Abstract:
In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.
Abstract:
Chassis device (4) for a motor vehicle, having a steering device (1) and at least one device for influencing a drive dynamics, characterized in that the steering device (1) and the at least one device for influencing a driving dynamics are interconnected in a power-transmitting manner, so as to improve the chassis device (4) structurally and/or functionally.
Abstract:
Method of control of ground contact of a vehicle comprising at least one retractable wheel assembly with a wheel arranged to be moved between: - a first position where the wheel of said retractable wheel assembly is in contact with the ground and - a second position where the wheel of said retractable wheel assembly is not in contact with the ground, the method comprising the steps of: - measuring at least one driving parameter depending on ground contact of said vehicle; - calculating a difference between the at least one driving parameter measurement and a predetermined target for the at least one driving parameter; - moving, during the movement of the vehicle, the wheel of the at least one retractable wheel assembly to one of the first or second position to minimize the calculated difference between the at least one driving parameter and the predetermined target.
Abstract:
There is provided a vehicle (100) comprising: a chassis (102), at least one front wheel (106), two surface-engaging rear wheels (108) and a propulsion unit (122) for driving the rear wheels (108), each rear wheel (108) being connected to the chassis (102) by a wheel support assembly (114) comprising: a rear wheel support (116) for allowing movement of the respective rear wheel (108) relative to the chassis (102); and a hydraulic cylinder (144), the hydraulic cylinder (144) comprising: a housing connected to one of the chassis (102) and the rear wheel support; and a piston (148) connected to the other of the rear wheel support and the chassis (102), the piston (148) being moveable within the housing and arranged to divide the hydraulic cylinder into first and second chambers each having respective ports arranged to allow hydraulic fluid (156) to enter and exit the respective chamber, wherein the ports of the first chambers of each hydraulic cylinder are in fluid communication and the ports of the second chambers of each hydraulic cylinder are in fluid communication such that movement of hydraulic fluid from the first or second chamber of one hydraulic cylinder to the respective first or second chamber of the other hydraulic cylinder displaces the pistons of the hydraulic cylinders in opposing directions relative to the respective housings and causes the chassis (102) to articulate with respect to the surface. By providing such an arrangement, the chassis (102) can be caused to tilt or articulate by movement of fluid between the hydraulic cylinders. This arrangement eliminates the need for cross-bracing or support members and enables space-efficient packaging of the internal components of the vehicle (100) such as the propulsion unit or engine, which may be located close to, or between, the rear wheel support assembly.
Abstract:
A vehicle has a frame, at least one front wheel connected to the frame, at least one front suspension assembly connecting the at least one front wheel to the frame, at least one rear wheel connected to the frame, and at least one rear suspension assembly connecting the at least one rear wheel to the frame. At least one of the at least one front and at least one rear suspension assemblies includes an air spring. A seat is connected to the frame. An engine is connected to the frame and is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. An air compressor is connected to the frame and fluidly communicates with the at least one air spring for supplying air to the at least one air spring. A control unit is electrically connected to the air compressor for controlling an operation of the air compressor.
Abstract:
A suspension ECU 13 computes an actual roll angle φ and an actual pitch angle θ of a vehicle, and computes a difference Δθ between a target pitch angle θa and the actual pitch angle θ. The ECU 13 then computes a total demanded damping force F which must be cooperatively generated by shock absorbers 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d so as to decrease the computed Δθ to zero, and distributes the total demanded damping force F in proportion to the magnitude of a lateral acceleration Gl such that a demanded damping force Fi on the turn-locus inner side becomes greater than a demanded damping force Fo on the turn-locus outer side. Further, the ECU 13 determines whether or not the vehicle body is vibrating in the vertical direction as a result of input of a road surface disturbance, calculates a vibration-suppressing damping force Fd needed for damping the vibration, and determines the demanded damping forces Fi and Fo by use of the vibration-suppressing damping force Fd. Thus, unnecessary vibration in a turning state is quickly converged.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for generating signals for influencing the movement of the body of a vehicle, the chain of movements of which can be controlled or adjusted. According to the invention, the movement of the vehicle body is determined by sensors, the sensor signals that correspond to the determined sensor values are fed to a shock absorber controller and said controller delivers at least one control signal to control actuators, in particular semi-active or active shock absorbers which are used to influence the movement of the vehicle body. The shock absorber controller uses the sensor signals to influence a shifting, rolling or pitching movement of the vehicle body about a point on said vehicle body, the shock absorber controller defining the point variably in conjunction with the movement of the vehicle body.