Suspension Control Device Road Surface Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension control devices fail to appropriately control damping force in accordance with varying road surface conditions, which affects vehicle stability and ride comfort.
Innovation Solution
A suspension control device equipped with a road surface determining section and a control variable calculating section that calculates a steering-based desired control variable to adjust damping force based on the road surface condition, using sensors and electronic control units to manage the solenoid valve in the hydraulic shock absorber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If suspension control devices use fixed damping force settings, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different road surface conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension control device dynamically adjusts damping force based on real-time road surface conditions detected by sensors. The control variable calculating section continuously computes optimal damping forces according to current driving conditions, transforming the static suspension system into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing road surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect road surface conditions and vehicle state, the control variable calculating section processes this information to determine appropriate damping forces, and the suspension control device implements adjustments. This closed-loop feedback enables adaptive control while managing system complexity through structured information flow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If suspension control device adds road surface detection and calculation sections, then adaptability to road surface condition improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control variable calculating section serves multiple functions: it calculates damping forces for ride comfort, handles steering-related damping adjustments, and adapts to various road surface conditions. By making this component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing overall device complexity while achieving broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control variable calculating section acts as an intermediary between road surface detection and suspension actuation. It processes raw sensor data about road conditions and translates them into appropriate damping force commands, mediating between the detection system and the suspension actuators to coordinate their interaction efficiently.
3Stability of the object's composition
If damping force is increased for all conditions, then vehicle stability improves, but ride comfort on smooth roads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension control device applies different damping force characteristics to different suspension components or different wheels based on local road conditions and steering requirements. Rather than uniformly increasing damping force across the entire suspension system, the control variable calculating section determines appropriate damping adjustments for specific locations or conditions, maintaining overall stability while preserving ride comfort where conditions permit.
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
This solution allows for precise control of damping force, enhancing vehicle stability and ride comfort by adapting to different road surfaces, thereby improving overall vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve 105 which adjusts a damping force
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve 105 which adjusts a damping force
Data Source
AI summary
A damping force of a suspension is controlled appropriately in accordance with a road surface condition. An ECU (600) includes: a road surface determining section (84) configured to determine a road surface condition; and a rolling attitude control section (682) configured to calculate a steering-based desired control variable, which is a candidate for a control variable for controlling a damping force of a suspension, in accordance with a result of the determination by the road surface determining section (84).