Predictive Suspension Control Using Road Roughness Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems fail to automatically adjust to dynamic road conditions, leading to inconsistent ride comfort and potential damage, particularly in electric vehicles where such adjustments can impact range and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A suspension control system that utilizes a road roughness map generated from a fleet of vehicles, adjusting suspension settings proactively based on geographic location and road conditions to enhance ride comfort and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive suspension is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ride comfort and adaptability to road conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system obtains a road roughness map reflecting road condition metrics for multiple road segments before the vehicle reaches them. The processor determines that a threshold percentage of road segments along an upcoming threshold distance exceed a threshold road condition metric, and causes suspension adjustment in advance to reduce the effects of road roughness before the vehicle encounters the rough segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a road roughness map that is continuously updated based on data from multiple vehicles. The map reflects aggregated road condition metrics that provide feedback about actual road conditions, enabling the suspension system to adaptively adjust settings based on this feedback loop.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If suspension is adjusted to reduce rough road effects, then ride comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor determines that a threshold percentage of road segments along an upcoming threshold distance exceed a threshold road condition metric. The suspension is adjusted only when this threshold is exceeded, rather than continuously or excessively, thereby reducing energy consumption while still providing adequate protection against road roughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension adjustment is performed in advance based on predicted road conditions from the roughness map, allowing the system to use softer suspension settings for longer periods when rough roads are not anticipated, thereby conserving energy while maintaining comfort when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for vehicle suspension control. An example method includes obtaining a road roughness map associated with a geographic area in which the vehicle is located, the road roughness map reflecting road condition metrics for road segments that form roads included in the geographic area. Based on the road roughness map, it is determined that a threshold percentage of road segments along an upcoming threshold distance of a navigable route exceed a threshold road condition metric. Suspension of the vehicle is adjusted, with the suspension being adjusted to reduce the effects of road roughness.