Active suspension

Active suspension is a new type of suspension controlled by computers in the last decade or so. It brings together technical knowledge of mechanics and electronics and is a relatively sophisticated high-tech device. For example, the French Citroen Santillan with active suspension is the center of the vehicle suspension system is a microcomputer. The five kinds of sensors on the suspension transmit the speed, the brake pressure of the front wheel and the speed of the accelerator pedal respectively to the microcomputer. Body vertical amplitude and frequency, steering wheel angle and steering speed data. The computer continuously receives this data and compares it with the preset thresholds to select the appropriate suspension state. At the same time, the microcomputer independently controls the actuators on each wheel and generates turbulence by controlling the change of the oil pressure in the shock absorber so that the desired suspension motion can be generated at any time and on any wheel. Therefore, a variety of driving modes are available in the Santilla cars. If the driver pulls the “normal” or “sports” button on the sub-dashboard, the car will be automatically set in the best suspension state for the most Good comfort performance.

The active suspension has the function of controlling the body movement. When the inertia of the car due to braking or turning causes spring deformation, the active suspension will generate a force that opposes the inertial force, reducing the change in the body position. For example, the German Mercedes-Benz 2000 Cl sports car, when the vehicle is turning, the suspension sensor will immediately detect the body's tilt and lateral acceleration. Based on the information from the sensor, the computer compares it with the preset critical value and immediately determines at what position the load is added to the suspension so that the body tilt is minimized.