Wheel Bearing Vibration Sensing for Adaptive Suspension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel suspension systems fail to adaptively adjust suspension parameters based on varying road conditions, leading to inconsistent ride quality and inadequate protection of cargo during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A wheel suspension control system equipped with vibration sensors at the wheel end bearing that measure road vibrations and transmit signals to processing circuitry to adjust suspension parameters such as stiffness, damping, and ride height in real-time, allowing for adaptive control based on road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vibration sensors are placed at the suspension device (e.g., bellows), then suspension control can be achieved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to contamination from non-road vibrations (acceleration/retardation)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration sensor from the suspension device location and relocates it to the wheel end bearing housing. This separation removes the sensor from the harmful vibration environment created by suspension operation, while still enabling measurement of road-induced vibrations through the wheel bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel end bearing housing serves as an intermediary structure that transmits road vibration signals from the wheel to the sensor, while filtering out non-road vibrations. The housing acts as a stable reference frame that isolates the sensor from suspension-related disturbances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If suspension parameters are adjusted frequently to adapt to road conditions, then ride quality improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs periodic evaluation of vibration signals at multiple frequencies and adjusts suspension parameters only when road condition changes are detected. This periodic monitoring approach maintains adaptability while avoiding continuous energy-consuming adjustments during stable road conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes suspension parameters (stiffness, damping, ride height) based on detected road vibration characteristics. By monitoring vibration frequency and amplitude patterns, the system adapts to different road surfaces and conditions, optimizing ride quality and cargo protection while consuming energy only when parameter changes are necessary.
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 provides a smooth ride and enhanced protection of cargo by accurately measuring road vibrations and adjusting suspension settings accordingly, improving ride handling and cargo protection across different road surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration sensor provided at or in the wheel end bearing for measuring vibrations propagated from the road wheel to the wheel end bearing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel suspension control system for a vehicle. The system comprises a suspension device, a wheel end bearing, at least one vibration sensor and a processing circuitry. The vibration sensor is provided at or in the wheel end bearing for measuring vibrations propagated from the road wheel to the wheel end bearing when the road wheel travels on a road having surface variations, wherein the vibration sensor is configured to transmit measurement signals representing the measured vibrations. The processing circuitry is configured to receive the transmitted measurement signals and to control at least one suspension parameter of the suspension device based on the received measurement signals. The invention also relates to a vehicle and to a method for controlling a suspension device.