FLIRTSS
Forward Looking Infrared Terrain Sensing Shock


This modified FOX ® fork utilizes:
The two terrain mapping (t/m) sensors are mounted on the fork crowns, pointing and intersecting forward at a spot approx.
five feet in front of the bike.  The microprocessor receives data from these sensors and with additional data  about speed, weight bias/angle of attack from the pressure transducer, controls a magnetic field around specially built inertia valve.

The t/m sensors will accurately *map* the upcoming terrain in front of the bike.
The speed input tells the computer exactly when the features (bumps, holes ledges, etc.) of this map intersect with the front wheel.
With the pressure transducer  sample rate at 128 per second an average will be calculated to determine;
A) angle of travel
B) speed of angle change.
type of feature that require preprogrammed settings.
1. drop-off =fast initial rebound followed by slow compression.
2. hole=fast rebound>fast comp
3.ledge=fast comp>fast rebound
4. large jump / drop = medium (default) comp> slow rebound

The weight bias transducer circuit also controls a set of piezoelectric check valves in a piston above the mainspring. This is achieved by Bluetooth  wireless transmitter on the computer and  receiver on the piston. The piston separates the spring chamber into two sections.  Below the piston rides the spring, above the piston is an air (dry nitrogen) chamber. The check vales constantly vary the pressure difference between the upper and lower chambers to adjust sag depending on the terrain pitch.
i.e. flat>level of descent.

The computer is mounted in a waterbottle at this time so as to be programmed and download data.

We are currently aquiring data and programming the output controls.
As soon as we are able will post pictures and data.

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