Manually Operated Switch for Selecting Suspension Tunes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle suspension systems face challenges in adjusting suspension characteristics without adversely affecting other aspects of damper operation and vehicle performance, particularly when transitioning between different terrains.
Innovation Solution
A system with a manually operated switch that allows users to select and implement different suspension tunes via a suspension controller, which is coupled with a memory and a mobile device, enabling quick and convenient adjustments based on user input or automatic settings based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If active suspension capabilities are introduced to allow on-the-fly adjustments, then suspension adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where damper firmness can be adjusted in real-time. The manually operated switch enables the rider to dynamically change suspension characteristics (soft, medium, firm) based on terrain conditions, making the system adaptable without requiring complex automated sensors and control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of damper firmness by adjusting the valve control settings. The manually operated switch cycles through pre-programmed suspension tunes that modify valve opening characteristics, thereby changing the damping force parameter to suit different terrain conditions without altering the physical structure of the suspension components.
2Ease of operation
If suspension characteristics are adjusted for different terrains, then ride comfort is improved, but other aspects of damper operation may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suspension tunes are pre-programmed into the controller before the rider needs them. Each tune represents a pre-optimized configuration for specific terrain conditions (soft for off-road, medium for mixed terrain, firm for smooth terrain). When the rider operates the switch, they instantly access these pre-prepared settings, avoiding the need for real-time calculations that could compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of the suspension control parameters, each optimized for different terrain conditions. Instead of calculating the optimal settings in real-time, the controller stores duplicate sets of valve control parameters (tunes) that can be instantly switched between, ensuring reliable operation across various terrains without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A system (75) to select and implement a suspension tune, said system comprising: a memory configured to store a plurality of suspension tunes; a suspension controller (39) configured to implement one of said plurality of suspension tunes for at least one suspension component of a vehicle; and a manually operated switch (93) to receive a user input, said manually operated switch configured to navigate between said plurality of suspension tunes, and, based on said user input, designate a different one of said plurality of suspension tunes to be implemented by said suspension controller (39).