Semi-Active Shock Damping Tuned by Tire Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock assemblies provide a constant damping rate throughout the stroke, failing to adapt to varying performance characteristics needed in technologically advanced recreational and sporting vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A semi-active suspension system with electronically adjustable components, including semi-active shock assemblies, a vehicle dynamic module, and a tire pressure monitoring system, which dynamically adjusts damping characteristics based on real-time tire pressure and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shock assemblies provide constant damping rate throughout the stroke, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the performance characteristics cannot be adapted to varying terrain and tire pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The shock assembly transitions from a static constant damping rate design to a dynamic adjustable damping rate design. The electronically controlled valve allows the damping rate to be varied in real-time based on terrain conditions and tire pressure, enabling the suspension to adapt dynamically rather than remaining fixed throughout the stroke
Solution Approach 2:
The damping rate parameter is changed from a fixed constant value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted electronically. The control system modifies the damping rate by controlling the valve opening, allowing the suspension to optimize its performance characteristics for different operating conditions such as varying terrain and tire pressure
2Adaptability or versatility
If semi-active shock assemblies with electronically adjustable components are used, then damping characteristics can be optimized for varying conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-active shock assembly integrates multiple functions into a single component: it combines the shock absorption function with electronically controlled damping adjustment, tire pressure sensing integration, and terrain adaptation capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates sensors that automatically detect terrain conditions and tire pressure, allowing the system to self-adjust damping characteristics without requiring constant manual intervention. The electronically controlled valve responds automatically to sensor inputs, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing performance
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
Enhances vehicle performance by optimizing suspension settings for varying terrain and tire pressures, improving handling, comfort, and safety by actively adjusting damping characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Shock assemblies are used in numerous different vehicles and configurations to absorb some or all of a movement that is received at a first portion of a vehicle before it is transmitted to a second portion of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A tire pressure inclusive semi-active damping system is disclosed. The system includes a semi-active shock assembly to provide damping between a tire and a suspended portion of a vehicle. A tire pressure management system (TPMS) obtains a tire pressure value. An electronic suspension control unit (ESCU) receives the tire pressure value from the TPMS and utilizes the tire pressure value to generate an adjustment of at least one damping characteristic of the semi-active shock assembly.