Vehicle Height Adjusting Apparatus Load Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle height adjusting apparatuses require load measurement, complicating their configuration and operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle height adjusting apparatus that estimates load applied to the vehicle height adjusting member using current supplied to a motor and stroke correspondence quantity, controlling oil supply to adjust seat height without direct load measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a load sensor is added to measure the load, then the vehicle height can be adjusted to be in a suitable range, but the configuration of the apparatus becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load measurement function from a dedicated load sensor and relocates it to the existing motor by utilizing the motor's current consumption characteristics. The control unit estimates load based on current supplied to the motor during height adjustment, eliminating the need for separate load sensing hardware while maintaining adjustment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is assigned a dual function: it serves both as the actuator for height adjustment and as the load sensor. By monitoring the current consumption of the motor during adjustment operations, the system can infer load conditions without requiring the motor to be solely a positioning device, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If direct load measurement is implemented, then precise load data is obtained, but the apparatus requires additional sensors and complex control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces current consumption as an intermediary parameter that indirectly represents load conditions. Instead of directly measuring load forces, the system measures the electrical current required to achieve height adjustment, which serves as a proxy for load magnitude. This intermediary measurement approach simplifies the sensing system while providing sufficient information for control decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical load sensing system (load cells, strain gauges, or force sensors) with an electrical measurement system that monitors motor current. This substitution transitions from direct mechanical force measurement to electrical parameter measurement, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to infer load conditions for height adjustment 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
Eliminates the need for load sensors, allowing for efficient and simplified adjustment of vehicle height based on estimated load, maintaining suitable height ranges regardless of load magnitude.
Implementation Method 1
an oil supplying portion configured to supply oil to the vehicle height adjusting member, using a motor
Implementation Method 2
a vehicle height adjusting member configured to adjust height of a seat of a saddle-type vehicle, using hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle height adjusting apparatus according to one aspect includes: a vehicle height adjusting member that adjusts height of a seat of a saddle-type vehicle, using hydraulic pressure; an oil supplying portion that supplies oil to the vehicle height adjusting member, using a motor; and a control section that estimates a load applied to the vehicle height adjusting member, from a current supplied to the motor and a stroke correspondence quantity of the vehicle height adjusting member, and controls the oil supplying portion based on the load to adjust the height of the seat.