Variable Damping Suspension Control for Real-Time Ride Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-active vehicle suspensions require lengthy and subjective tuning before marketing, and their parameters cannot be dynamically adjusted during use to optimize damping coefficients for vertical, roll, and pitch accelerations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sensors, memory, and a controller to continuously adjust damping coefficients based on real-time acceleration measurements, employing the SELFTUNE algorithm to optimize heave, roll, and pitch damping coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If damping coefficients are tuned during manufacturing phase, then parameters can be optimized for specific conditions, but the tuning process requires lengthy tests and cannot adapt to changing road conditions during vehicle use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that dynamically adjusts damping coefficients in real-time based on measured vehicle accelerations and road conditions. The system transitions from static pre-defined damping values to dynamic adaptation, allowing the suspension to respond to changing operating conditions during vehicle use rather than being fixed at manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where accelerometers continuously measure vertical, roll, and pitch accelerations, and this measurement feedback is used by the control system to adjust damping coefficients. The closed-loop feedback enables the system to learn from actual vehicle behavior and optimize damping parameters based on real-world performance rather than theoretical tuning.
2Device complexity
If damping parameters are fixed during vehicle use, then system complexity is reduced, but optimal performance cannot be achieved under varying road conditions and velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-tuning capability where the suspension system automatically adjusts its own damping parameters based on measured performance and road conditions. The control system serves itself by using acceleration measurements to determine optimal damping coefficients without requiring external intervention or complex manual tuning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the damping coefficient parameters dynamically based on measured acceleration levels and road conditions. The system modifies these critical parameters in real-time to optimize ride comfort and handling, transitioning from fixed parameters to adaptive parameter adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and control algorithms are added to enable real-time adjustment, then adaptability to road conditions improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control system multi-functional by using a single integrated controller that performs multiple functions: it processes acceleration measurements from different sensors, determines optimal damping coefficients for various axes, and controls multiple dampers. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor data processing, parameter optimization, and damper control functions into a single integrated control system. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified controller, the system reduces complexity while maintaining the capability for real-time adaptive adjustment of damping parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a suspension system for a vehicle to obtain optimal parameters for the damping coefficients of the vehicle suspension that minimize acceleration along a heave axis, angular acceleration around a roll axis and angular acceleration around a pitch axis is provided. These parameters may be recorded during the tuning phase or may also be continuously obtained during use of the vehicle by an end user. Also disclosed is a suspension system for a vehicle configured to advantageously operate according to the method.