Suspension Height Sensor Fault Classification in Semi-Active Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting and classifying mechanical-specific suspension height sensor faults in modern semi-active suspension systems is difficult, which hinders accurate damping adjustment in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing suspension height sensors and a controller to determine a vehicle's steady-state condition, comparing current suspension height data with variable and fixed ranges and thresholds to classify sensor faults as normal, minor mechanical, major mechanical, or electrical faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suspension height sensors are used to provide accurate suspension height data for damping adjustment, then the suspension control performance is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and classifying sensor faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection process is segmented into multiple classification levels: normal operation, suspicious operation (potential fault), and confirmed fault states. This segmentation allows the system to progressively identify and classify faults rather than attempting to detect all fault types simultaneously, reducing the overall detection difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary fault detection by comparing suspension height data to expected ranges before confirming actual faults. This preliminary action identifies suspicious operations that may indicate potential sensor issues, allowing for early intervention and classification before faults fully develop.
2Measurement precision
If fault detection accuracy is improved to quickly classify sensor faults, then the suspension adjustment accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different comparison methods are applied to different aspects of suspension height data: comparison to predetermined ranges identifies suspicious operations, while comparison to dynamically calculated expected values based on vehicle speed and steering angle provides more precise fault detection. This local quality approach tailors the detection method to the specific diagnostic need.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs multiple functions using the same sensor data: it monitors suspension height for normal control operations, detects potential faults by comparing to predetermined ranges, and confirms faults by comparing to dynamically calculated expected values. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by using a single data stream for multiple diagnostic purposes.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive fault classification is implemented to identify mechanical and electrical faults, then the maintenance information quality is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification by comparing suspension height data to predetermined ranges to identify suspicious operations before confirming actual faults. This preliminary action provides early maintenance information without requiring full fault confirmation, reducing processing time while maintaining information quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes diagnostic parameters dynamically: it uses predetermined fixed ranges for initial suspicious operation detection, then switches to dynamically calculated expected values based on vehicle speed and steering angle for confirmed fault detection. This parameter adaptation allows comprehensive classification without constant processing of all possible fault scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a suspension system of a vehicle may include a set of suspension height sensors that may be operably coupled to a set of wheels of the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor that may be operably coupled to the vehicle; and a controller that may be operably coupled the set of suspension height sensors and the vehicle speed sensor. The controller may be configured to receive the current suspension height data and the vehicle speed data, may determine whether the vehicle may be in a steady-state condition based on the vehicle speed data, responsive to the vehicle being determined to be in the steady-state condition, may perform a comparison of the current suspension height data to a variable range, a fixed range, and a fixed threshold of suspension height data; and may determine an operation state of the individual suspension height sensor based on the comparison.