Suspension Pitch Stability Using Timed Wheel Torque Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems struggle to maintain pitch stability and acceleration capability over repetitive undulations without requiring manual driver intervention, particularly in off-road conditions, leading to potential pitch resonance and reduced ride quality.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with a control system that applies strategically timed propulsion and braking interventions, counteracting pitch resonance by using sensors to determine ride height and pitch information, and a controller to automatically apply torque interventions to wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If passive damping components are used in suspension systems, then the system is simple and reliable, but pitch stability cannot be dynamically controlled and pitch resonance occurs over repetitive undulations
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from passive damping to active control by dynamically adjusting damping forces based on real-time sensor feedback. The controller modulates the damping components according to measured pitch angle, ride height, and vehicle speed, enabling adaptive pitch stability control that responds to changing road conditions and prevents pitch resonance over repetitive undulations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously monitoring pitch angle, ride height, and vehicle speed through sensors, comparing these measurements to desired values, and adjusting damping forces accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect and counteract pitch resonance conditions while maintaining optimal pitch stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If active suspension systems are used to change shock absorber firmness, then pitch stability can be improved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single controller that manages pitch stability, ride height control, and damping force modulation. By using one controller to perform multiple suspension functions based on sensor feedback, the system achieves active pitch control without requiring separate complex systems for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes damping parameters (firmness) of the shock absorbers based on measured pitch angle and ride height. The controller adjusts damping coefficients in real-time to optimize pitch stability, transforming the suspension from a fixed-parameter system to a variable-parameter system that adapts to current operating conditions
3Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle speed is reduced to avoid pitch resonance, then pitch stability improves, but acceleration capability and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring pitch angle, ride height, and vehicle speed to predict approaching pitch resonance conditions. By detecting trends in pitch motion and suspension travel, the controller applies damping adjustments before resonance fully develops, preventing the need for speed reduction and maintaining acceleration capability
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a plurality of sensors that determine ride height information of a vehicle, a sensor that determines pitch information for the vehicle, and a controller that selectively applies traction torque and braking torque to wheels of the vehicle based on vehicle speed, the pitch information and the ride height information.