Suspension Stiffness For Ride Comfort (e.g., Damping Coefficient, Spring Rate) Patents (Class 280/5.515)
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Patent number: 11970037Abstract: A method for controlling a vertical vibration damping of a wheel of a vehicle, in which the wheel has a suspension including a vibration damper with a control element including an actuating element for adapting a damping characteristic of the vibration damper includes a series of steps. The vehicle includes a first sensor for detecting roadway anomalies, a second sensor for detecting a vertical displacement of the wheel, and a control unit connected to the first and second sensors and the control element. The method steps include detecting roadway anomalies with the first sensor, detecting the vertical displacement with the second sensor and switching the vibration damper with the control element at a first point in time from a first state with a first damping characteristic into a second state with a second damping characteristic when a first sensor signal generated by the first sensor indicates a roadway anomaly with a minimum height.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Cyril Coerman, Uwe Hoffmann, Georg Johann Maurer
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Patent number: 11964529Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling vehicle suspension, which controls a variable damper in consideration of virtual tire damping, may include a variable damper which is installed between a vehicle body and a wheel, a first acceleration sensor which is installed at each corner of the vehicle body to measure a vehicle body corner vertical acceleration, a second acceleration sensor which is installed to each wheel to measure a wheel vertical acceleration, and a controller that estimates a road surface roughness based on the vehicle body corner vertical acceleration and the wheel vertical acceleration, determines a virtual tire damping required damping force based on the estimated road surface roughness, and adjusts a damping force of the variable damper based on the determined virtual tire damping required damping force.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jin Hee Lee, Baek Hee Lee
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Patent number: 11951792Abstract: A detected displacement of a marker on a vehicle is determined based on image data captured while the vehicle traverses a displacement object of a ground surface. Then a health status of a suspension component of the vehicle is determined to be unhealthy based on comparing the detected displacement of the marker to a target displacement of the marker. The target displacement specifies displacement of the marker that indicates the suspension component is healthy. The vehicle is operated based on the suspension component being unhealthy.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Devon Eyerman, Jonathan Barker, Dexin Wang, Austin James Jeffries
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Patent number: 11932071Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a vehicle suspension, may include a variable damper provided between a vehicle body and a wheel, a sensor that measures a vehicle body vertical acceleration and a wheel vertical acceleration, and a controller that estimates a road surface roughness based on the vehicle body vertical acceleration and the wheel vertical acceleration, predicts a road surface grade based on the estimated road surface roughness, and adjusts damping force of the variable damper corresponding to the predicted road surface grade.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jin Hee Lee, Baek Hee Lee
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Patent number: 11897303Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a vertical VSE, a riding comfort control logic, a planar VSE, a steering stability control logic, a command limiting unit, a control command selection unit. The command limiting unit acquires specifications related to a traveling of a vehicle such as, for example, a slip rate and a four-wheel independent braking/driving force control flag through a CAN. The command limiting unit limits a variable range of a damping force generated by a suspension device provided between a vehicle body and wheels of the vehicle based on the specifications related to the traveling of the vehicle to obtain a first command value. The command limiting unit outputs the obtained first command value to the control command selection unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.Inventors: Yuki Yoshida, Ryusuke Hirao, Nobuyuki Ichimaru
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Patent number: 11890909Abstract: A vibration damping control apparatus of a vehicle obtains first data from a road surface information in which position information, a road surface displacement related value, and speed information are rerated to one another. The first data represents a time series change of the road surface displacement related value on a predicted route of a wheel. The vibration damping control apparatus obtains speed information at a predicted passage position from the road surface information. In the case where the speed of the vehicle at the present point in time is higher than a speed represented by the speed information, the vibration damping control apparatus executes a first process (low-pass filter process) on the first data, obtains preview information from the first data having been subjected to the first process, and controls a control force generating apparatus on the basis of a target control force computed by using the preview information.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroki Furuta
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Patent number: 11890908Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 11884119Abstract: Provided is a vehicle behavior device including: a variable damper, which is provided between a vehicle body side and a wheel side of a vehicle, and is configured to adjust a force to be generated; a camera device configured to measure a road surface state forward of the vehicle; a future vehicle state estimation unit configured to predict a sprung behavior of the vehicle from a road surface displacement acquired by the camera device and a vehicle speed; and a command value calculation unit configured to obtain a force to be generated by the variable damper based on a predicted value obtained by the future vehicle state estimation unit, and output a command signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.Inventors: Kentaro Kasuya, Ryusuke Hirao, Nobuyuki Ichimaru
