A method for the integration of the control schemes of active suspensions, active four wheel steering, traction control, and other controlled chassis systems is proposed. The method is basically inspired to Interactive Multi-Objective Programming. Specified adaptations are introduced for dealing with the improvement of ride and handling of road vehicles. The design of the common controller proceeds with iterations from the the innovation stage to the subsequent trade-off stage. Effective common control schemes are derived from the analysis of possible performances that can match with the wishes of the designer. A numerical example is presented referrring to a vehicle fitted with four active chassis controls, such as sky-hook dampers, active anti-roll bars, active four wheel steering, and a controlled differential. The ride and handling performances of such a vehicle seem greatly enhanced with respect to those of the corresponding vehicles with three or less active controls. (A)
Abstract