DESC:Field of the invention

The present invention relates to suspension system of automobiles and more particularly, to a system and a method to automatically control damping of shock absorber.

Background of the invention

Normally premium passenger vehicles are mounted with adjustable damping features which are operated through dash board with fully integrated, sophisticated wiring and systems. These systems come with un-detachable features which creates complexity in maintenance and replacement. Since the adjustable feature has the provision or possibility of add-on-feature to existing vehicles, the original vehicle wiring configuration, signals and connections gets disturbed in case of mistakes or unskilled workmanship of this modification. Even though service centres are training and specialized to conduct this retrofitting, the method and tooling used would vary and de-function the special feature of this gadget and create a major disaster.

Accordingly, there is a need to develop a simple and independent adjustable damping system for a variable damping shock absorbers. Features of the system must be easy to retrofit on the vehicle without entering into the vehicle wiring configuration. Further, there is need to provide a system and a method that allow ride comfort to be independently controlled by the passenger instead of a driver controlled setting.

Objects of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a superior ride comfort through an automatically controlled adjustable damping shock absorber.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that can be fitted to any normal utility vehicle and be upgraded to experience a premium vehicle ride with user-friendly operation at affordable cost.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a system to control damping of shock absorber of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a pair of front shock absorbers and a pair of rear shock absorbers. The pair of front shock absorbers and the pair of rear shock absorbers being electronic adjustable shock absorbers have adjustable damping characteristics.

The system includes a programmable controlled board (hereinafter, “PCB”), an electronic control unit (hereinafter, “ECU”), a user interface, a first communication module, a second communication module, a display unit and an audio device. The PCB is mounted in the vehicle. The ECU is fitted on the PCB. The ECU includes a memory and a processor embedded therein. The memory includes a plurality of processing instructions stored therein. The processor is disposed in communication with the memory and configured to issue the plurality of processing instructions stored in the memory. The processor sends and receives signal to and from sensors connected to the pair of front shock absorbers and the pair of rear shock absorbers.

The user interface, the second communication module, the selection module, the display unit and the audio device are embedded in an electronic portable device of the user. The user interface is communicatively coupled to the ECU. The selection module includes driving condition modes for the pair of front shock absorbers and the pair of rear shock absorbers stored therein. The selection module allows a user to select the driving condition mode as per the requirements with respect to the vehicle performance. The driving condition modes are sport mode and comfort mode for each adjustable shock absorber. The second communication module transfers the selected driving condition mode to the processor through the first communication module. The display unit displays information of the damping adjustment of the pair of front shock absorbers and the pair of rear shock absorbers, and the vehicle operation information. The audio device is activated by the processor to generate an audio confirmation in response to the selected mode.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method to control damping of shock absorber of a vehicle.

Brief description of the drawings

The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,
Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system to control damping of shock absorber of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a selection module of the system of figure 1;

Figure 3 shows communication between components of the system of figure 1 embedded in an electronic portable device and the shock absorbers of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method to control damping of shock absorber of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

The present invention provides a system to control damping of shock absorber and a method thereof. The system provides a superior ride comfort through an automatically controlled adjustable damping shock absorber. The system does not cause interruption to vehicle wiring harness and draws power of the vehicle only for few seconds to run a motor whenever the changeover is required to operate.

This present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

Referring to figures 1-3, a system (100) for controlling damping of shock absorber of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention is shown. The vehicle includes a pair of front shock absorbers (110) and a pair of rear shock absorbers (not shown). The pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers being electronic adjustable shock absorbers have adjustable damping characteristics. The pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers are connected to sensors (not shown). The sensors provide interactive vehicle information to a vehicle operator/driver.

The system (100) is applicable for all shock absorbers fitted with the adjustable damping arrangement. As shown in figure 1, the system (100) comprises a programmable controlled board (10) (hereinafter, “PCB (10)”), an electronic control unit (20) (hereinafter, “ECU (20)”), a first communication module (30), a user interface (40), a second communication module (50), a selection module (60), a display unit (not shown) and an audio device (not shown).
The PCB (10) is mounted in the vehicle and connected to an auxiliary socket of the vehicle. Specifically, the PCB (10) is mounted below or behind a rear seat of the vehicle with a fitment and gets an intermediate power to operate the adjustable motors of the suspension. The first communication module (30) is fitted on the PCB (10).

