Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a suspension system in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and a method for determining an age of the suspension system in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles rely on suspension systems to absorb road undulations, enhance the traction and stability of wheels on varying surfaces. The suspension system plays a pivotal role in supporting the weight of the vehicle and maintaining optimal distance between its axles and other components. Conventionally, suspension systems integrate mechanical elements such as springs to provide restoring forces and to dampen motion when the wheels of the vehicle encounter a bump or an undulation or other obstacle. Thus, suspension systems absorb dynamic forces exerted on the vehicle during motion to ensure reliable and safe ride performance.
[003] Existing vehicles include manually adjustable suspension systems according to the rider’s convenience on ride quality. In order to make these adjustments, the vehicle is stopped, and the rider makes an adjustment at each shock absorber location on the vehicle using a screw setup in the shock absorbers. Also, some vehicles are provided with Inertial Measurement Unit’s (IMUs) underneath the vehicle for determining position of the suspension system. The IMUs based on the position of the suspension system proposes necessary adjustments in the suspension system. Further, some vehicles are provided with electrically adjustable suspension systems.
[004] While conventional vehicle suspension systems have been refined over decades of development, they still face inherent limitations and challenges that impact their reliability, performance and longevity. Components in the suspension system are subjected to wear and tear over time due to constant exposure to road irregularities, weight of the vehicle and weight of the occupants. This can lead to issues such as sagging springs and worn-out bushings, resulting in degraded ride quality and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Existing suspension system lack advanced monitoring and feedback systems, making it challenging to diagnose issues or optimize performance. Without real-time data on suspension behavior and condition, riders may experience discomfort and increase the likelihood of accidents or mechanical failures on the road. Moreover, maintaining conventional suspensions typically involves periodic inspections, lubrication, and replacement of worn components and without predictive service capabilities, identifying the optimal timing for these tasks can be challenging, leading to increased downtime and repair costs. Additionally, the reliance on manual adjustments and the lack of advanced monitoring systems poses risks to human safety, as unattended suspension systems could compromise vehicle stability and control. On the other hand, the auto-adjustment capability of suspension systems might inadvertently miscalculate the vehicle's load capacity if it fails to account for the age of the suspension system thereby potentially undermining its operational functionality and reliability.
[005] Accordingly, there is a need for a system for determining an age of a suspension system in a vehicle and a method thereof which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, a system for determining an age of a suspension system in a vehicle is disclosed. The system for determining an age of a suspension system in a vehicle comprises a control unit disposed in the vehicle and communicably coupled to a plurality of sensors. The control unit configured to receive a first set of vehicle parameters and a second set of vehicle parameters from the plurality of sensors. Further, the control unit is configured to determine the age of the suspension system from the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters.
[007] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate one or more actuators configured to adjust the suspension system based on the determination of the age of the suspension system.
[008] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors comprises a first sensor mounted between the suspension system and a seat frame of the vehicle, and a second sensor mounted below a seat of the vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, the first sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of an un-sprung mass, and a second sensor is configured to generate a second signal indicative of a sprung mass. The first signal and the second signal corresponding to the first set of vehicle parameters.
[010] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors comprises a load sensor mounted in a middle section of the seat. The load sensor is configured to determine a weight of a user.
[011] In an embodiment, the second set of vehicle parameters comprise a total distance covered by the vehicle, an average weight travelled in the vehicle, number of shocks absorbed by the suspension system and number of times the suspension system is adjusted.
[012] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to categorize the age of the suspension system into one of a soft level, a medium level and a hard level.
[013] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate the one or more actuators to adjust the suspension system if the age of the suspension system is one of the soft level and the medium level.
[014] In an embodiment, the control unit is coupled to an infotainment system, the infotainment system is adapted to indicate service requirement for the suspension system if the age of the suspension system is the hard level.