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Patent number: 11813914Abstract: A hydraulic active suspension flow control system includes a hydraulic oil tank, a variable displacement pump with an oil suction port communicating with the hydraulic oil tank, a check valve, a servo valve, a suspension cylinder controlled by the servo valve, an engine revolution speed sensor configured to detect an engine revolution speed, a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a vehicle speed, an oil pressure sensor configured to detect an accumulator outlet pressure, a flow controller configured to control displacement of the variable displacement pump by receiving data from the engine revolution speed sensor, the vehicle speed sensor and the oil pressure sensor, and a relief valve connected to the check valve in parallel and provided at an oil outlet of the variable displacement pump. The variable displacement pump is connected to an engine through a clutch; and an accumulator is connected between the servo valve and the check valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2023Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Yanshan UniversityInventors: Dingxuan Zhao, Jianxu Zhu, Mingde Gong, Shuang Liu, Zhuxin Zhang, Zhiguo Sun, Tao Ni, Bin Yang, Hao Chen, Mingyuan Han
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Patent number: 11794543Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 11766910Abstract: A vehicle control method includes a step of executing preview vibration damping control for controlling a control force generating apparatus, when a wheel passes a predicated passage position, on the basis of a target control force computed by using a road surface displacement related value at the predicated passage position. The control method further includes a step of determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined condition being satisfied when a time series change of the road surface displacement related value on a predicted route of the wheel falls within a controllable range of the control force generating apparatus, and a step of executing a particular process for reducing the magnitude of the road surface displacement related value at the predicted passage position when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroki Furuta
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Patent number: 11760365Abstract: An active chassis control for a motor vehicle with an adaptive control circuit for reducing body vibrations (Aactual) of the motor vehicle, in which a control unit is integrated, which, depending on a current body vibration (Aactual) or a parameter correlating therewith (a), controls a chassis actuator. The control unit is followed by an adaptive unit which adapts an actuating signal (S) generated by the control unit with a driving speed-dependent scaling factor (f(v)), in particular by generating an adapted actuating signal (S?) with which the chassis actuator can be controlled. Depending on the situation, a factor allowance (?f) can be added to the driving speed-dependent scaling factor (f(v)) in the event of a significantly greater body vibration (Ao) in order to effectively dampen the significantly greater body vibration (Ao).Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Andreas Unger
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Patent number: 11613151Abstract: A suspension apparatus includes: a damping device which damps a force generated between a vehicle body and a wheel; and a control section which controls a damping force of the damping device. The control section includes a multiplication section which multiplies a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle body detected by a longitudinal acceleration sensor and a differential value of the longitudinal acceleration to thereby obtain a multiplication value.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.Inventors: Taiji Fukazawa, Kota Suzuki
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Patent number: 11577575Abstract: A hydraulic damper with one end connected to the body of a vehicle and a second end connected to a suspension system of a vehicle. The mechanism allows for multiple hydraulic-fluid metering valve positions to control piston resistance based on a variable pressure input using pressurized gas. The use of compressed gas to mechanically control a valve position allows changes to the piston resistance to be made quickly and to be increased or decreased as desired. The hydraulic damper features a control piston which in turn mechanically controls a valve needle within a hydraulic suspension piston. The position of the valve needle controls the damping characteristics of the suspension piston. When the control piston moves, the position of the valve needle is proportionally adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: AFCO Performance Group, LLCInventor: Alan Jeffrey Wilber
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Patent number: 11554624Abstract: Gas spring and gas damper assemblies include a flexible spring member. First and second end members are secured to opposing ends of the flexible spring member to form a spring chamber. The second end member includes an end member wall that at least partially defines a damping chamber within the second end member. A damper piston assembly includes a damper piston and an elongated damper rod. The damper piston separates the piston chamber into first and second chamber portions. A pneumatically-actuated control device is disposed in fluid communication with one of the first and second chamber portions. The control device is selectively operable to alter the functionality of the gas spring and gas damper assembly between spring and damper functionality and actuator functionality. Suspension systems including one or more of such gas spring and gas damper assemblies as well as methods of operation are also included.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventor: Joshua R. Leonard
