Preview Road Surface Sensing for Active Suspension in Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active suspension systems do not effectively account for tire deformation during turns, leading to uncomfortable rides for vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A preview road surface detection device equipped with a distance sensor and calculator that detects and calculates road surface displacement ahead of the vehicle, allowing for accurate preview control of the active suspension system, even when tires are deformed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional road surface detection system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the ride comfort deteriorates during turns due to tire deformation not being accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple distance sensors positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right) to independently measure road surface distances. This segmentation allows the system to account for tire deformation during turns by comparing measurements from different positions, thereby improving ride comfort without significantly complicating the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point road surface detection to multi-dimensional detection by placing sensors at multiple spatial positions around the vehicle. This dimensional expansion enables the system to capture road surface variations in different directions and compensate for tire deformation effects during turning maneuvers.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the distance sensor detects at a point corresponding to the end of the contact patch, then the detection point is easier to define, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to tire deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a single detection point that is difficult to define precisely during tire deformation, the system segments the measurement into multiple discrete sensor positions. Each sensor has a clearly defined location, and their combined measurements provide accurate road surface displacement data even when the tire contact patch boundary is ambiguous.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple distance sensors as intermediary measurement points between the vehicle body and the road surface. These sensors act as mediators that directly measure the road surface distance without being affected by tire deformation, thereby providing precise measurements even when the tire contact patch is deformed during turns.
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
The system enhances ride comfort by accurately detecting road surface displacement and enabling improved preview control of the active suspension, even during turns.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor that is disposed in a vehicle member and detects a distance to a measurement point on a road surface
Data Source
AI summary
A preview road surface detection device of a vehicle of the present invention includes: a distance sensor that is disposed in a vehicle member and detects a distance to a measurement point on a road surface nearer to a front part of the vehicle, corresponding to at least a central portion of a contact patch to the road surface of a wheel of the vehicle; and a distance calculator that calculates a road surface distance from the vehicle member to the measurement point, based on a value detected by the distance sensor. A displacement of the road surface nearer to the front part of the vehicle is detected as a road surface condition. The displacement of the road surface is calculated from the road surface distance and a vehicle height of the vehicle member when the distance sensor detects the distance.