[015] In another aspect, a method for determining an age of a suspension system in a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, by the control unit, the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters from the plurality of sensors. The control unit is disposed in the vehicle and communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors. The control unit thereafter determines the age of the suspension system from the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for determining an age of a suspension system in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for determining an age of the suspension system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for determining the age of the suspension system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Present invention relates to a suspension system in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for determining an age of the suspension system in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle is a two wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the spirit of the present invention. In an embodiment, the vehicle can be a three-wheeled vehicle or any other multi wheeled vehicle as per requirement. The suspension system of the vehicle may be either one of a hydraulic suspension system, a mechanical suspension system, and the like, depending on the configurations of the vehicle.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a system for determining an age of a suspension system 150 in a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the suspension system 150 is a front suspension system mounted between a frame member (not shown) and a front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the suspension system 150 can be a rear suspension system mounted between the frame member and a rear wheel (not shown) of the vehicle as per requirement. The suspension system 150 comprises a shock absorber or a spring-damper assembly accommodated within a housing (not shown). The shock absorber in the suspension system 150 is adapted to absorb impact or bumps or undulations on a road surface during vehicle travel.
[019] The system 100 for determining an age of the suspension system 150 comprises a plurality of sensors 110 mounted in the vehicle. The plurality of sensors 110 comprises a first sensor 110a, a second sensor 110b and a load sensor 110c. The first sensor 110a is in the vehicle through conventional mounting techniques known in the art and is configured to procure information pertaining to an un-sprung mass of the vehicle. The first sensor 110a is configured to generate a first signal indicative of the un-sprung mass of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first sensor 110a is an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that is configured to procure information pertaining to the un-sprung mass of the vehicle. The term “un-sprung mass” refers to components of the vehicle, such as the front wheel, the rear wheel and the like, that are connected directly to the suspension system 150. The un-sprung mass moves up and down with the front wheel and the rear wheel when the vehicle travels over bumps, potholes, and other obstructions on the road surface. Thus, the un-sprung mass can also include the front wheels, tires, brake assemblies, solid drive axles, hub motors, and other components directly connected to the wheels based on the type of the vehicle. The first sensor 110a is mounted in the vehicle at a location that is suitable for determining the un-sprung mass.
[020] In an embodiment, the first sensor 110a is mounted between the suspension system 150 and a seat frame of the vehicle (not shown). In another embodiment, the first sensor 110a is mounted on a handlebar (not shown) of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the first sensor 110a is mounted under the shock absorber of the front suspension system. In another embodiment, the first sensor 110a is mounted under the shock absorber of the suspension system 150. In another embodiment, the first sensor 110a is mounted under the front suspension system and rear suspension system.
[021] Further, the second sensor 110b is mounted below a seat (not shown) of the vehicle through conventional mounting techniques known in the art. The second sensor 110b is configured to procure information pertaining to a sprung mass of the vehicle. The second sensor 110b is configured to generate a second signal indicative of the sprung mass of the vehicle. The term “sprung mass” corresponds to a total mass of the vehicle that is supported by the suspension system 150. The sprung mass can include a body (not shown) of the vehicle, the frame member, internal components (not shown) of the suspension system 150, passengers, and cargo or load on the vehicle.
[022] Further, the plurality of sensors 110 comprises the load sensor 110c mounted in a middle section of the seat of the vehicle. For example, the middle section of the seat is below seat cushion of the seat. The load sensor 110c is configured to determine a weight of the user on the vehicle. In an embodiment, the load sensor 110c may be a strain gauge load sensor.
[023] Further, the plurality of sensors 110 is mounted on various components of the vehicle. The plurality of sensors 110 being configured to generate a second set of vehicle parameter. The second set of vehicle parameters comprise a total distance covered by the vehicle, an average weight travelled in the vehicle, number of shocks absorbed by the suspension system 150 and number of times the suspension system 150 is adjusted. In an embodiment, a position sensor measures the number of revolutions of the wheel and a control unit 120 determines the total distance covered by the vehicle based on the measured number of revolutions of the wheel. In another embodiment, a weight sensor measures the weight on the vehicle and the control unit 120 determines the average weight travelled in the vehicle by analyzing the historical data pertaining to weight on the vehicle and the measured weight on the vehicle. In another embodiment, a shock sensor measures the number of shocks absorbed by the suspension system 150. The position sensor, the weight sensor and the shock sensor are mounted on the vehicle through conventional mounting techniques known in the art.
[024] The system 100 further comprises the control unit 120. The control unit 120 is disposed on the vehicle and communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors 110 i.e. each of the first sensor 110a, the second sensor 110b and the load sensor 110c. The control unit 120 can be communicably coupled to each of the first sensor 110a, the second sensor 110b and the load sensor 110c through a wired connection or a wireless connection as per requirement.
[025] In an embodiment, the control unit 120 is embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the control unit 120 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In an embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In an embodiment, the control unit 120 is an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle.
[026] The control unit 120 being configured to determine the age of the suspension system 150 from the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters. Specifically, the control unit 120 determines the age of the suspension 150 by considering information provided by the first sensor 110a regarding the un-sprung mass, information provided by the second sensor 110b regarding the sprung mass and the information provided by the load sensor 110c regarding weight of the user using a conventional computing technique known in the art.