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Patent number: 11465698Abstract: A tag axle system for a concrete mixing vehicle including an axle including a right wheel assembly and a left wheel assembly, an actuator coupled to the axle to move the axle between a raised position and a lowered position relative to a vehicle chassis, a stabilizer mount plate structured to be coupled to the vehicle chassis, a stabilizer bar rotationally coupled to the stabilizer mount plate, a right stabilizer bar arm rigidly coupled to the stabilizer bar and coupled to the right wheel assembly, and a left stabilizer bar arm rigidly coupled to the stabilizer bar and coupled to the left wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Oshkosh CorporationInventors: Erik S. Ellifson, Jason J. Zuleger, Steve Volkman, Ryan Wolf
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Patent number: 11433729Abstract: A control device applies a target control force to a variable damping force damper in a suspension mechanism based on a damping coefficient of the variable damping force damper to eliminate unsprung tramp sensations and feelings of hardness when the stroke speed decreases in a conventional skyhook control. The control device includes a state estimation unit for calculating the sprung mass speed of the sprung mass based on a value detected by several of a plurality of sensors, an application control unit for calculating and outputting a damping coefficient of the variable damping force damper based on the calculated sprung mass speed, and a target control amount management unit for determining the target control force based on the damping coefficient output by the application control unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hironobu Kikuchi
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Patent number: 11376918Abstract: An adjustment device includes a body, an adjustment inner gear ring, and an adjustment shaft. The body has a cavity therein, has a first end provided with a first hole and a second hole, and has a peripheral wall provided with a third hole. The first hole, the second hole, and the third hole are connected with the cavity. The adjustment inner gear ring is fitted in the cavity, and has a peripheral wall provided with adjustment holes. The adjustment holes have different cross-sectional areas. A second end of the adjustment shaft has an adjustment gear and passes through the second hole into the cavity. The adjustment gear meshes with the adjustment inner gear ring. The adjustment shaft is rotatable to drive rotation of the adjustment inner gear ring so as to enable the third hole to be connected with the cavity through one of the adjustment holes.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: T-MAX (HANGZHOU) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yongyong Zhan, Songfeng Wang, Xinfa Du, Yiming Wang, Hongliang Xu, Tao He
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Patent number: 11299001Abstract: An electrically powered suspension system includes: an electromagnetic actuator configured to generate a driving force related to vibration damping of the vehicle; an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information on a stroke velocity of the electromagnetic actuator; a target damping force calculation unit configured to calculate a target damping force based on the stroke velocity; a drive control unit configured to control driving of the electromagnetic actuator based on the target damping force; and a filter processing unit configured to perform a filtering process by applying a predetermined filtering characteristic to the stroke velocity. The filter processing unit has a plurality of filtering characteristics set in a second frequency region, which has a frequency higher than that of a first frequency region.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Satoshi Ohno, Atsuhiko Yoneda
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Patent number: 11186244Abstract: A child safety seat may include a motion sensor, e.g., an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor, e.g., a air pressure sensor. The motion sensor is configured to detect a motion state of a vehicle where the child safety seat is installed, e.g., whether the vehicle is moving or non-moving. The pressure sensor is configured to detect a motion state of a door of the vehicle, e.g., a door open/close motion. Based on the information detected by the motion sensor and the pressure sensor, a controller determines whether an awareness scenario occurs.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Alberto Zancanato, Michele Ferraina, Matteo Dameno, Mario Tesi
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Patent number: 11173765Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 11052720Abstract: A method for actuating the vibration damper of a transportation vehicle wheel suspension including generating data which represents the topography of the roadway lying in front of the transportation vehicle; analyzing the data with respect to roadway unevenness; adjusting the vibration damper while taking into consideration the evaluation of the roadway unevenness, wherein the amplitude spectrum of the roadway unevenness is ascertained from the data; and generating a specification for the damping of the vibration damper based on the amplitude spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventors: Frank Bärecke, Khatab Shaddy, Stefan Kukla
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Patent number: 11001116Abstract: An electromechanical chassis actuator includes a single electric motor and two screw drives. The two screw drives use a common threaded spindle. A spindle nut of the first screw drive is rotationally fixed to the electric motor's rotor and engages the threaded spindle in a back-driveable manner. A spindle nut of the second screw drive is selectively coupled to the electric motor's rotor by a coupler and engages the threaded spindle in a self-locking (not back-driveable) manner. When the coupler is in an engaged position, the actuator operates in a level-adjustment mode. When the coupler is in a released position, the actuator operates in a damping mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co KGInventors: Hartmut Krehmer, Benjamin Wübbolt-Gorbatenko
