outputs simplified guidance or automatic commands, substituting complex mechanical tuning knowledge with electronic measurement and processing.
3Reliability
If conventional trial-and-error adjustment is used, then riders can eventually tune suspension, but they miss out on full vehicle potential due to lack of knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback through graphs showing shock displacement over time, allowing riders to observe real-time suspension performance and understand the relationship between terrain and suspension response. This information transparency enables riders to make informed adjustments and fully utilize vehicle potential without relying on trial-and-error.
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
Enables riders to efficiently adjust suspension settings by visualizing shock displacement data and receiving automatic adjustment signals, improving ride performance and reducing the complexity of the adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
A distance sensor is provided on the vehicle to measure shock displacement of the suspension while the vehicle traverses a course
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension monitoring and adjustment system for an off-road vehicle includes a distance sensor arranged to measure shock displacement of a suspension of the vehicle. The system may include an output device configured to output shock displacement data generated by the distance sensor and a processor or programmable circuit operable to produce a visual representation of the shock displacement data output by the output device. The system may include a processor or programmable circuit operable to generate an adjustment signal based on shock displacement data generated by the distance sensor and a suspension adjuster arranged to adjust the suspension of the vehicle in response to the adjustment signal.