Exploring Optimal Pumping Strategy in Active Suspension Systems for Speed Maximization during Downhill Motion

This study explores a novel application of the pumping motion to enhance the performance of active suspension systems for vehicles on downhill slopes. Inspired by the pumping motion of skateboarders, a suspension model is developed to mimic this movement on a curved slope assuming the surface is frictionless. The suspension control problem is formulated as an optimal control problem to maximize the vehicle’s exit speed. Numerical simulations clearly demonstrate the improvement in the vehicle’s exit speed across various slope profiles, indicating the potential of the proposed approach in optimizing energy utilization. Specifically, simulation results illustrate that to increase the exit speed, the suspension systems need to lift the vehicle before entering the slope, compress at the start of the descent, and then release the stored energy near the end of the slope to further increase the exit speed. Such a control strategy aligns with the principles of pumping that is commonly used by skateboarders that reduces energy consumption.