Semi-Active Suspension Anti-Roll via Electronic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems lack an effective anti-roll function and fail to dynamically control damping forces across all vehicle maneuvers, leading to suboptimal comfort and handling during cornering and other dynamic movements.
Innovation Solution
A semi-active suspension system that combines hydraulic actuators with electronic control, where the front and rear actuators are interconnected electronically but not mechanically, allowing for real-time adjustment of damping forces through variable valves and an electronic control unit to manage bounce, single wheel input, roll, articulation, and pitch modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional passive suspension systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the vehicle lacks effective anti-roll function and cannot dynamically control damping forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interconnection between front and rear suspension systems with electronic control. The electronic control unit receives signals from sensors and sends control signals to variable damping force actuators, substituting complex mechanical linkages with electronic sensing and control systems to achieve anti-roll function without excessive mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of damping forces through variable damping force actuators that can adjust their characteristics in real-time based on vehicle motion conditions. The system transitions from static passive suspension to dynamic semi-active suspension, allowing the damping forces to adapt to different driving scenarios including cornering, acceleration, and braking
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic actuators with fixed damping characteristics are used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but the damping forces cannot be adjusted for different maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the damping parameter of the hydraulic actuators from fixed to variable. The variable damping force actuators can adjust their damping characteristics electronically based on sensor feedback and control algorithms, allowing the same actuator to provide different damping forces for different maneuvers such as cornering, acceleration, and braking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the hydraulic actuators multi-functional by enabling them to perform both traditional vibration damping and active anti-roll control. The same actuator system handles multiple functions including bounce control, roll control, and handling various road conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated anti-roll mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If front and rear actuators are mechanically interconnected, then anti-roll control is achieved, but the system complexity and fluid line requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interconnection between front and rear suspension actuators with electronic control signaling. Instead of physically connecting fluid lines between front and rear systems, the electronic control unit communicates motion parameters and control commands electronically, achieving the same anti-roll control objective with reduced mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the suspension actuators. The ECU receives data from sensors, processes the information, and sends control signals to the variable damping force actuators, mediating the control function without requiring direct mechanical or fluid connection between front and rear systems
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
This system enhances vehicle stability and comfort by dynamically controlling damping forces across various maneuvers, specifically addressing the lack of anti-roll functionality and improving handling by electronically managing stiffness and damping characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Because the piston is able to restrict the flow of damping fluid within the working chamber of the hydraulic actuator when the piston is displaced within the pressure cylinder, the hydraulic actuator is able to produce a damping force which counteracts the vibration of the suspension
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system includes four electronically controlled actuators, one at each of the four wheels. The actuators are each controlled by an electronic control unit. The left front and right front actuators are mechanically connected with each other. The left rear and the right rear actuators are also mechanically connected with each other. The only connection between the front two actuators and the rear two actuators is an electronic communication through the electronic control unit.