Active Suspension Frequency Control for Vehicle Motion Sickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles often cause motion sickness in occupants due to unpredictable motion and lack of control over the vehicle's movement, leading to increased frequency and severity of the condition, especially exacerbated by factors like sleep deprivation and individual adaptability differences.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an active suspension system that detects increased likelihood of motion sickness and mitigates vehicle motion within specific frequency ranges by adjusting the suspension system's operation between different modes to reduce discomfort, using sensors and occupant feedback to inform adjustments and synchronize with audio and video inputs to enhance occupant awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autonomous vehicle operates with standard suspension system, then vehicle can maintain normal handling and road contact, but occupants experience motion sickness due to unpredictable motion patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system dynamically adjusts its characteristics in real-time based on vehicle operating conditions. The controller modifies suspension stiffness and damping parameters according to detected motion patterns, road conditions, and occupant behavior, transforming a static suspension system into an adaptive one that can prevent motion sickness while maintaining normal handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle motion through sensors and compares actual motion against predicted motion patterns. When deviations indicating potential motion sickness conditions are detected, the controller adjusts suspension parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to and correct harmful motion patterns before they cause discomfort.
2Ease of operation
If active suspension system mitigates motion in first frequency range by first degree during first mode, then occupant comfort is improved, but system energy consumption increases when operating in second mode with increased mitigation
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system applies motion mitigation selectively rather than continuously. It operates at full mitigation capacity only when motion sickness conditions are detected, otherwise using reduced mitigation levels. This partial action approach maintains occupant comfort when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on detected conditions, switching between different mitigation degrees and frequency ranges. By dynamically adjusting suspension stiffness and damping parameters only when necessary, the system optimizes the balance between comfort and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple suspension systems operate on different frequency ranges, then comprehensive motion coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension control system is segmented into different frequency range handlers, with each suspension system or control module responsible for specific frequency bands. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of motion frequencies while keeping each individual control module relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to universally manage multiple suspension systems across different frequency ranges using a unified control algorithm. This multi-functional approach allows a single control unit to coordinate multiple suspension systems, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated controllers for each frequency range.
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 active suspension system effectively reduces motion-related discomfort by mitigating vehicle movements within critical frequency ranges, thereby decreasing the likelihood and severity of motion sickness and enhancing the overall occupant experience.
Implementation Method 1
detecting movement of a vehicle chassis within a first frequency range with a first magnitude; and operating the active suspension system of the to induce motion in the vehicle chassis within a second frequency range with a second magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.