Electronic Shock Absorber Custom Damping Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers, both mechanical and electronic, require complex redesign and additional costs to change damping curves, limiting user customization and flexibility, as users can only select from pre-defined settings chosen by the manufacturer.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to create and store custom damping curves within the structural limits of an electronic shock absorber, using a graphical interface and software to upload parameters, enabling an infinite number of damping curve settings without mechanical or electronic regulation changes, and replicating known curves from mechanical shock absorbers in electronic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users want to change damping curves in mechanical shock absorbers, then damping characteristics can be adjusted, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase due to redesign requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (ring nuts, mechanical controls) with an electronic control system that uses electronic signals to adjust damping characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical redesign while enabling flexible damping curve changes through software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables damping curve adjustment by changing electronic control parameters rather than physical mechanical parameters. The electronic control unit modifies control signals based on user input or sensor data, allowing continuous variation of damping characteristics without altering the physical structure of the shock absorber.
2Ease of operation
If manufacturers pre-select damping curves for electronic shock absorbers, then device complexity is reduced, but user customization capability is limited to few predefined settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed damping curves into dynamic, adjustable parameters. The electronic control system allows real-time modification of damping characteristics based on user preferences, driving conditions, or sensor feedback, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electronic shock absorber universal by enabling it to perform multiple damping functions through software control. A single hardware design can accommodate various damping curves and control strategies, making the system versatile across different applications and user needs without requiring multiple specialized units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical controls are added to adjust damping curves, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment components (ring nuts, mechanical linkages) with an electronic control system that uses motors or actuators controlled by electronic signals. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling precise, programmable damping adjustment through software rather than mechanical means.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method, a system and a programmable electronic shock absorber for allowing a user to set a damping curve (5A,5B) in an electronic shock absorber (6) particularly, but not exclusively, of a ground vehicle, thanks to a computer client (8) which communicates with an electronic control unit (7) of said electronic shock absorber (6), said electronic shock absorber comprising one or more controls of regulation controlled by said electronic control unit (7) for actuating a damping curve (5A,5B).