Method and apparatus for sensing a turn on a vehicle

• US 20040254702A1
• Filed: 06/16/2003
• Published: 12/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: Mueller, Donald Lee
• Application Number:
  US10/462,370
• Publication Number:
  US 20040254702A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/38
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 1/10 involving means providing for a stabilised ride training appliances or apparatus for cycling sport A63B69/16
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/4151 for sensing lateral inclination of the cycle
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 11/04 characterised by the engine being between front and rear wheels

Abstract

A method and apparatus to detect a turning maneuver on a vehicle are shown. The invention measures a change in height of the vehicle chassis relative to a fixed point on the vehicle, e.g. a wheel axle. This information is combined with other vehicle inputs to determine when the vehicle is engaged in a turn maneuver, based upon preset thresholds. The method is also able to determine a magnitude of a turn maneuver, based upon preset criteria. The information regarding detection and magnitude of a turn maneuver can be used by other vehicle systems to enhance control and stability, improve braking, and provide other features and functions.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a turn maneuver on a two-wheeled vehicle, comprising:

monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition;

determining a steady state height of the vehicle, based upon the at least one vehicle operating condition;

measuring a dynamic height of the vehicle, based upon the at least one vehicle operating condition;

determining an expected change in height, based upon the at least one vehicle operating condition; and

comparing a difference between the dynamic height and the steady state height with the expected change in height.

2. The method in claim 1, including providing a height sensor that measures a height between a chassis member and an axle on the vehicle.

3. The method in claim 2, wherein the height sensor comprises a resistive sensor.

4. The method in claim 2, wherein the height sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.

5. The method in claim 1, wherein determining a steady state height comprises measuring the height of the vehicle when the at least one vehicle operating condition is within a predetermined range.

6. The method in claim 1, wherein measuring a dynamic height comprises measuring the height of the vehicle when the at least one vehicle operating condition is within a predetermined range for a predetermined amount of time.

7. The method in claim 1, wherein monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition comprises monitoring vehicle speed.

8. The method in claim 7, wherein monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition further comprises monitoring at least one engine operating condition.

9. The method in claim 8, wherein monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition further comprises monitoring at least one transmission condition.

10. The method in claim 8, wherein monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition further comprises monitoring at least one braking condition.

11. The method in claim 1, wherein determining an expected change in height comprises selecting a value based upon the sensed vehicle operating conditions from a calibration table in an on-board controller.

12. The method in claim 1, wherein determining an expected change in height comprises:

determining a change in height based upon vehicle load;

determining a change in height based upon said vehicle operating conditions;

determining a change in height based upon road conditions; and

selecting a value based upon the vehicle operating conditions from a calibration table in an on-board controller.

13. The method in claim 1, wherein determining an expected change in height comprises calculating a value based upon the sensed vehicle operating conditions from an equation in an on-board controller.

14. The method in claim 2, wherein the predetermined range is defined to be a steady state, low vehicle speed operating condition.

15. A method for determining a magnitude of a turn maneuver on a vehicle, comprising:

monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition;

determining a steady state height of the vehicle;

measuring a dynamic height of the vehicle;

determining an actual change in height, based upon a difference between the dynamic height and the steady state height;

determining an expected change in height, based upon the at least one vehicle operating condition; and

determining a difference between the actual change in height and the expected change in height.

16. The method in claim 15, wherein monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition comprises monitoring engine load and engine speed.

17. The method in claim 15, wherein monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition comprises monitoring vehicle speed, engine load and engine speed.

18. A method for detecting a turn maneuver on a vehicle, comprising:

monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition;

measuring a dynamic load, based upon the at least one vehicle operating condition;

determining an expected load; and

comparing the dynamic load with the expected load.

19. The method in claim 18, including providing a load detection sensor for measuring the dynamic load.

20. A method for controlling a suspension system on a vehicle during a turn maneuver, comprising:

providing a controllable suspension system;

monitoring at least one vehicle operating condition;

determining a steady state height of the vehicle;

measuring a dynamic height of the vehicle;

determining an expected change in height, based upon the at least one vehicle operating condition;

comparing a difference between the dynamic height and the steady state height with the expected change in height; and

adjusting said controllable suspension system based upon said difference and said vehicle operating conditions.

21. The device in claim 20, wherein the controllable suspension system comprises a magnetorheological damper system.