Abstract: A method for controlling end stop collisions in electro-mechanical systems including dampers or actuators. In a first aspect, a velocity-squared control method determines an end stop control signal (V.sub.end stop) based, at least in part, upon a square of the relative velocity (V.sub.inst). Preferably, the displacement (.delta..sub.end) to the end stop is also used to derive the end stop control signal (V.sub.end stop). In another aspect, a snubber control method is employed which produces a snubber control signal (V.sub.snub) based, at least in part, upon a continuous function of a snubber incursion distance (.delta..sub.z) within a snubber zone (Z). Preferably, the velocity-squared end stop and the snubber control methods operate together. When used in conjunction with an end stop control method, the snubber control method prevents end stop collisions for cases where the end stop control algorithm alone would not.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and a method provide a signal (12) indicative of velocity of a mass (18). An acceleration sensor (64) senses acceleration of the mass (18) and provides an acceleration signal (66) indicative of the acceleration of the mass. A displacement sensor (70) senses displacement of the mass (18) and provides for a displacement signal (72) indicative of displacement of the mass. Two filters (68 and 74) operate upon the acceleration and displacement signals (66 and 72) respectively, and the filter outputs are summed to provide the velocity signal (12). In one example, an active suspension system (16) utilizes the velocity signal (12) to control relative movement between the mass (18), as a sprung mass, and an unsprung mass (20). The suspension system (16) includes a controller (54), which receives the velocity signal (12) and provides a control signal (56) utilizing the velocity signal.

Abstract: An on-board system for safety control in a vehicle, the vehicle including a plurality of axles and a plurality of load bearing units and wheels arranged on both sides of each of the axles and therefore on both sides of the vehicle, the system comprising (a) load sensors, each of the load sensors being associated with one of the plurality of load bearing units, each of the load sensors being for generating an input signal proportional to an actual load being imposed on its respective load bearing unit, thereby serving for measuring the actual load; and (b) a control unit, the control unit being in data communication with each of the sensors, such that the control unit collects the input signals, the control unit including (i) a first summing unit for summing the input signals and for generating a total load output signal being proportional to a sum of the actual loads imposed on all of the load bearing units; and (ii) a first comparator for comparing the total load output signal with a threshold total load val

Abstract: A suspension control system for a vehicle enables excellent ride quality and excellent running stability to be obtained even when the vehicle is running on a bad road. When a road surface condition judging circuit judges that the vehicle is running on a bad road, a damping coefficient preferential setting circuit preferentially sets the compression-side damping coefficient of a damping coefficient varying type shock absorber to a predetermined large value, and consequently sets the extension-side damping coefficient to a small value. Thus, the ride quality is prevented from being degraded by control delay. Further, uncontrollable movement of non-suspended members is effectively suppressed, and thus the condition of contact between the wheels and the ground is improved. Accordingly, even if the vehicle is steered during running on a bad road, no drift-out occurs. Thus, excellent running stability can be ensured.

Abstract: A vehicle attitude control device for controlling an attitude of an automotive vehicle, including (a) at least one sensor for obtaining information relating to the attitude of the vehicle, (b) a vehicle attitude control mechanism for controlling the attitude of the vehicle, and (c) a controller for determining an output thereof on the basis of an output of the at least one sensor and applying the determined output to the vehicle attitude control mechanism, wherein an upper limit changing device is provided for changing an upper limit of the output of the controller depending upon whether another vehicle attitude control device is available or unavailable on the vehicle.