Variable-Damping Suspension for Vehicle Roll and Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems fail to effectively manage roll and pitch stability during turns and acceleration/deceleration, leading to reduced ride comfort and increased risk of rollover, especially on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system incorporating proportional variable relief valves and a controller that adjust the damping rate of dampers based on vehicle dynamics, such as roll, pitch, and yaw rates, to control extension and compression, thereby maintaining stability and lowering the center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional suspension systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vehicle experiences reduced stability and increased roll/pitch during turns and acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system employs variable damping rates that dynamically adjust based on vehicle operating conditions. The dampers transition from fixed damping characteristics to adaptive damping rates controlled by solenoid valves, allowing the system to respond to changing vehicle dynamics during turns, acceleration, and deceleration events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the damping parameter of the suspension dampers based on vehicle state. By modifying the damping rate through electronically controlled valves, the system adapts its mechanical properties to maintain stability across different driving conditions without requiring a complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive dampers with fixed damping rates are used, then the system requires no external power, but the system cannot dynamically respond to changing vehicle conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system utilizes the vehicle's existing motion and energy to drive the damping adjustment mechanism. The dampers respond to vehicle movement itself, using the kinetic energy from suspension compression and rebound to operate the valve control system, rather than requiring an external power source dedicated to the damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic or pneumatic principles through the use of fluid-filled dampers and solenoid-controlled valves. The fluid pressure and flow dynamics enable automatic damping rate adjustment in response to vehicle motion, converting mechanical energy from suspension movement into control signals for valve actuation.
3Reliability
If active roll control mechanisms are implemented, then rollover resistance improves, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dampers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide basic suspension damping, active roll control during turns, and pitch control during acceleration and deceleration. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated damping control system that manages all stability aspects without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from vehicle motion through the damper movement itself. The position and velocity of the damper piston provide real-time information about vehicle state, which is used to automatically adjust damping rates through the valve control system, creating a self-regulating feedback loop for stability control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves ride stability and handling by dynamically adjusting damping rates to counteract roll and pitch, reducing the likelihood of rollover and enhancing comfort on various terrains without requiring significant external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The proportional variable relief valves are configured to control a pressure of fluid entering or exiting at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber of at least one of the first damper and the second damper
Implementation Method 2
The first damper and the second damper are configured to control at least one of a roll of the vehicle and a pitch of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a suspension system having a first damper, a second damper, and a controller. The dampers include housings and pistons sealingly interfaced with an inner diameter of the housing, dividing the damper into a first and second chamber. The suspension system includes proportional variable relief valves which control pressure of fluid entering or exiting one of the first and second chamber of one of the first and second damper. The controller controls the valves to control extension or compression of the first damper and extension or compression of the second damper based on a degree of roll of the vehicle during a turn of the vehicle or a degree of pitch of the vehicle during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The first and second damper control a roll and pitch of the vehicle. The valves control a damping rate of one of the first and second damper.