Suspension Controller Solenoid Current Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension controllers for vehicles fail to effectively manage the damping force of suspensions by not adequately considering the temperature of solenoids, leading to inefficient current regulation and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A suspension controller system that includes a target current setting unit, current limitation setting unit, current outputting unit, current detector, and estimated temperature calculator, which sets and adjusts the current limitation value based on the detected current and calculated solenoid temperature to prevent overheating and optimize damping force control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If current supply to solenoid is increased to improve damping force control, then damping force control is improved, but solenoid temperature increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The current limitation value is dynamically adjusted based on the estimated solenoid temperature. As temperature increases, the current limitation value is reduced to prevent overheating, while allowing higher current when temperature is low for optimal damping force control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the current detector and estimated temperature calculator to continuously monitor solenoid conditions and adjust the current limitation value accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances damping force control with temperature management
2Temperature
If current limitation value is set low to prevent overheating, then solenoid temperature is controlled, but damping force control performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The current limitation value is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature conditions. This allows the system to maintain low current limits only when necessary for temperature control, while permitting higher current limits when temperature is acceptable, thus optimizing damping force control performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the current limitation parameter based on temperature conditions. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves both temperature control and optimal damping force control performance under different operating conditions
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring and dynamic current adjustment system is added, then overheating is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing current detector to not only detect current for control purposes but also to estimate temperature and adjust current limitation. This self-service approach prevents overheating using existing hardware components, minimizing additional device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The current detector serves multiple functions: current measurement for control, temperature estimation, and triggering current limitation adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate temperature sensors and simplifies the overall system architecture
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
The system ensures efficient and safe operation by adjusting current supply to solenoids based on temperature, preventing overheating and improving the control of damping forces in vehicle suspensions.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid mechanism (51) including a coil (511)
Implementation Method 2
an estimated temperature calculator configured to calculate an estimated temperature of the solenoid based on the current value detected by the current detector
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension controller includes a target current setting unit, a current limitation setting unit, a current outputting unit, a current detector, and an estimated temperature calculator. The target current setting unit sets a target current value. The current limitation setting unit sets a current limitation value. The current outputting unit supplies a solenoid with a current that is based on the target current value, the current limitation value, and a power supply voltage. The solenoid controls a damping force of a suspension. The current detector detects a current value of the current supplied to the solenoid. The estimated temperature calculator calculates an estimated temperature of the solenoid based on the current value detected by the current detector so that the current limitation setting unit changes the current limitation value based on the estimated temperature.