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Patent number: 10821795Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 10807433Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 10800220Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 10760975Abstract: A rail-mounted fire and overheat detection system includes a rail and a plurality of sensor elements positioned along the rail. A plate is located at a first end of the rail, and secured thereto at a plate opening. One or more damper elements extend about a perimeter of the rail to dampen vibrational forces acting on the rail. A method of assembling a rail-mounted fire and overheat detection system includes installing a first rail end of a rail into a plate opening of a plate, installing one or more damper elements about a perimeter of the rail at the plate opening, and installing a face plate to axially retain the one or more damper elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: KIDDIE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Balasundar Kuppusamy
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Patent number: 10752074Abstract: An electromagnetic suspension device includes: an electromagnetic actuator which is disposed side by side with a spring member provided between a body and a wheel of a vehicle and which produces a driving force for damping operation and extending and contracting operation; an information acquisition unit which acquires the stroke position of the electromagnetic actuator; and an ECU which sets a target damping force and a target stretching force and controls a driving force of the electromagnetic actuator by using a target driving force based on the set target damping force and target stretching force. When the stroke position acquired by the information acquisition unit is in an end region close to a stroke end, the ECU corrects the target driving force such that the stroke position shifts from the end region toward a neutral region.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Satoshi Ohno, Tomoya Toyohira, Takafumi Kato, Atsuhiko Yoneda
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Patent number: 10703161Abstract: In a suspension controlling apparatus for a vehicle which includes a suspension with a damping force that is variably settable and a control unit for controlling the damping force of the suspension on the basis of target damping force, the damping force of the suspension is controlled in response to stabilize the posture of a vehicle body even when a sudden acceleration variation occurs. A rotational speed difference across a clutch provided between an engine and a transmission is detected by the rotational speed difference detection member. A control unit changes target damping force to a given value when the rotational speed difference exceeds a first threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Yoshiaki Nedachi
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Patent number: 10532623Abstract: An ECU controls the damping force at the time of the expansion movement and contraction movement of the front fork. When detecting at least that the motorcycle is in a state of making a stop and the brake hydraulic sensor shows an output of more than or equal to a predetermined value, the ECU carries out a damping force reducing control for minimizing the damping force of the front fork. The ECU takes the following sequential steps of: sensing a start of an expansion movement of the front suspension after starting the damping force reducing control, sensing a termination of the expansion movement of the front suspension, and terminating the damping force reducing control.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko Ono, Hiroyuki Kaneta, Yoshiaki Nedachi
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Patent number: 10532624Abstract: Methods and apparatus to calibrate height sensors of a vehicle suspension are described herein. An example method includes measuring a first voltage output of a height sensor coupled to a control arm of a suspension when the control arm is at a first position, associating the first voltage output to the first position of the control arm, measuring a second voltage output of the height sensor when the control arm is at a second position, associating the second voltage output to the second position of the control arm, measuring a third voltage output of the height sensor when the control arm is in a third position, and associating the third voltage output to the third position of the control arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Russ Lee Norton, Timothy Panagis, Daniel Lee Grohnke
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Patent number: 10500917Abstract: A method for adjusting the damping force of shock absorbers, connected between a vehicle body and a wheel at vehicle corners of a motor vehicle, wherein at least one damping force which is referred to a center of gravity of the vehicle body and which is divided between the shock absorbers of the respective wheels of the motor vehicle is determined as a function of at least one variable which represents the movement of the vehicle body and/or a movement of the respective wheel. For at least one of the lifting, pitching and rolling modal directions, the respective damping force is determined as a function of a predefined, constantly maintained degree of damping of respective modal direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jochen Liebold, David Caredda
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Patent number: 10369856Abstract: A damper control system includes a controller configured to estimate a temperature of a damper fluid based on data relating to heat added to and heat removed from the fluid. At least one damper is operatively coupled to the controller, and the controller is configured to control a size of a damper flow path of the at least one damper based on the estimated temperature. Methods relate to controlling at least one damper based on an estimated temperature of a damper fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, David John Rutkowski
