Suspension Actuator Zero-Point Control After Door Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems struggle to accurately acquire the zero point of actuator control positions when the vehicle is stationary, particularly due to variations in sprung weight caused by passengers getting on or off and loading/unloading, leading to inefficient energy consumption and compromised suspension performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension control device that includes an electronic control unit (ECU) to execute an opening and closing determination process and a first acquisition process to accurately determine the zero point of actuators when the vehicle is stationary, using door closure as a condition or a predetermined time after door closure, and a second acquisition process during travel based on road and vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the zero point is acquired when the vehicle is stationary without considering door operations, then the acquisition process is simple, but the zero point accuracy deteriorates due to weight variations from passengers getting on/off
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting door opening/closing operations and vehicle stopping conditions before acquiring the zero point. The ECU determines that a door has been opened or closed based on door operation detection, and only acquires the zero point when the vehicle stops after door closure, ensuring weight stabilization before measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from door operation detection and vehicle stop detection to control the timing of zero point acquisition. The ECU continuously monitors door status and vehicle motion state, and only triggers zero point acquisition when feedback indicates the vehicle has stopped after door closure, ensuring accurate weight conditions.
2Reliability
If the zero point is continuously acquired regardless of vehicle state, then the zero point is always available, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary acquisitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts zero point acquisition timing based on real-time vehicle conditions. The ECU determines whether to acquire the zero point by evaluating dynamic conditions including door operation status and vehicle stop state, performing acquisition only when conditions are satisfied rather than continuously or at fixed intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the acquisition parameter from continuous to conditional-based timing. The ECU monitors multiple parameters (door operation flag, vehicle stop detection) and changes the acquisition state from always-on to event-triggered, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
3Speed
If the zero point acquisition is triggered immediately when the vehicle stops, then the response is fast, but the zero point accuracy deteriorates due to ongoing weight changes from door operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of door operation completion before triggering zero point acquisition. The ECU determines that a door has been opened or closed based on door operation detection, and only then proceeds to acquire the zero point when the vehicle stops, ensuring weight stabilization before measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system cushions against inaccurate measurements by requiring door closure completion before zero point acquisition. The condition that the door must be closed before acquisition prevents weight changes from passenger movement from affecting the measurement, cushioning the system against potential errors.
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle suspension control device includes one or more actuators that change stroke of a suspension of a vehicle having one or more doors, and an electronic control unit that controls the stroke by controlling the position of the one or more actuators. The electronic control unit executes an opening/closing determination process based on information on opening/closing of one or more doors, and a first acquisition process for acquiring a zero point in response to establishment of a first condition that is a condition for acquiring a zero point of a control position of one or more actuators at the time of stopping the vehicle, or in response to elapse of a predetermined time from the establishment of the first condition. The first condition includes that all of the one or more doors have been closed after at least one of the one or more doors has been opened.