Ride Comfort Optimization using Predictive Adaptation of Ride Height and Damper Control on Single Obstacles

This paper analyzes the potentials for optimizing ride comfort by adapting ride height and damper control on single obstacles. We assume a vehicle equipped with state of the art semi-active dampers, air suspension, onboard sensor systems and an electronic horizon providing information on the road conditions ahead. Based on the characteristics of the electronic horizon we neglect predictive control approaches and show the potential of parameter adaptations using a half-car model with non-linear damper and spring characteristics. The results show that both, the ride height and the damper control, have a major influence on the ride comfort. The findings prove the importance of an electronic horizon including road conditions for vertical dynamics control, especially for slow actuators like an air suspension.