Damping factor switching in vehicle shock absorbers
US5555173A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2600/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
One or more vehicle suspension signals, preferably already generated within a controllable suspension system, is utilized to perform switches of the damping state of variable damping shock absorbers in the suspension system while the velocity of the shock absorbers is close to zero velocity. In particular, signals generated by height sensors within a controllable suspension system are utilized as vehicle suspension signals which are filtered to generate signals to enable switching of the shock absorbers while the shock absorbers are close to zero velocity. In addition, performance of the suspension system is improved by utilizing the vehicle suspension signals as one criterion to determine when switching from soft damping to firm damping or from firm damping to soft damping is desirable. Switch enable signals are determined from vehicle suspension signals by filtering at a resonant body frequency and comparison to an appropriate threshold. Soft-to-firm/firm-to-soft switch request signals are determined from vehicle suspension signals by filtering at a resonant wheel frequency and comparison to appropriate thresholds. Preferably, firm-to-soft switches are made after expiration of pr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.