VEHICULAR SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE DAMPING CHARACTERISTICS DEPENDING UPON ROAD CONDITION AND VEHICLE SPEED

摘要

A suspension control system for automotive vehicles automatically adjusts the damping strength of variable shock absorbers or other dampers in accordance with road surface conditions. The sensor signal reflects vertical displacement of the vehicle body from the road surface. The sensor signal is compared to a corresponding reference level which is variable depending upon a vehicle speed. The results of comparison give an indication of the degree and scale of irregularities in the road surface. The comparison information is sent to a suspension system controller which causes actuation of the shock or other dampers absorbers to a stiffer mode of operation when road surface roughness requiring harder suspension is recognized.