Predictive Suspension-Propulsion Control for Vehicle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronically controlled suspension and propulsion systems in vehicles do not account for future environmental conditions and lack coordination between suspension and propulsion systems, which can affect occupant comfort and vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a controller to determine a predicted path of the vehicle, adjusting suspension and propulsion actuation settings based on vehicle level control parameters, including suspension and motion control parameters, to optimize vehicle performance and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suspension and propulsion systems are controlled independently based on current road conditions, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but coordinated performance and adaptability to future conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines independent suspension control and propulsion control into a unified coordinated control system. The controller receives road condition inputs and simultaneously generates control signals for both suspension actuators and propulsion actuators, enabling the systems to work together harmoniously rather than independently, thus improving adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller predicts future road conditions based on current sensor data and vehicle state, then proactively adjusts suspension and propulsion settings in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for upcoming conditions (such as approaching bumps or changes in road surface) before they occur, improving adaptability to future conditions while maintaining smooth operation.
2Device complexity
If electronically controlled suspension and propulsion systems are adjusted independently, then device complexity is reduced, but coordinated performance and occupant comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates suspension control and propulsion control into a single coordinated control architecture. The controller processes road condition information and generates synchronized control commands for both suspension actuators and propulsion actuators, ensuring that the systems operate in coordination rather than independence, thereby improving reliable coordinated performance while managing complexity through unified control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors road conditions, vehicle state, and actuator performance. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts both suspension and propulsion settings to maintain optimal coordinated performance. The feedback loop ensures that changes in one system are compensated by corresponding adjustments in the other, improving reliability without requiring overly complex independent control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If suspension and propulsion systems account for future environmental conditions, then adaptability and occupant comfort are improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses current road condition sensor data and vehicle state information to predict future road conditions ahead of the vehicle. Based on these predictions, the system proactively adjusts suspension and propulsion settings before the vehicle encounters the predicted conditions. This preliminary action approach improves adaptability to future conditions while avoiding the need for overly complex real-time prediction algorithms by using straightforward prediction based on current trends and sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system predicts future road conditions and proactively adjusts control parameters (such as suspension stiffness, damping, and propulsion torque) based on predicted conditions. By changing parameters in advance based on simple prediction logic rather than complex real-time calculation, the system achieves improved adaptability while keeping computational requirements and device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for control of a vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle actuators in electrical communication with a controller. The controller is programmed to determine a predicted path of the vehicle. The controller is further programmed to determine one or more vehicle level control parameters based at least in part on the predicted path of the vehicle. The one or more vehicle level control parameters includes a vehicle level suspension control parameter and a vehicle level motion control parameter. The controller is further programmed to adjust an operation of one or more suspension actuators of the plurality of vehicle actuators based at least in part on the vehicle level suspension control parameter. The controller is further programmed to adjust an operation of one or more motion actuators of the plurality of vehicle actuators based at least in part on the vehicle level motion control parameter.