Suspension actuator system for a vehicle
AssigneeTesla, Inc.
InventorsBrian Lee Doorlag, Avraham Kagan, Justin Sill
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments relate to a suspension actuator system for a vehicle that includes an active control element, a passive control element and an adaptive damper which are mounted in series with one another along with a parallel spring.
Claims20
A suspension actuator system for a vehicle, comprising:
- an active control element communicating with a suspension control system to move a vehicle wheel in response to road conditions;
- a series passive control element comprising a first spring or damper mounted in series with the active control element, the series passive control element configured to absorb higher frequency inputs from a road surface that the active control element does not absorb;
- a parallel passive control element comprising a second spring or damper mounted in parallel with the active control element;
- and
- an adaptive damper in series with the active control element, wherein the adaptive damper is selectively lockable to provide a stiff connection such that the series passive control element is prevented from counteracting movement of the active control element during large motions,
- wherein, when the adaptive damper is locked, the active control element is activatable to directly control a position of the vehicle wheel.
A suspension actuator system for a vehicle, comprising:
- an active control element comprising a motor, the active control element communicating with a suspension control system;
- a series passive control element comprising a first spring mounted in series with the active control element, the series passive control element configured to mitigate road inputs of at least one of a high frequency, a high velocity, or a high power before the road inputs are transferred to the active control element;
- a parallel passive control element comprising an air spring mounted in parallel with the active control element, the air spring configured to offset a weight of the vehicle to reduce a power requirement of the motor;
- and
- an adaptive damper in series with the active control element, wherein the adaptive damper is selectively lockable,
- wherein, when the adaptive damper is locked, the first spring is prevented from counteracting movement of the motor, and the motor is activatable to directly control a position of a vehicle wheel.
A method of controlling a suspension actuator system for a vehicle, the suspension actuator system comprising an active control element in series with a series passive control element and an adaptive damper, and in parallel with a parallel passive control element, the method comprising:
- operating the suspension actuator system in a first mode in which the adaptive damper is unlocked and the series passive control element absorbs higher frequency road inputs before the road inputs reach the active control element;
- and
- operating the suspension actuator system in a second mode in which the adaptive damper is locked to provide a stiff connection such that the series passive control element is prevented from counteracting movement of the active control element, and the active control element directly controls a position of a vehicle wheel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.