Suspension Wear Estimation via Motion Parameter Deviation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles' suspension systems undergo wear due to normal use and erratic driving, leading to potential structural damage that users are often unaware of until it's too late, necessitating costly replacements.

Innovation Solution

A computing device with sensors detects motion parameters and estimates actual operational parameters of the suspension system, comparing them to baseline values to generate alerts when deviations exceed predefined thresholds, allowing for timely inspection and repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor-based systems are used to monitor suspension system conditions, then the ability to detect operational characteristics is improved, but the capability to determine wear extent remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational characteristic detectionVSAvoidwear extent determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting motion parameters and estimating actual operational parameters before wear becomes critical. By continuously monitoring and comparing against baseline values, the system identifies degradation trends early, enabling preventive maintenance before complete system failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by periodically monitoring actual operational parameters and comparing them to baseline values. When deviations exceed predefined thresholds, alerts are generated to indicate wear extent. This closed-loop feedback mechanism transforms basic sensor data into actionable wear assessment information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If periodic checking and servicing is implemented to repair wear damage, then suspension system reliability is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to active scheduling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension system conditionVSAvoidmaintenance scheduling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting motion parameters, estimating operational parameters, and generating wear alerts without user intervention. The system autonomously identifies when servicing is needed, eliminating the need for users to actively schedule maintenance checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automated feedback through alerts that notify users of wear extent and recommended servicing timing. This feedback loop replaces manual scheduling with intelligent, condition-based maintenance notifications, improving both reliability and user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the entire suspension system is replaced due to complete damage, then system functionality is restored, but cost and resource waste increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting wear trends and generating alerts before complete system failure occurs. By identifying degradation early through parameter deviation analysis, the system enables targeted repair of specific worn components rather than replacing the entire suspension system, thereby conserving resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system extracts specific wear information from overall system operation by analyzing deviations in actual operational parameters from baseline values. This extraction of diagnostic information enables selective component replacement rather than complete system replacement, reducing resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10029535B2Suspension system wear extent estimation
Publication Date: 2018.07.24 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US10029535B2 patent drawing
  • US10029535B2 patent drawing
  • US10029535B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present subject matter relates to a method for estimating extent of wear of a suspension system in a vehicle using a computing device. The baseline operational parameters of the suspension system are received, and motion parameters of vehicle are detected. Actual operational parameters of the suspension system are estimated based on the detected motion parameters. An alert to indicate the extent of wear of the suspension system is generated based on determining a deviation of the actual operational parameters from the actual operational parameters.