Variable Damper Preview Control Using Dynamic Road Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension control systems require multiple sensors, increasing complexity and cost, and are limited in detection range and controllability, especially during low speeds or adverse weather, with optimized control parameters only applicable under specific conditions.
Innovation Solution
A suspension control apparatus that includes a force generating mechanism, a receiving unit for external information, and a control device with a motion detector and internal/external command calculation units to determine optimal command values for the force generating mechanism without an exterior recognition sensor, using a dynamic map and vehicle state parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (acceleration sensor, vehicle height sensor, exterior recognition sensor) are used to control suspension according to vehicle state, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the exterior recognition sensor from the sensor system, achieving preview control through alternative means (GPS-based road information database) while reducing system complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a copying approach by obtaining road surface information from a database (copy of road data) rather than directly sensing it with exterior sensors, thereby achieving the same control objective with fewer physical sensors
2Area of stationary object
If exterior recognition sensor is used for preview control, then detection range is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical exterior recognition sensor system with an electronic information system using GPS receivers and database queries, achieving broader detection range without the complexity of exterior sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information system (GPS-based road information database) that mediates between the vehicle control system and road surface conditions, providing preview information without requiring direct optical sensing
3Adaptability or versatility
If preview control is performed with exterior recognition sensor, then control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited operating conditions (low vehicle speed, daytime, fine weather)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing road surface information in a database before the vehicle reaches those conditions, enabling preview control to function in advance under all weather and lighting conditions without relying on real-time exterior sensing
4Measurement precision
If control parameters are optimized under certain conditions, then control precision for those conditions is improved, but adaptability to any road surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment by storing multiple sets of control parameters optimized for different road surface conditions in the database, and dynamically selecting the appropriate parameters based on the current road conditions, thereby achieving both precision and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes control parameters dynamically by retrieving condition-specific parameters from the database based on detected road conditions, allowing the suspension control system to adapt to various road surfaces while maintaining optimal control precision for each condition
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension control apparatus includes: a variable damper; a communication unit provided inside a vehicle to receive a dynamic map from a cloud; and a controller configured to adjust a force generated by the variable damper. The controller includes: a state estimation unit, which is provided inside the vehicle, and is configured to detect a motion of the vehicle; an operation-stability controller configured to calculate an AFB command value for the variable damper based on internal information output from the state estimation unit; and a dynamic-map controller configured to calculate an FF command value for the variable damper based on the dynamic map received from the communication unit. The controller determines a command value for the variable damper from the AFB command value and the FF command value.