[027] The control unit 120 is further configured to activate one or more actuators 140. One or more actuators 140 are configured to adjust the suspension system 150 based on the determination of the age of the suspension system 150.
[028] The control unit 120 being configured to categorize the age of the suspension system 150 into one of a soft level, a medium level and a hard level. In an example, the age of the suspension system 150 is soft level if the suspension system 150 retains its original flexibility, damping characteristics and provides a smooth and comfortable ride with a forgiving response to bumps and road imperfections. In another example, the age of the suspension system 150 is medium level if the suspension system 150 has experienced some wear and tear but still functions adequately. It might start to show signs of slight stiffness or reduced responsiveness compared to when it was new. When the suspension system 150 is medium level, adjustment to the soft level could compensate for this moderate wear. In yet another example, the age of the suspension system 150 is hard level if the suspension system 150 is considerably aged and might exhibit noticeable stiffness or reduced effectiveness in dampening road vibrations. Adjustment to a harder setting could help compensate for the diminished performance, providing better handling and stability albeit at the expense of some comfort. These ranges are approximate and vary based on factors such as vehicle usage, maintenance, and driving conditions. In an embodiment, if the age of the suspension system 150 is below or equal to a pre-defined threshold value the age of the suspension system 150 is categorized to soft level or a medium level. When the age of the suspension system 150 being one of the soft level and the medium level, the suspension system 150 provides damping within the suspension system 150. Such a damping provided by suspension system 150 prevents the vehicle from experiencing excessive bouncing when encountering undulation, thereby ensuring that the vehicle remains stable and under control. Thus, the vehicle rider experiences a smoother ride even while the vehicle is moving over various obstacles. Upon determination that the age of the suspension system 150 being one of the soft level and the medium level, the control unit 120 being configured to activate the one or more actuators 140 to adjust the suspension system 150. In an embodiment, when the suspension system 150 is medium level, adjustment to the soft level could compensate for this moderate wear.
[029] Further, the control unit 120 is coupled to an infotainment system 160 of the vehicle. The infotainment system 160 may be a multi-functional device that is capable of interacting with the user of the vehicle, while also providing information such as vehicle speed, an engine speed, a fuel level and the like to the user of the vehicle. For example, the infotainment system 160 is an instrument cluster or a speedometer of the vehicle. In an embodiment, if the age of the suspension system 150 is greater than a pre-defined threshold value the age of the suspension system 150 is categorized to hard level. When the age of the suspension system 150 is hard level, the suspension system 150 will transmit vibrations directly to the user without adequate damping, resulting in a less comfortable riding experience. In addition, a hard suspension system exerts more stress on other components of the bike, such as the frame, wheels, and tires. This can lead to accelerated wear and tear and potentially result in mechanical issues over time and reduced stability in the vehicle. Upon determination of the age of the suspension system 150 being the hard level, the infotainment system 160 being adapted to indicate service requirement for the suspension system 150. In an example, on determining the age of the suspension system 150 being the hard level, the driver may be alerted as soon as the ignition of the vehicle is turned on by the driver. The infotainment system 160 may display a remaining distance coverable by the suspension system 150 based on the determined age of the suspension system 150. In an embodiment, the infotainment system 160 comprises a LED light that illuminates to indicate that the suspension system 150 should be serviced on determining the age of the suspension system 150 being the hard level.
[030] Since the present invention considers the operating condition of the vehicle while determining the age of the suspension system 150, the present invention determines the age of the suspension system 150 precisely and in real time.
[031] It is further to be understood that the purpose of estimating the un-sprung mass, sprung mass, the weight of the user along with various other parameter is to ensure an accurate estimation of the age of the suspension system 150.
[032] Figure 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for determining the age of the suspension system 150 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 202, the control unit receives the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters from a plurality of sensors 110. The plurality of sensors 110 comprises the first sensor 110a mounted between the suspension system 150 and the seat frame of the vehicle. The second sensor 110b being mounted below the seat of the vehicle. The first sensor 110a being configured to generate the first signal indicative of an un-sprung mass. The second sensor 110b being configured to generate the second signal indicative of a sprung mass. The first signal and the second signal correspond to the first set of vehicle parameters. The plurality of sensors 110 also comprises the load sensor 110c mounted in the middle section of the seat. The load sensor 110c being configured to determine the weight of a user. The second set of vehicle parameters comprise the total distance covered by the vehicle, the average weight travelled in the vehicle, number of shocks absorbed by the suspension system 150 and number of times the suspension system 150 is adjusted.
