Dynamic Suspension Systems
Dynamic Suspension Systems
Active and semi-active suspension systems control the forces generated in an adjustable suspension component such as struts, or shock absorber. The adjustment of the damping on individual wheels enables optimization of ride characteristics, dynamic handling, pitch control, and roll-over mitigation.
Fully active systems have the ability to bi-directionally adjust the control forces in the adjustable suspension components. Semi-active systems apply force in only a single direction.
In addition to improvements in dynamic performance,
functions such as variable ride height and platform levelling are easily implemented which are of great benefit in defense applications and public transport.
Fully active systems have the ability to bi-directionally adjust the control forces in the adjustable suspension components. Semi-active systems apply force in only a single direction.
In addition to improvements in dynamic performance,
functions such as variable ride height and platform levelling are easily implemented which are of great benefit in defense applications and public transport.
Active Differential Control
Pi Innovo has worked with leading automotive differential manufacturers to apply electronic control to wide range of technologies targeted at light and heavy vehicle applications.
A standard open differential allows each wheel on an axle to rotate at different speeds, such as when negotiating a turn, to avoid tire scrub. The open differential always provides the same torque to each of the two wheels on that axle. While the wheels can rotate at different speeds, they apply the same rotational force, even if one is entirely stationary and the other spinning with no traction.
By contrast, a locked differential forces both left and right wheels on the same axle to rotate at the same speed under nearly all circumstances, without regard to traction differences at either wheel.
Electrically controlled differentials are a mix between an open differential and a locking differential. They can intelligently switch between fully open and fully locked. More advanced systems allow proportioning between the limits of full open and full lock. This level of control can address traction, vehicle stability and rollover. Using OpenECU differential manufacturers have been able to improve the stability and mobility of vehicles across a broader range of terrain.
A standard open differential allows each wheel on an axle to rotate at different speeds, such as when negotiating a turn, to avoid tire scrub. The open differential always provides the same torque to each of the two wheels on that axle. While the wheels can rotate at different speeds, they apply the same rotational force, even if one is entirely stationary and the other spinning with no traction.
By contrast, a locked differential forces both left and right wheels on the same axle to rotate at the same speed under nearly all circumstances, without regard to traction differences at either wheel.
Electrically controlled differentials are a mix between an open differential and a locking differential. They can intelligently switch between fully open and fully locked. More advanced systems allow proportioning between the limits of full open and full lock. This level of control can address traction, vehicle stability and rollover. Using OpenECU differential manufacturers have been able to improve the stability and mobility of vehicles across a broader range of terrain.
Brake Based Stability
Conventional anti-lock brake (ABS) systems detect when an individual wheel stops rotating relative to the ground, due to slip. The systems then momentarily decrease the braking force until traction with the ground is regained. Conversely traction control systems momentarily apply braking force during acceleration when slip is caused by high drive torque.
Sophisticated brake based stability control takes ABS and traction control functions into two dimensions. The system can detect excessive vehicle over-steer and under-steer by using integrated inertial sensors and vehicle dynamics software models. Mitigation of the excessive under-steer or over-steer is performed by applying one or more brake calipers to induce a yaw moment on the vehicle.
The flexibility of the OpenECU concept allows proven brake based stability algorithms to be implemented in smaller dedicated ECU platforms or integrated into larger ECU platforms controlling complete powertrain or suspension systems.
Sophisticated brake based stability control takes ABS and traction control functions into two dimensions. The system can detect excessive vehicle over-steer and under-steer by using integrated inertial sensors and vehicle dynamics software models. Mitigation of the excessive under-steer or over-steer is performed by applying one or more brake calipers to induce a yaw moment on the vehicle.
The flexibility of the OpenECU concept allows proven brake based stability algorithms to be implemented in smaller dedicated ECU platforms or integrated into larger ECU platforms controlling complete powertrain or suspension systems.
Aerodynamics
When travelling at speed aerodynamic lift can have significantly reduce the down force on each wheel with obvious degradation to stability and traction. Our engineers have developed electronic controllers, derived from OpenECU technology to control the deployment of adjustable spoilers that increase down forces when required without raising fuel consumption at lower speeds by increasing drag.
This is just one example of the versatility of the OpenECU concept.
