Vehicle Suspension Damping Rate Adjustment via Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension systems for vehicles, particularly in off-road applications, lack the ability to easily lock and unlock damping functions while in use, making it difficult for riders or drivers to adjust to changing terrain without stopping or dismounting.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension system with a damping assembly connected to an actuator, controlled by a controller that receives signals from a signal generating device, allowing remote adjustment of damping rates, including locking or unlocking the suspension, to accommodate varying terrain conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system uses a fixed damping rate, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to changing terrain conditions without stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The damping rate is made dynamically adjustable during vehicle operation through an actuator that modifies the damping characteristic of the damping assembly. This allows the suspension to transition from a fixed state to a variable state, enabling adaptation to changing terrain conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated or semi-automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping rate parameter is made changeable during operation by controlling the actuator to modify the damping assembly's characteristics. This allows the system to adjust between different damping rates (e.g., from a first damping rate to a second damping rate) based on terrain conditions, achieving versatility without requiring complete system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If the rider manually adjusts the damping assembly while riding, then terrain adaptation is possible, but it is difficult and dangerous to release grip on handlebars
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-adjustment where the damping assembly automatically or semi-automatically modifies its own characteristics in response to control inputs. The actuator performs the physical adjustment of the damping rate without requiring the rider to manually intervene, allowing terrain adaptation while the rider maintains full control of the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
An actuator serves as an intermediary device between the rider's control input and the damping assembly. This intermediary performs the mechanical adjustment of the damping rate, eliminating the need for the rider to directly manipulate the damping assembly and thereby removing the safety hazard of releasing grip on handlebars.
3Reliability
If the damping assembly is locked to prevent pedal bob, then suspension control is improved uphill, but it prevents necessary suspension movement on flat or downhill sections
Solution Approach 1:
The damping characteristic is made dynamically switchable between locked and unlocked states. The actuator enables the system to transition from a locked state (high damping rate) that prevents pedal bob to an unlocked state (lower damping rate) that allows natural suspension movement, with the ability to change states during operation based on terrain conditions.
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
Enables easy and safe adjustment of damping rates during vehicle operation, improving ride comfort and handling by allowing riders or drivers to lock or unlock the suspension without stopping, enhancing control and safety in changing terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The valve may include a self-centering feature that operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft
Implementation Method 2
a damping assembly operatively connected to an actuator; a controller for controlling movement of said actuator whereby a damping rate of said damping assembly is adjusted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A suspension system for a vehicle, which suspension system comprises: a damping assembly (630) operatively connected to an actuator (120); a controller (65) for controlling movement of said actuator (120) whereby a damping rate of said damping assembly (630) is adjusted by movement of the actuator; and a signal generating device (50) remote from said damping assembly, which device, in use, provides an output electric signal representing a desired user adjustment to the damping rate of said damping assembly (630), said controller (65) adapted to receive said electric signal and control said actuator (120) to adjust said damping rate according to said electric signal, whereby said damping rate may be remotely altered during use of said vehicle.