Vehicle Damper Feedback Control at Driving Dynamics Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling vehicle driving dynamics using dampers are limited in their ability to reliably predict and influence dynamics, especially at the limits of driving dynamics.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop control system that adjusts damper forces based on a control deviation calculated between a target dynamic variable and an actual dynamic variable, ensuring that the desired driving dynamics are achieved.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If damper forces are adjusted based on fixed relationships or characteristic curves, then the control system is simple to implement, but the reliability of influencing driving dynamics deteriorates at the limits of driving dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidreliability of influencing driving dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop control system where the actual driving dynamics variable is continuously measured and fed back to the controller. The controller calculates the deviation between the actual and target dynamic variables and adjusts the damper forces accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable influence on driving dynamics even at the limits by continuously adapting to the actual vehicle state rather than relying on fixed pre-defined relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If fixed relationships between damper force and dynamic variable are assumed, then the control implementation is straightforward, but the effectiveness of influencing driving dynamics deteriorates in limiting ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of control implementationVSAvoideffectiveness of influencing driving dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static fixed relationships to dynamic adaptive control. The control system continuously determines the actual driving dynamics variable during vehicle operation and adjusts the damper forces in real-time based on the current state. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain effectiveness across the entire operating range, including limiting ranges where fixed relationships fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If damper forces are adjusted without closed-loop verification, then the control system is simpler, but the ability to ensure target dynamic variable achievement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidaccuracy of achieving target dynamic variable
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs closed-loop control where the actual driving dynamics variable is measured by sensors and continuously compared with the target value. The controller calculates the deviation and adjusts damper forces to minimize this deviation. This feedback verification ensures that the target dynamic variable is actually achieved, providing precise control even though it increases system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach improves the reliability and effectiveness of influencing driving dynamics, enhancing driving stability by accurately adjusting damper forces to match target dynamic variables.

Implementation Method 1

The dampers generate damping forces that influence the forces acting between the vehicle wheels and the road surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4146488B1Controlling driving dynamics of a vehicle by means of dampers
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4146488B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4146488B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling driving dynamics of a vehicle (1) by means of dampers (16), said vehicle (1) comprising at least two axles (10, 12) which each have at least two wheels (14) together with dampers (16), and said method comprising the following control: a) obtaining a driving dynamics target variable (SD); b) determining a control deviation (e) on the basis of the driving dynamics target variable (SD) and a driving dynamics actual variable (ID); c) changing the damper force (D) of at least one damper (16) according to the control deviation (e); d) updating and feeding back the driving dynamics actual variable (ID) in the event of a changed damper force (D) in order to re-determine the control deviation (e). The invention further relates to a vehicle (1) and a control device (20) of a vehicle (1).