Enhanced computer optimized adaptive suspension system and method

Abstract

A system and method for controlling a damping system. The system has at least two dampers for damping between sprung and unsprung masses in the compression and rebound directions. Sensors generate signals based on position and other parameters of motion representative of the displacement between the sprung and unsprung masses. The process determines the appropriate compression and rebound forces to be applied at the wheels. A regulator responds to at least one of the independent compression and rebound control signals for adjusting, respectively, at least one of compression and rebound resisting forces of the dampers between the masses. Compliance for the dampers is emulated with software to produce the desired compliance forces. The distributed controller includes a processor that is responsive to signals representative of the position signals for forming the compression and rebound control signals for the regulator as a function of motion between the masses or a motion of a vehicle in which the dampers are located. The system has the capability of locking the suspension when parked.

1 . A method for controlling the damping response of a vehicle suspension comprising: 
 determining compression and rebound forces to be applied to a wheel based upon parameters of motion;    determining vehicle loading as a function of spring natural frequency of the vehicle suspension;    determining a variation in vehicle loading over time; and    modifying the compression and rebound forces to provide compensation for the determined variation of vehicle loading.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising preconditioning the plurality of parameters of motion.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein modifying the compression and rebound forces comprises emulating mechanical compliance.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of an accumulator.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of a mechanical accumulator.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of a hydraulic accumulator.  
   
   
       7 . A method for controlling the damping response of a vehicle suspension comprising: 
 determining compression and rebound forces to be applied to a wheel based upon parameters of motion;    determining vehicle loading as a function of spring natural frequency of the vehicle suspension; and    modifying the compression and rebound forces to provide compensation for variation of vehicle loading.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising preconditioning the plurality of parameters of motion.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein modifying the compression and rebound forces comprises emulating mechanical compliance.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of an accumulator.  
   
   
       11 . The method as in  claim 9  wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of a mechanical accumulator.  
   
   
       12 . The method as in  claim 9  wherein emulating mechanical compliance comprises emulating the mechanical compliance of a hydraulic accumulator.