Shock Absorber Damping Force Distribution via Dynamic Division Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting damping forces in motor vehicle shock absorbers do not effectively account for varying vehicle configurations and operating states, leading to suboptimal damping quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates continuous division factors to distribute damping forces between the front and rear axles based on spring stiffnesses, masses, and moments of inertia for lifting, pitching, and rolling modal directions, allowing for adaptive damping force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If permanently predefined parameters are used for distributing damping forces between axles and vehicle corners, then the control algorithm is simple, but the damping quality is suboptimal for varying vehicle configurations and operating states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning from static, permanently predefined division factors to dynamic division factors that are continuously calculated based on current vehicle operating conditions. The control algorithm now adapts the damping force distribution in real-time by computing division factors as functions of measured vehicle states (accelerations, positions) and vehicle parameters (spring stiffnesses, masses, moments of inertia), enabling the system to respond to varying vehicle configurations and operating states while maintaining computational feasibility through structured calculation formulas.
2Reliability
If damping forces are calculated for all modal directions (lifting, pitching, rolling) and distributed using adapted division factors, then the damping performance is optimized, but the computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by decomposing the overall damping force calculation into distinct modal components (lifting, pitching, rolling directions) and further segmenting the distribution process into axle-level and corner-level allocations using separate division factors for each modal direction. This structured segmentation allows the control algorithm to systematically handle complex multi-axis dynamics while maintaining computational efficiency through modular calculation steps, where each modal direction is processed independently and then combined.
3Adaptability or versatility
If division factors are calculated continuously based on spring stiffnesses, masses, and moments of inertia, then the damping force distribution adapts to different vehicle configurations, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by making the division factors variable functions of key vehicle parameters (spring stiffnesses CFA, CRA; masses mFA, mRA; moments of inertia JFA, JRA) rather than fixed constants. The control algorithm continuously updates these parameters based on measured vehicle states and recalculates the division factors accordingly, enabling automatic adaptation to different vehicle configurations (e.g., varying cargo loads, passenger arrangements) while maintaining manageable calculation complexity through the use of well-defined physical relationships and standardized formulas.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for adjusting the damping force of shock absorbers connected between a vehicle body and a wheel at vehicle corners of a motor vehicle, wherein at least one damping force (FLIFT, FPITCH, FROLL) which is referred to a center of gravity of the vehicle body and is divided between axles of the vehicle and between the shock absorbers of the axles is determined as a function of at least one variable which represents a movement of the vehicle body and/or a movement of the respective wheel. For at least one of the damping forces which are referred to the center of gravity of the vehicle body, at least one division factor for the division of the damping forces is calculated between a front axle and a rear axle, and the division of the respective damping force (FLIFT, FPITCH, FROLL) is adapted on the basis of this division factor.