Vehicle Suspension Damper with Electronic Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust damping rates in real-time to effectively manage acceleration and tilt, leading to an inconsistent ride quality, especially when encountering obstacles or changes in terrain.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled system that monitors acceleration and valve states in vehicle suspension dampers, using electronic valves to adjust damping forces based on measured acceleration and user input, allowing for quick responses to terrain changes and maintaining frame stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional constant damping rate components are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different terrain conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic damping rate adjustment by using electronic valves that can change the damping characteristics in real-time based on sensor feedback. The system transitions from static mechanical valve settings to dynamic electronic control, allowing the damping rate to adapt continuously to varying terrain conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor and actuator integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by using sensors to detect vehicle motion parameters (acceleration, velocity, position) and using this information to automatically adjust the damping rate through electronic valves. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the suspension to respond intelligently to terrain changes without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
2Speed
If mechanical damping components are used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the response speed to terrain changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical damping adjustment mechanisms with electronic valve control systems. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages and cam-based adjustment systems, the invention uses electronically actuated valves that can change damping characteristics rapidly through electrical signals, significantly improving response speed while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized electronic components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional damping components are used, then the loss of energy is low, but the ability to reduce frame acceleration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies damping forces selectively and proportionally based on actual terrain conditions rather than maintaining constant high-level damping. The electronic valves adjust damping rates to provide exactly the right amount of force needed to control frame acceleration, avoiding excessive energy consumption that would result from continuously maximum damping while still effectively reducing harmful frame acceleration during critical moments.
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 provides a smoother ride by reducing frame acceleration and tilt, enhancing ride comfort and control by dynamically adjusting damping forces in response to real-time vehicle motion and user inputs.
Implementation Method 1
sending a first activation signal to a power source of the at least one vehicle suspension damper, the first activation signal activating the power source to deliver a current to the at least one valve, wherein upon delivery of the current, the at least one valve adjusts to the desired state
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided that has stored thereon, computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause said computer to perform a method for controlling vehicle motion, said method comprising: comparing a measured acceleration value associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to said vehicle component, wherein said vehicle component is coupled with a frame of said vehicle via at least one vehicle suspension damper; monitoring a state of at least one valve within said at least one vehicle suspension damper, wherein said state controls a damping force within said at least one vehicle suspension damper; and based on said comparing and said monitoring, regulating damping forces within said at least one vehicle suspension damper by actuating said at least one valve to adjust to a desired state, such that an acceleration of said frame is reduced.