Vehicle Suspension Tune Switching for Start-to-Performance Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The suspension settings that provide the best starting performance for a vehicle are not the same as those that provide the best event performance, leading to potential time losses during the transition from starting to performance sections of an event.
Innovation Solution
A hot-start suspension system that automatically transitions from a starting suspension setting to a performance suspension setting after a predefined threshold is reached, using sensors and a controller to monitor terrain and adjust suspension characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the suspension remains in starting setting throughout the event, then start performance is maintained, but time is lost during the performance sections
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for the transition by monitoring vehicle conditions in advance. Before the vehicle enters the performance section, sensors detect the change in speed and acceleration patterns, and the controller proactively switches the suspension to the event performance tune, ensuring optimal settings are ready before needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from speed and acceleration sensors to automatically determine when to switch suspension tunes. The controller continuously monitors vehicle state and triggers the tune change based on predefined thresholds, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing time losses
2Speed
If manual suspension adjustment is used to switch between starting and performance settings, then performance can be optimized, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system serves itself by automatically selecting appropriate tunes based on sensor feedback. The electronic control system monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts valve positions without driver intervention, making the complex tune-switching process transparent to the user while maintaining optimal performance
Data Source
AI summary
A hot-start suspension tune system and method is disclosed. The method initiates a starting suspension tune for a vehicle. The starting suspension tune is maintained until a predefined threshold is reached. After the predefined threshold is reached, the starting suspension setting is automatically modified to a performance suspension setting.