The ECU (20) is fitted on the PCB (10). The ECU (6) is coupled to the pair of front shock absorbers (60) and the pair of rear shock absorbers to adjust the damping characteristics thereof. The ECU (6) includes a memory (14) and a processor (18) embedded therein. The memory (14) includes a plurality of processing instructions stored therein. The plurality of processing instructions includes, but not limiting to, driving condition modes and damping characteristics of the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers with respect to the vehicle performance. The processor (18) is disposed in communication with the memory (14) and configured to issue the plurality of processing instructions stored in the memory (14). The processor (18) communicates with the sensors connected to the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers.

The user interface (40), the second communication module (50), the selection module (60), the display unit and the audio device are embedded in an electronic portable device (120), for example a smart phone, of a user in the form of an application.

The user interface (40) is communicatively coupled to the ECU (20) and accessible to the driver as well as a passenger/rider of the vehicle. The user interface (40) receives user input to allow adjustment of the damping characteristic of the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers. The second communication module (60) communicates user instructions to the first communication module (30). Specifically, the first communication module (30) and the second communication module (60) are wireless communication modules such as Bluetooth. However, it is understood here that other wireless and wired communication methods can be used in other alternative embodiments of the system (100).

As shown in figure 2, the selection module (60) includes driving condition modes for the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers stored therein. In an embodiment, the driving condition modes are sport mode and comfort mode for each adjustable shock absorber. Each driving condition mode has different damping characteristics for each adjustable shock absorber. The selection module (60) allows the user to select the driving condition mode as per requirements with respect to the vehicle performance. The second communication module (50) transfers the selected driving condition mode to the processor (18) through the first communication module (30).

In accordance with the present invention, the processor (18) sends and receives signal to and from the sensors connected to the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers. The processor (18) transmits sensor information to the electronic portable device (120) of the user and receives information from the electronic portable device (120) for adjustment of damping characteristic of the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers through the communication modules (30, 50). The system (100) draws power of the vehicle only for few seconds to run a motor whenever the changeover is required to operate.

The display unit is adapted to display information of the damping adjustment of the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers and the vehicle operation information. The display unit is selected from any one of a touch and a non-touch sensitive display. The audio device is activated by the processor (18) in response to the signal received from the sensors. Specifically, the audio device is a speaker. The audio device provides an audio confirmation after the completion of adjustment of the selected mode for the shock absorbers during operation of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the processor (18) of the ECU (20) can receive the selection modes for adjustment of the damping characteristic of the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers by a manual provision such as a switch.

Referring now to figure 4, in another aspect, the present invention provides a method to control damping of shock absorber of a vehicle. Specifically, the method is described herein below in conjunction with the system (100) of figure 1.

At first step (201), the method involves accessing the system (100) by the user. The user then turns on the second communication module (50) embedded in the portable electronic device (120) of the user at step (202).

At step (203), the method involves searching for the first communication module (30). Once the second communication module (50) gets connected to the first communication module (30), the user selects driving condition mode through the selection module (60) as per the requirements with respect to the vehicle performance at step (204). In an embodiment, the driving condition modes are sport mode and comfort mode for each adjustable shock absorber. Each driving condition mode has different damping characteristics for each adjustable shock absorber.

At step (205), the method involves transferring the selected driving condition mode to the processor (18). Specifically, the user transfers the selected mode from the electronic portable device (120) to the processor (18) using the second communication module (50).

