Patent · US Expired

Banded on-off control method for semi-active dampers

US5390121A · kind A · utility

110Cited by
24References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 19, 1993
Grant dateFeb 14, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 19, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60G2800/24
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A control method for semi-active damper (32) which oscillates in real time (at the frequency of the moving member (22) motion or higher) between a high-damping On state and a low-damping Off state wherein the On and Off damping states are selected by the driver via a driver selectable switch (60) and overridden when the absolute velocity differential across the suspended body exceeds a threshold value and the signs are opposite. Damping bands can be set to a luxury, touring, or sport mode via the driver selectable switch (60). This system provides driver selectable ride feel and yet controls excessive roll and pitch due to vehicle maneuvers, braking, and acceleration by overriding the driver selectable setting whenever the absolute velocity differential threshold setting is exceeded and the directional signs are different. When the threshold is exceeded and the signs are opposed, the null band is adjusted to a narrower setting to initiate control of the damper. This allows the null band to be set wider for normal driving, providing better isolation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.