Active Suspension System

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Suspension Systems

•Conventional suspension system

•Active suspension system

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Definition

• Active suspension
Controls the vertical movement of the wheels relative to the
chassis or vehicle body with an onboard system

• Passive suspension
The movement is being determined entirely by the road surface;

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Parameters that can be improved

• Ride Control

• Height Control

• Roll Control

• Dive Control

• Squat Control

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 COMPONENTS

A Computer or an electronic control unit

(ECU)
Sensors
Actuator or Servo
Adjustable shocks and springs

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Sensors And Controller

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Functions of Active Suspension
• Improves driver control, safety and stability, with or without a load .
• Eliminates sway and reduces roll on corners
• Reduces axle wrap
• Maximum safety
• Absorbs load, rather than resisting it, thereby ensuring a much more
comfortable ride
• Eliminates the need for fitting extra blades which harden the ride
• Better handling and control in windy and rough road conditions
• Minimize wear on tires, shocks, shackles and leaf springs

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Roll on Corners

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Active suspension mimics the
functions of the human body
• The sensors are nerve ends
• The Electronic Control Unit represents our mind
• Wires connecting the whole thing are the central nervous system
• The servos and actuators resemble the muso-skelatel portion .

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Example
Mercedes CL coupe

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto
 Draw-backs
Need for a large external power source
Complex control algorithms
Complex closed-loop control systems.
Requirement of fast-acting devices
Increased cost

16AU415 – ATVS Unit – 1 Introduction Active Suspension Prepared by Mr. D. Rajesh Kumar, AP/Auto