Manual Suspension Tune Selection for Terrain-Adaptive Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting suspension characteristics to accommodate varying terrain without compromising other aspects of damper operation and vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
An active valve system that uses sensors to detect terrain conditions and adjusts suspension settings via solenoids in the rear shock and front fork, allowing for on-the-fly changes between soft and firm modes, with customizable thresholds and timers based on incline, decline, and flat riding angles, and the ability to package these settings into 'tunes' that can be quickly swapped using a smartphone app.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If active suspension capabilities are introduced to allow on-the-fly suspension adjustments, then adaptability to different terrain is improved, but device complexity increases due to the collection of compromises in damper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a manually operated switch that allows dynamic selection between multiple pre-configured suspension tunes (e.g., soft, firm, custom settings). This enables the suspension system to adapt to different terrain conditions without requiring complex real-time control algorithms, thereby improving adaptability while managing system complexity through a simple user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pre-configured tunes that represent different sets of suspension parameters (damping forces, valve settings). By allowing users to switch between these predefined parameter sets, the system achieves adaptability across various terrain types without needing to dynamically calculate and adjust parameters in real-time, thus balancing adaptability with system complexity.
2Productivity
If suspension characteristics are adjusted for a certain terrain condition, then performance on that terrain is improved, but other aspects of damper operation may deteriorate due to compromises in the suspension system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple suspension tunes, each optimized for specific terrain conditions (e.g., soft for off-road, firm for smooth terrain). Users select the appropriate tune before encountering the corresponding terrain, allowing the suspension to be pre-optimized for the intended condition without compromising overall damper reliability. This preliminary configuration approach avoids the trade-offs associated with real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is divided into distinct operational modes or tunes, each tailored for specific terrain types. By segmenting the suspension characteristics into separate pre-configured sets, the system can optimize performance for each terrain condition independently without creating compromises that would affect overall damper operation reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suspension tunes are made available for different terrains, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to the need to manually select and switch between tunes
Solution Approach 1:
The manually operated switch provides a simple, dynamic mechanism for users to select between different suspension tunes. The switch enables quick transitions between pre-configured settings (e.g., soft, firm, custom) without requiring complex menus or multiple steps, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing access to multiple terrain-adapted configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complexity of suspension parameter adjustment by pre-configuring multiple complete tunes. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust individual parameters, the system presents simplified tune selections that can be switched with a single action. This extraction of complexity from the user interface maintains ease of operation while preserving adaptability across different 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
The system provides real-time adjustment of suspension characteristics to optimize ride comfort and performance across different terrains, enhancing the vehicle's ability to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining control and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An active valve system that uses sensors to detect terrain conditions and adjusts suspension settings via solenoids in the rear shock and front fork
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to select and implement a suspension tune is disclosed. The system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of suspension tunes. A suspension controller configured to implement one of the plurality of suspension tunes for at least one suspension component of a vehicle. A manually operated switch to receive a user input, the manually operated switch configured to navigate between the plurality of suspension tunes, and, based on the user input, designate a different one of the plurality of suspension tunes to be implemented by the suspension controller.