Semi-Active Suspension Control via 3D Force Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems face challenges in optimizing comfort and safety for vehicle passengers due to the independent nature of these indices, which are difficult to manage with a single damping coefficient, limiting the potential for high optimization.
Innovation Solution
A semi-active suspension system using a three-dimensional table to determine forces applied to the actuator based on vehicle longitudinal speed and relative displacement speed, allowing for real-time optimized effort control, and incorporating feedback to adjust the actuator's coefficient dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single damping coefficient is used in passive suspension systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to optimize both comfort and handling independently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed damping coefficient in passive suspensions to a dynamically adjustable damping coefficient in semi-active suspensions. The damping coefficient is continuously modified based on real-time feedback from sensors that monitor vehicle motion parameters, allowing the suspension to adapt to varying road conditions and optimize both comfort and handling performance dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the damping coefficient as a controllable parameter. The control system adjusts the damping coefficient based on measured vehicle parameters such as body acceleration, suspension travel velocity, and wheel position, enabling independent optimization of comfort and handling by changing this key parameter in response to operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the damping coefficient is made variable in semi-active suspensions, then comfort and handling can be optimized independently, but the system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control system into independent modules: sensors for detecting vehicle motion parameters, a control unit for processing sensor data and determining optimal damping coefficients, and actuators for modifying the damping coefficient. This modular segmentation allows independent optimization of comfort and handling while managing system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor vehicle motion parameters such as body acceleration, suspension travel velocity, and wheel position. This feedback information is fed to the control unit, which adjusts the damping coefficient in real-time to optimize both comfort and handling independently, creating a closed-loop control system that balances performance with manageable complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If active suspension systems are used with continuous force variation, then comfort and safety are significantly improved, but the cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing semi-active suspension that dissipates energy rather than actively supplying it. The system uses regenerative shock absorbers that convert kinetic energy from suspension motion into electrical energy, partially recovering energy that would otherwise be lost. This approach provides improved comfort and safety compared to passive suspensions while consuming less energy than full active systems, as it only intervenes when needed rather than continuously supplying force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful dissipation of kinetic energy in traditional shock absorbers into a beneficial energy recovery process. The regenerative shock absorbers capture the energy that would normally be wasted as heat during suspension compression and rebound, converting it into electrical energy that can be stored and reused. This transforms the energy loss into a resource, improving overall system efficiency while maintaining enhanced comfort and safety performance.
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 approach enables improved comfort and safety by optimizing the force applied to the suspension system in real-time, addressing the limitations of conventional systems by using data-driven feedback for dynamic adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
in semi-active suspensions, the control is operated solely by dissipating the energy present
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves pre-establishing a table (A-b) giving statement of force to be provided to an actuator coupled to a wheel from statement of longitudinal speed of a vehicle (v) and statement of travel speed (u). The longitudinal speed of the vehicle is detected during displacement, and the travel speed is detected at the level of wheel. A force value (F-ac0) to be provided to the actuator coupled to the wheel, is deduced from the pre-established table and from the longitudinal speed and the travel speed using a calculator. The actuator is controlled from a force value (F-ac). An independent claim is also included for a system for controlling suspension of a vehicle.