[033] At step 204, the control unit 120 determines the age of the suspension system 150 from the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters. For example, by analyzing historical data on vehicle usage patterns, road conditions, and maintenance schedules, the control unit 120 predicts when various components of the suspension system 150 are likely to require servicing or replacement. In another example, if the control unit 120 detects increased shock absorber wear after a certain mileage threshold, it recommends preemptive replacement of the shock absorber in the suspension system 150 before failure occurs.
[034] Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for determining the age of the suspension system 150 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 302, the control unit 120 receives the first of vehicle parameters comprising of the un-sprung mass and the sprung mass. The first sensor 110a mounted between the suspension system 150 and the seat frame of the vehicle. The first sensor 110a being configured to generate the first signal indicative of the un-sprung mass. The second sensor 110b being mounted below the seat of the vehicle. The second sensor 110b being configured to generate the second signal indicative of the sprung mass.
[035] At step 304, the control unit 120 receives the second set of vehicle parameters. The second set of vehicle parameters comprise the total distance covered by the vehicle, the average weight travelled in the vehicle, number of shocks absorbed by the suspension system 150 and number of times the suspension system 150 is adjusted.
[036] Thereafter, at step 306, the control unit 120 determines the age of the suspension system 150 from the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters. At step 308, the control unit 120 categorizes the age of the suspension system 150 into one of the soft level, the medium level and the hard level. If at step 308, the age of the suspension is soft level, the method moves to step 310. At step 310, the user continues to drive the vehicle. If at step 308, the age of the suspension is medium level, the method moves to step 312. At step 312, the age of the suspension system 150 is categorized into the medium level. At step 316, the control unit 120 activates one or more actuators 140 to adjust the suspension system 150 to soft level.
[037] If at step 308, the age of the suspension is hard level, the method moves to step 314. At step 314, the age of the suspension system 150 is categorized into the hard level. Finally, at step 318, the control unit 120 sends alert signal being indicative of service requirement for the suspension system 150.
[038] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. The present invention considers the operating condition of the vehicle while determining the age of the suspension system, thereby determining the age of the suspension system precisely and in real time. The present invention provides efficient maintenance and component replacement of the suspension system, further enhancing ease of assembly, repair and serviceability of the suspension system. By integrating predictive maintenance and remote monitoring capabilities, the present invention prevents potential suspension failures and ensures optimal performance of the vehicle. In addition, the present invention ensures human safety by determining the age of the suspension system and predicting service requirement based on the age of the suspension system. Moreover, by automatically adjusting damping rates in the suspension system in response to determined age of the suspension system, the present invention contributes to improved rider posture and ensures vehicle stability and control, reducing the risk of rollovers, skidding, and other accidents.
[039] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[040] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100: System for Determining an Age of a Suspension System in a Vehicle
110: A plurality of Sensors
110a: First Sensor
110b: Second Sensor
110c: Load Sensor
120: Control Unit
140: Actuators
150: Suspension System
160: Infotainment System
200, 300: Method for Determining an Age of a Suspension System in a Vehicle , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for determining an age of a suspension system (150) in a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a control unit (120) disposed in the vehicle and communicably coupled to a plurality of sensors (110), the control unit (120) being configured to:
receive, a first set of vehicle parameters and a second set of vehicle parameters from the plurality of sensors (110); and
determine, the age of the suspension system (150) from the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (120) being configured to activate, one or more actuators (140) being configured to adjust the suspension system (150) based on the determination of the age of the suspension system (150).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors (110) comprises a first sensor (110a) mounted between the suspension system (150) and a seat frame of the vehicle, and a second sensor (110b) mounted below a seat of the vehicle.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first sensor (110a) being configured to generate a first signal indicative of an un-sprung mass, and a second sensor (110b) being configured to generate a second signal indicative of a sprung mass, and the first signal and the second signal corresponding to the first set of vehicle parameters.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors (110) comprises a load sensor (110c) mounted in a middle section of the seat, the load sensor (110c) being configured to determine a weight of a user.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second set of vehicle parameters comprise a total distance covered by the vehicle, an average weight travelled in the vehicle, number of shocks absorbed by the suspension system (150) and number of times the suspension system (150) is adjusted.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (120) being configured to categorize the age of the suspension system (150) into one of a soft level, a medium level and a hard level.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (120) being configured to activate the one or more actuators (140) to adjust the suspension system (150) if the age of the suspension system (150) being one of the soft level and the medium level.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (120) being coupled to an infotainment system (160), the infotainment system (160) being adapted to indicate service requirement for the suspension system (150) if the age of the suspension system (150) being the hard level.

