Variable Shock Absorber Linkage for Softer Off-Road Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable suspension systems for off-road vehicles face challenges in optimizing ride quality, comfort, and handling across a wide range of terrain types and use cases, due to conflicting engineering priorities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a novel linkage device that mechanically modifies physical inputs detected by sensors, allowing for targeted adjustments to shock stiffness without altering electronic controller programming or systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable suspension systems use electronic control to adjust shock stiffness for different terrain types, then adaptability to various use cases is improved, but device complexity increases due to sensors and electronic controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical linkage device that modifies sensor inputs. The linkage device mechanically alters the physical states detected by sensors, causing the existing electronic controller to output modified control signals without any electronic modification, thereby substituting complex electronics with simple mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage device serves as a mechanical intermediary between the suspension system and the sensor. It modifies the physical inputs to the sensor, effectively mediating the control process by altering sensor readings without directly interfacing with the electronic controller, thus simplifying the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If shock stiffness is increased to maintain vehicle stability over rough terrain, then reliability is improved, but ride quality deteriorates due to harsher ride experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the control approach by not directly controlling shock stiffness but rather by modifying the sensor inputs that lead to control signals. The linkage device mechanically alters sensor readings in a way that causes the controller to output signals producing softer damping, achieving improved ride quality through indirect inversion of the control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage device changes the physical parameters detected by sensors, specifically modifying the physical states related to ride height and suspension speed. By altering these detected parameters mechanically, the system achieves different shock absorber characteristics without changing the electronic control parameters
3Productivity
If electronic controller programming is modified to optimize shock control for specific use cases, then performance is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to customization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suspension system into a fixed electronic control portion and a modular mechanical linkage portion. The linkage device can be independently designed and attached to the existing suspension system, allowing different linkage configurations to be manufactured and installed without modifying the electronic controller, thereby improving ease of manufacture and customization
Data Source
AI summary
Described are devices, systems, and methods that enable greater control and customization of variable suspension systems via mechanical modification, among other advantages. In one example, a linkage device is configured to be attached to a suspension arm of a vehicle and to a vehicle frame of the vehicle. The linkage device is configured to mechanically modify one or more physical states detected by a sensor of the vehicle, thereby causing the sensor to output modified signals to a controller, and causing the controller to output modified control signals to a variable shock absorber connected between the vehicle frame and the suspension arm, thereby modifying one or more variable physical properties of the variable shock absorber.