Patent classifications
B60G17/04
Methods and systems for controlling vehicle body motion and occupant experience
In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.
Integrated multiple actuator electro-hydraulic units
Integrated multiple actuator electro-hydraulic systems as well as their methods of use are described. Depending on the particular application, the integrated electro-hydraulic systems may exhibit different frequency responses and/or may be integrated into a single combined unit.
Integrated multiple actuator electro-hydraulic units
Integrated multiple actuator electro-hydraulic systems as well as their methods of use are described. Depending on the particular application, the integrated electro-hydraulic systems may exhibit different frequency responses and/or may be integrated into a single combined unit.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUSPENSION SET UP
A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUSPENSION SET UP
A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.
Pressure relief for air springs
An air spring assembly having pressure relief capability, where the air spring assembly includes a single air volume, or a multi-chamber air volume. When the air spring assembly is operating at a stiffer spring rate in combination with a setting to increase ground clearance, during certain road events, the air spring assembly is compressed, and the pressure in the air spring assembly increases. In order to not exceed the safe mechanical limits of the air spring assembly, the pressure is limited to a maximum value when full compression is achieved. The air spring assembly includes at least one valve, which is opened based on a cracking pressure, which is determined based on the mechanical limits of the air spring assembly. This facilitates the operation of the air spring assembly at settings to increase ground clearance of the vehicle, while allowing for pressure relief when the mechanical limit is reached.
CONTROLLING DAMPER FRICTION EFFECTS IN A SUSPENSION
In some examples, a vehicle suspension for supporting, at least in part, a sprung mass, includes a damper connected to the sprung mass, the damper including a movable piston. The vehicle suspension further includes an actuator and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a frequency of motion associated with the sprung mass. When the frequency of motion is below a first frequency threshold, the controller may send a control signal to cause the actuator to apply a deceleration force to the sprung mass. Further, when the frequency of motion associated with the sprung mass exceeds the first frequency threshold, the controller may send a control signal to cause the actuator to apply a compensatory force to the sprung mass. For instance, a magnitude of the compensatory force may be based on a friction force determined for the damper.
Hydraulic actuator with a frequency dependent relative pressure ratio
Disclosed herein are hydraulic actuators and methods for the operation of actuators having variable relative pressure ratios. Further disclosed are methods for designing and/or operating a hydraulic actuator such that the actuator exhibits a variable relative pressure ratio. In certain embodiments, the relative pressure ratio of the hydraulic actuator may be dependent on one or more characteristics (such as, for example, frequency or rate of change) of an oscillating input to the hydraulic actuator.
Method and apparatus for controlling an actuator
At least one controller configured to control an actuator of an active suspension system. The at least one controller includes circuitry configured to determine an actuator state, and apply the actuator state and a commanded state to an inverse model of the actuator to produce an actuator command. The circuitry is configured to produce the actuator command by a process that includes performing low pass filtering and phase compensation to correct a phase introduced by the low pass filtering.
Method and apparatus for controlling an actuator
At least one controller configured to control an actuator of an active suspension system. The at least one controller includes circuitry configured to determine an actuator state, and apply the actuator state and a commanded state to an inverse model of the actuator to produce an actuator command. The circuitry is configured to produce the actuator command by a process that includes performing low pass filtering and phase compensation to correct a phase introduced by the low pass filtering.