10. A method (200) for determining an age of a suspension system (150) in a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (120), a first set of vehicle parameters and a second set of vehicle parameters from a plurality of sensors (110), the control unit (120) disposed in the vehicle and communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors (110); and
determining, by the control unit (120), the age of the suspension system (150) from the first set of vehicle parameters and the second set of vehicle parameters.

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method (200) comprises activating, by the control unit (120), one or more actuators (140) being configured to adjust the suspension system (150) based on the determination of the age of the suspension system (150).

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of sensors (110) comprises a first sensor (110a) mounted between the suspension system (150) and a seat frame of the vehicle, and a second sensor (110b) mounted below a seat of the vehicle.

13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the method (200) comprises generating, by the first sensor (110), a first signal indicative of an un-sprung mass, and generating, by the second sensor (110b), a second signal indicative of a sprung mass, and the first signal and the second signal corresponding to the first set of vehicle parameters.

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of sensors (110) comprises a load sensor (110c) mounted in a middle section of the seat, and determining, by the load sensor (110c), a weight of a user.

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second set of vehicle parameters comprise a total distance covered by the vehicle, an average weight travelled in the vehicle, number of shocks absorbed by the suspension system (150) and number of times the suspension system (150) is adjusted.

16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method (200) comprises categorizing, by the control unit (120), the age of the suspension system (150) into one of a soft level, a medium level and a hard level.

17. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method (200) comprises activating, by the control unit (120), the one or more actuators (140) to adjust the suspension system (150) if the age of the suspension system (150) being one of the soft level and the medium level.

18. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control unit (120) being coupled to an infotainment system (160), the infotainment system (160) being adapted to indicate service requirement for the suspension system (150) if the age of the suspension system (150) being the hard level.

Dated this 01st day of March 2024
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471