Wireless Active Suspension Using Terrain-Sensing Damper Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle suspension systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting to varying terrain conditions, leading to compromises in ride comfort and performance, and often require complex installations with wired components that are prone to damage.

Innovation Solution

A wireless active suspension system utilizing sensors and a controller to adjust damping characteristics in real-time, using active valve dampers and wireless communication protocols to switch between firm and soft settings based on terrain conditions, reducing installation complexity and vulnerability to damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired components are used in suspension systems, then control signal transmission is reliable, but installation complexity increases and vulnerability to damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Sensors, controllers, and actuators communicate via wireless signals (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or proprietary protocols) instead of physical wires. This eliminates the need for complex wiring harnesses while maintaining reliable control signal transmission between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the wiring system from the suspension assembly. By taking out the physical connection medium (wires), the system achieves simpler installation and reduced vulnerability to wire-related damage while preserving all necessary control and data transmission functions through wireless alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If wired components are used in suspension systems, then control signal transmission is reliable, but vulnerability to damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidvulnerability to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless communication technology replaces physical wiring, eliminating the susceptibility to wire-related damage such as fraying, disconnection, or interference from moving parts. The wireless signals transmit control commands and sensor data without physical medium vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates wireless communication as a preventive measure against wire-related failures. By anticipating the vulnerabilities of wired systems (damage from movement, wear, environmental factors), the design proactively adopts wireless technology to cushion against these potential failure modes before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If suspension systems use fixed damping characteristics, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying terrain conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of damping characteristics through electronically controlled shock absorbers. Sensors detect terrain conditions (accelerometers, gyroscopes, terrain mapping cameras) and the controller dynamically adjusts damping force in real-time, allowing the suspension to adapt from firm settings on smooth terrain to soft settings on rough terrain automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor terrain conditions and suspension performance, transmitting data wirelessly to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts damping characteristics accordingly, creating a closed-loop adaptive system that responds to varying terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If complex wired suspension systems are implemented, then precise control is achieved, but installation complexity and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless communication technology maintains precise control measurement and transmission while eliminating complex wiring. Sensors precisely measure terrain conditions and suspension parameters, transmitting data wirelessly with high accuracy. The controller processes these precise measurements and delivers accurate control commands to actuators without wire-related interference or signal loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12065214B2Wireless active suspension system

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 FOX FACTORY INC

AI summary

A wireless active suspension system is disclosed. The system includes at least one sensor mounted to an unsprung mass of a vehicle, the sensor having a low power wireless communication capability, the at least one sensor to send a sensor data transmission. The system also includes a controller in wireless communication with the at least one sensor, wherein the controller receives the sensor data from the at least one sensor and communicates an adjustment command to modify at least one damping characteristic of at least one damper.