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Patent number: 10336148Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 10336149Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 10160280Abstract: A control method includes calculating a roll angle and a roll angular velocity of a vehicle, setting damping forces applied to front and rear wheel dampers to execute first and second modes according to signs of the roll angle and roll angular velocity, and controlling the front and rear wheel dampers in consideration of the damping forces. Upon determination that the signs of the roll angle and the roll angular velocity are different, in the first mode, damping force greater than front wheel reference force and damping force smaller than rear wheel reference force are set to be applied to the front wheel dampers and the rear wheel dampers, respectively, and in the second mode, damping force smaller than the front wheel reference force and damping force greater than the rear wheel reference force are set to be applied to the front wheel dampers and the rear wheel dampers, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Ki Mo Sohn
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Patent number: 10160282Abstract: The suspension comprises a mechanical spring interposed between an unsprung mass (UM) and a sprung mass (SM) of the vehicle, a shock-absorber interposed between the unsprung mass (UM) and the sprung mass (SM), in parallel with the mechanical spring, a hydraulic linear actuator, an accumulator, a tank (T) containing an incompressible working fluid and a hydraulic circuit for hydraulically connecting, the hydraulic linear actuator, the accumulator and the tank (T) with each other. A single reversible pump (P) is arranged along the third hydraulic line. A reversible electric motor (M) drives the pump (P) in either direction, and a plurality of valves (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, VS) control the flow of the working fluid between the accumulator, the tank (T) and the hydraulic linear actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: SISTEMI SOSPENSIONI S.p.A.Inventor: Massimo Seminara
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Patent number: 10086835Abstract: A road-surface-condition estimation device is configured by a tire-side device and a vehicle-side device so as to grasp a road surface condition based on road surface condition data transmitted from a tire-side device. As a result, the road surface condition or a road surface ? of a traveling road surface of a vehicle can be accurately detected, and a more accurate lane keeping control can be performed according to the detection result. In particular, since the tire-side device estimates the road surface condition by detecting the vibration of a ground contact surface of the tire, the road surface condition can be estimated more accurately. Therefore, the more accurate lane keeping control can be performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, SOKEN INCInventors: Takatoshi Sekizawa, Youichirou Suzuki, Masashi Mori, Akira Takaoka
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Patent number: 10061278Abstract: A method and an arrangement of controlling simulation of a coupled hybrid dynamic system comprising a component under test and a virtual model includes driving the physical component under test of the system on a test rig over a period of time to conduct a test by applying an initial test drive signal input to the test rig to generate a test rig response. At least a portion of the test rig response is inputted into the virtual model of the system to obtain a model response of the system. A condition of the physical component under test is assessed during at least a portion of the period of time to conduct the test based on comparing another portion of the test rig response with the model response where an output relating to the assessment is recorded or rendered.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: MTS SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventor: David M. Fricke
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Patent number: 10052927Abstract: A method is provided for semi-automatically adjusting a chassis of a vehicle. The vehicle (10) assesses a state of the road by means of a sensor system of the vehicle and transmits the state of the road to a central server. A further vehicle (10) interrogates the state of the road from the server and recommends adjustment of the chassis as a function of the interrogated state of the road. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out such a method.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Timo Maise, Stefan Jacobi, Axel Hammann, Eric Wahl, Claudia Grumann
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Patent number: 10040329Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 9902229Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a suspension system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving, by a processor, sensor data indicative of conditions of a roadway in a path of the vehicle; determining, by a processor, a continuous road profile based on the sensor data; and selectively controlling, by a processor, at least one suspension element of the vehicle based on the continuous road profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher J. Mettrick, Shiv G. Patel, Fahim Javid, Dhruv Oberoi, Ankur Agrawal
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Patent number: 9855813Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a vehicle during a traction control event are disclosed. Signals indicative of wheel speed and velocity of the vehicle may be received at a controller of the vehicle and compared to determine wheel slip. Based on the wheel slip, the controller determines whether a burnout condition exists. A damping force of at least one damper associated with a suspension of the vehicle may be adjusted when a burnout condition is detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Ahmed Mohamed
