Vehicle Seat Suspension Active Vibration Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat suspension systems using hydraulic damping fail to effectively attenuate vibrations at higher frequencies, resulting in a bumpy ride for vehicle operators, especially at high speeds.

Innovation Solution

A suspension system incorporating a pneumatic shock absorber and a linear motor with a controller that adjusts resistance and position to actively compensate for vibrations, using sensors to detect instantaneous position, velocity, and acceleration to generate control signals for the motor and compressor assembly to change the seat's height and pressure level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic damping is used to reduce seat vibration, then low-frequency vibrations are attenuated, but high-frequency vibrations above the response rate are not effectively dampened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration attenuation capabilityVSAvoidresponse rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic damping system with an active electromagnetic control system consisting of a linear motor, sensors, and a controller. The linear motor uses electromagnetic forces to actively counteract vibrations, while sensors detect seat position and acceleration to provide feedback for real-time control, enabling the system to respond to high-frequency vibrations that hydraulic systems cannot handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a passive hydraulic damping system to a dynamic active control system that continuously adjusts its damping characteristics. The controller modifies the control signals to the linear motor based on real-time sensor feedback, allowing the system to adapt its response to varying vibration frequencies and intensities, thereby achieving effective attenuation across a broader frequency range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If hydraulic damping is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot provide active compensation for high-frequency vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidvibration frequency range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional suspension system where the linear motor serves multiple purposes: it acts as both a position actuator for seat height adjustment and an active vibration damper. The same control system handles both functions, making the system versatile in addressing different types of vibrations and seat positioning needs without requiring separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If active compensation with linear motor is added, then high-frequency vibration attenuation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-frequency vibration attenuationVSAvoidsystem components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vibration compensation function with the existing seat suspension system by integrating the linear motor into the seat mounting structure. The control system merges vibration detection, processing, and actuation into a unified control architecture, reducing the need for separate independent systems and minimizing overall complexity despite adding active compensation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively reduces vibrations across a wider frequency range, providing a smoother ride and increased comfort for operators by actively damping vibrations that hydraulic systems cannot manage.

Implementation Method 1

An output member of a linear motor is connected to the seat via a bracket. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates at least one of a first control signal for the linear motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS7887033B2Suspension system having active compensation for vibration

Publication Date: 2011.02.15 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A suspension system for a seat of a vehicle comprises a base, a linkage, and a seat attached to the base via the linkage. A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber. An output member of a linear motor is connected to the seat via a bracket. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates at least one of a first control signal for the linear motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat and a second control signal to change the pressure level.