Shock Absorber Sensitivity Control via User-Adjusted ECU Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronically controlled shock absorbers lack user-friendly remote adjustment capabilities and are limited by pre-set options, leading to inefficient memory management, high production costs, and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A user interface allows users to adjust sensitivity parameters of an electronic control unit, enabling real-time tuning of shock absorber characteristics through vehicle sensors and user inputs, optimizing fluid flow regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pre-set options are used for electronic control settings, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit automatically receives data from vehicle sensors and calculates optimal settings without requiring manual user programming. The system serves itself by autonomously processing sensor inputs and generating control outputs, eliminating the need for complex pre-programming while maintaining high adaptability to various driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously receives real-time data from vehicle sensors (speed, acceleration, steering angle, etc.) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust shock absorber characteristics. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex pre-set options, as the settings are automatically optimized based on actual vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If advanced electronic control unit with extensive calculation capacity is used, then control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter calculation accuracyVSAvoidelectric energy usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit performs calculations only for the essential parameters needed to control shock absorber operation (fluid flow rates, valve positions). Rather than computing all possible vehicle parameters, the system focuses on the minimum necessary calculations to achieve effective damping control, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient precision for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If remote user interface is added for real-time adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) serves multiple functions: it acts as both the user interface for adjusting shock absorber settings and the communication interface for transmitting data to the vehicle's electronic control unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated complex control panel while providing comprehensive user access and control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If extensive memory capacity is provided in electronic control unit, then adaptability is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming flexibilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the need for extensive physical memory storage with a communication-based approach. Rather than storing numerous pre-programmed settings in the electronic control unit, the system receives adjustment parameters directly from the remote electronic device via wireless communication. This substitution of memory capacity with communication capability reduces production costs while maintaining full programming flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables precise, user-friendly control of shock absorber response, reduces production costs, and conserves energy by minimizing electronic control unit load, while allowing adaptation to various vehicle conditions.

Implementation Method 1

When in operation, the electronic control unit automatically sends calculated and user-adjusted electronic outputs sent to electronic control devices mounted on said shock absorber, proportionally regulating flow rate of fluid within each shock absorber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

as the compressed gas is allowed to expand in reaction to the moving liquid, it forces the liquid to return to a neutral position on the fluid path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12466228B2Adjustable sensitivity controlling system for shock absorbers

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SUSPENSION DIRECT INC

AI summary

This invention pertains to shock absorbers, and a method of controlling their operation. Specifically, this invention relates to use of a user interface allowing to control the sensitivity of various parameters used by a programmed electronic control unit. When in operation, said electronic control unit automatically send calculated and user-adjusted electronic signals to electronic control devices which proportionally regulate flow of fluid within each shock absorbers of a vehicle.