Enhanced computer optimized adaptive suspension system and method

• US 20050098401A1
• Filed: 12/15/2004
• Published: 05/12/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/11/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: The Kenmar Company Trust
• Original Assignee: The Kenmar Company Trust
• Inventors: Hamilton, James M., Woods, Lonnie K.
• Application Number:
  US11/014,421
• Publication Number:
  US 20050098401A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 188/378
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0152 characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit B60G17/01941 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/018 characterised by the use of a specific signal treatment or control method
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/019 characterised by the type of sensor or the arrangement thereof B60G17/01941 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0408 details, e.g. antifreeze for suspension fluid, pumps, retarding means per se
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/08 Characteristics of fluid dampers adjusting fluid dampers in general F16F9/44 - F16F9/53
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2202/413 Hydraulic actuator
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2202/416 using a pump, e.g. in the line connecting the lower chamber to the upper chamber of the actuator
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/111 on pneumatic springs
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/112 on dampers, e.g. fluid dampers
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2206/41 Dampers
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/102 vertical
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/25 Stroke; Height; Displacement
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/252 vertical
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2401/26 Resistance type, e.g. as level indicator
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2500/10 Damping action or damper
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/184 Semi-Active control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/012 Rolling condition
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 11/028 for controlling the actuating force F15B11/024 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/40515 with variable throttles or orifices
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/41536 being connected to multiple ports of an output member
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/426 : electrically or electronically
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/50572 : using a pressure compensating valve for controlling the pressure difference across a flow control valve
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/526 : electrically or electronically
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/6313 : the pressure being a load pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/6336 : representing a state of the output member, e.g. position, speed or acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/6653 : Pressure control
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/7053 : Double-acting output members
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 9/466 : Throttling control, i.e. regulation of flow passage geometry F16F9/464, F16F9/465 take precedence

Abstract

A system and method for controlling a damping system. The system has at least two dampers for damping between sprung and unsprung masses in the compression and rebound directions. Sensors generate signals based on position and other parameters of motion representative of the displacement between the sprung and unsprung masses. The process determines the appropriate compression and rebound forces to be applied at the wheels. A regulator responds to at least one of the independent compression and rebound control signals for adjusting, respectively, at least one of compression and rebound resisting forces of the dampers between the masses. Compliance for the dampers is emulated with software to produce the desired compliance forces. The distributed controller includes a processor that is responsive to signals representative of the position signals for forming the compression and rebound control signals for the regulator as a function of motion between the masses or a motion of a vehicle in which the dampers are located. The system has the capability of locking the suspension when parked.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the damping response of a vehicle suspension comprising:

determining compression and rebound forces to be applied to a wheel based upon parameters of motion;

determining vehicle loading as a function of spring natural frequency of the vehicle suspension;

determining a variation in vehicle loading over time; and

modifying the compression and rebound forces to provide compensation for the determined variation of vehicle loading.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising preconditioning the plurality of parameters of motion.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein modifying the compression and rebound forces comprises emulating mechanical compliance.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of an accumulator.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of a mechanical accumulator.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of a hydraulic accumulator.

7. A method for controlling the damping response of a vehicle suspension comprising:

determining compression and rebound forces to be applied to a wheel based upon parameters of motion;

determining vehicle loading as a function of spring natural frequency of the vehicle suspension; and

modifying the compression and rebound forces to provide compensation for variation of vehicle loading.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising preconditioning the plurality of parameters of motion.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein modifying the compression and rebound forces comprises emulating mechanical compliance.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of an accumulator.

11. The method as in claim 9 wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of a mechanical accumulator.

12. The method as in claim 9 wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of a hydraulic accumulator.