At step (206), the method involves sending a signal by the processor (18) to the sensors connected to the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers. The processor (18) processes the instructions received from the electronic portable device (120) and sends corresponding signal to the sensors of the respective shock absorber. The sensors then adjust the damping characteristic of that particular shock absorber to any one of the sport mode and the comfort mode at step (207). Specifically, the sensors adjust the damping characteristic of the shock absorbers in response to the signal received from the processor (18). The system (100) has a possibility of adjusting all four shock absorbers. In the context of the present invention, each shock absorber/suspension has a mode of sport and comfort, and the system (100) allows multiple options of adjusting rear and front suspension damping. Based on the vehicle tuning these adjustments are set for a better ride comfort and programmed that are easily understood and guide the rider/passenger to set the required option.

In final step (208), the method involves providing the audio confirmation of the action completion. The audio device is activated by the processor (18) to generate an audio confirmation in response to the selected mode. Specifically, the audio confirmation is provided by the audio device for the change completion during operation of the vehicle. The display unit displays mode that is been performed by the vehicle.

Advantages of the invention

1. The system (100) provides a superior ride comfort through the automatically controlled adjustable damping shock absorbers.
2. The system (100) can be fitted to any normal utility vehicle and be upgraded to experience a premium vehicle ride with user-friendly operation at affordable cost.
3. The system (100) does not cause interruption to vehicle wiring harness and draws power of the vehicle only for few seconds to run a motor whenever the changeover is required to operate.
4. The system (100) and the method provide a passenger selected ride comfort, no need to ask driver for adjustment and also provide the driver adjustment feature.
5. The system (100) provides a user-friendly installation and operation.
6. The system (100) provides the audio confirmation after the completion of adjustment of the selected mode for the shock absorbers during operation of the vehicle.

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A system (100) to control damping of shock absorber of a vehicle, the vehicle having a pair of front shock absorbers (110) and a pair of rear shock absorbers with adjustable damping characteristics, the system (100) comprising:
a programmable controlled board (10) mounted in the vehicle,
an electronic control unit (20) fitted on the programmable controlled board (10), the electronic control unit (20) having,
a memory (14) embedded therein, the memory (14) having a plurality of processing instructions stored therein, and
a processor (18) disposed in communication with the memory (14) and configured to issue the plurality of processing instructions stored in the memory (14), the processor (18) capable of sending and receiving signal to and from sensors connected to the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers;
a user interface (40) communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit (20);
a selection module (60) having driving condition modes for the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers stored therein, the selection module (60) allowing a user to select the driving condition mode as per the requirements with respect to the vehicle performance;
a second communication module (50) capable of transferring the selected driving condition mode to the processor (18) through a first communication module (30);
a display unit for displaying information of the damping adjustment of the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers, and the vehicle operation information; and
an audio device capable of being activated by the processor (18) to generate an audio confirmation in response to the selected mode.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving condition modes are sport mode and comfort mode for each adjustable shock absorber.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface (40), the second communication module (50), the selection module (60), the display unit and the audio device are embedded in an electronic portable device (120) of the user.

4. A method to control damping of shock absorber of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
accessing a system (100) to control damping of shock absorber by a user;
turning on a second communication module (50) embedded in an electronic portable device (120) by the user;
searching for a first communication module (30) fitted on a programmable controlled board (10), wherein the programmable controlled board (10) is mounted in the vehicle;
selecting a driving condition mode through a selection module (60) as per the user requirements with respect to the vehicle performance after connecting with the first communication module (30);
transferring the selected driving condition mode to a processor (18) of an electronic control unit (20), wherein the electronic control unit (20) is mounted on the programmable controlled board (10);
sending a signal by the processor (18) to sensors connected to a pair of front shock absorbers (110) and a pair of rear shock absorbers in response to the selected driving condition mode;
adjusting damping characteristic of a particular shock absorber by the sensors in response to the signal received from the processor (18);
providing an audio confirmation of the action completion, wherein the audio confirmation is provided by an audio device embedded in the electronic portable device (120); and
displaying information of the damping adjustment of the pair of front shock absorbers (110) and the pair of rear shock absorbers, and the vehicle operation information by a display unit.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the driving condition modes are sport mode and comfort mode for each adjustable shock absorber.