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Patent number: 9738132Abstract: An active vehicle suspension system includes an active damping mechanism operatively coupled to a vehicle wheel and configured for controlling a damping force applied to the wheel responsive to a control signal. A controller is operatively coupled to the damping mechanism and configured for generating a control signal to the damping mechanism responsive to velocity of the wheel in a downward vertical direction. At least one of a timer threshold and velocity threshold, used to determine whether a vehicle wheel has encountered a depression in a road surface, may be varied on a basis of a speed of the vehicle. A damping mechanism for a rear wheel of a vehicle may be controlled on a basis of how a damping mechanism for a front wheel is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Russ Lee Norton, Benjamin Bulat, William Gregory Suter, Albert Chenouda Salib, David Michael Russell, Uwe Hoffmann, Marc Suermann, Darrell Erick Butler, Louis Joseph Jamail
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Patent number: 9731575Abstract: Shock absorbers of left and right front wheel suspensions and shock absorbers of left and right rear wheel suspensions each are constituted by a damping force adjustable hydraulic shock absorber provided with a frequency response unit. An actuator of a damping force variable mechanism provided to the shock absorber is driven and controlled by a controller. The controller variably adjusts the damping force between the soft side and the hard side by the damping force variable mechanism according to a vertical vibration when a vehicle body vertically vibrates at a low frequency. The controller does not adjust the damping force when the vehicle body vibrates at a higher frequency than the low frequency.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Chikuma, Ryusuke Hirao, Nobuyuki Ichimaru, Masaaki Uchiyama
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Patent number: 9527363Abstract: An active suspension system senses roadway defects and adjusts an active and controllable suspension system of the vehicle before tires come in contact with the defect. The active suspension system identifies a type of defect or debris, e.g., pothole, bump, object, etc., along with the size, width, depth, and/or height information of the defect to more accurately control operation of the suspension system to prepare for, or avoid contact with the roadway defects and obstacles. Imaging techniques are employed to identify the defect or debris. Operation of a serviced cruise control system is controlled to enhance passenger safety and comfort.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: ENPULZ, LLCInventor: James D. Bennett
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Patent number: 9428026Abstract: A damper control device controls vibration of an unsprung member by controlling a damping force of a damper interposed between a sprung member and the unsprung member of a vehicle on the basis of a damping property prepared in advance. The damper control device includes a correction unit that extracts a sprung resonant frequency component of a stroke velocity of the damper, and corrects a damping force target value of the damper on the basis of the extracted above-spring resonant frequency component.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: KYB CorporationInventors: Tomoo Kubota, Masatoshi Okumura
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Patent number: 9200695Abstract: A spring and damper system, in particular for an assembly mount in a motor vehicle, includes a spring/damper element arranged between two mutually, relatively displaceable vehicle masses, wherein the spring/damper element includes a damper device and a positioning spring element, which are directly or indirectly coupled with one another and are connected in series and which are supported on or attached to a respective vehicle mass. A progressive spring element forms an additional component of the spring/damper element, wherein the progressive spring element is arranged on a side of the positioning spring element facing away from the damper device and is directly or indirectly connected to the damper device or to the vehicle mass facing the positioning spring element. The progressive spring element has a defined gap spacing representing a spring deflection in a defined rest position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Stephan Lamers, Thomas Conrad
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Patent number: 9193243Abstract: To achieve a small and low power consumption suspension, which can be installed in a vehicle, such as a personal mobility vehicle, there is provided a vehicle suspension system including: a suspension that is connected to a vehicle body and a shaft mounted to wheels; an actuator that includes an output for vertically moving a suspension position of the suspension on the basis of inclination angle information of the vehicle; and a self-weight support mechanism that acts on the actuator to support vehicle weight. The self-weight support mechanism is composed of a spring mounted to the actuator, the actuator, and a link mechanism connected the suspension and the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yukihiko Ono, Kenjiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9180748Abstract: A suspension control system includes a suspension device (2) that connects a sprung member (5) and an unsprung member (6) of a vehicle, an actuator (3) operable to adjust frictional force along a stroke direction of the suspension device (2), and a control device (4) configured to control the actuator (3), based on a velocity direction of the sprung member (5) parallel to the stroke direction of the suspension device (2), and a stroke velocity direction of the suspension device (2), so as to adjust suspension frictional force as the frictional force along the stroke direction of the suspension device (2). The control device (4) is configured to adjust a magnitude of the suspension frictional force, so that it becomes substantially equal to a required frictional force determined based on a value obtained by exponentiating the velocity of the sprung member (5), and a value obtained by exponentiating the stroke velocity of the suspension device (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yanqing Liu