Vehicle Suspension Tuning for Real-Time Damping and Stiffness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems cannot adjust damping rates or spring stiffness of shock absorbers and sway bars automatically while the vehicle is in use, requiring manual adjustments at a service garage or when the vehicle is not in operation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic vehicle suspension tuning system comprising a vehicle electronics control unit (ECU) coupled to controllable suspension components, allowing user input for real-time adjustments through a control module, with optional road condition sensors to generate customized tuning signals for shock absorbers and sway bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment methods are used for shock absorbers and sway bars, then the system structure remains simple, but the suspension cannot be adjusted while the vehicle is in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the suspension system to transition from static adjustment (manual, vehicle-off) to dynamic adjustment (electronic, vehicle-on). The ECU-controlled shock absorbers and sway bars can be adjusted in real-time while the vehicle is operating, allowing the system to adapt to changing road conditions without requiring physical reconfiguration or vehicle shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system. Instead of requiring physical intervention through mechanical linkages, the system uses an ECU to send electronic signals to actuators that adjust shock absorber damping rates and sway bar stiffness, substituting electronic control for traditional mechanical adjustment methods.
2Ease of operation
If electronically controllable suspension components are installed, then real-time adjustment is enabled, but the system requires factory-installed electronics control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the ECU to serve multiple functions: it controls both shock absorber damping rates and sway bar stiffness, and it can process inputs from various sources including user preferences and road condition sensors. This multi-functional approach consolidates control capabilities into a single controller, reducing the need for separate dedicated control units for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through driver-selectable preferences that allow users to independently adjust suspension characteristics without requiring service garage intervention. The ECU processes driver inputs and automatically adjusts suspension components, empowering the end-user to perform what previously required professional mechanical service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable suspension components are used, then adaptation to road conditions is possible, but adjustments require service garage intervention or vehicle downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the suspension system to be pre-adjusted to anticipated road conditions before the vehicle encounters them. The driver can select preferences or the system can use sensor data to proactively adjust shock absorbers and sway bars in advance, rather than requiring reactive adjustments that would necessitate stopping the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by enabling uninterrupted suspension adjustment during vehicle operation. The ECU continuously monitors conditions and adjusts components without requiring vehicle shutdown, ensuring that the suspension optimization process continues seamlessly throughout the vehicle's use rather than being interrupted by service garage visits or adjustment pauses.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an automatic vehicle suspension tuning system. The system has a control module to receive user input, an ECU with a processor and a memory, one or more road condition sensors, and one or more controllable suspension system components. The ECU controls the adjustments of the controllable suspension system component in response to user input to the control module as well as input from the road condition sensors during operation of the vehicle. A method of tuning a controllable suspension system component is also disclosed.