Convex integrated design (CID) method in the integrated design of a semi-active suspension system

In this paper, a new integrated design method the Convex Integrated Design (CID) method, is introduced and applied to the design of a semi-active suspension system. The closed-loop system is required to simultaneously satisfy four closed-loop performance specifications: car body acceleration, suspension deflection, tire dynamic load and control effort respectively. With a simple two-stage algorithm, the mechanical structure parameter, which is selected as the stiffness of the suspension spring, and the closed-loop controller of the suspension system, are determined with this CID method. This leads to a closed-loop suspension system which simultaneously satisfies all four closed-loop performance specifications. The design is then experimentally verified in this paper, confirming the effectiveness of the CID method.