Semi Active Suspensions with Multiple Damping and Levelling Curves

The design of vehicle suspension components until now is a compromise of comfort and stability and presently this objective is becoming very difficult due to increasing and stringent specifications and customer requirements.

As conventional shock absorbers and mechanical springs have approached the limits, many suspension parts manufacturers have been researched variable damping shock absorbers and springs but a complete system until now is very expensive or not adequate.

This paper presents the research and development of semi active suspensions with shock absorbers with multiple damping curves associated with levelling springs. The objective of this work is to describe the characteristics of the control logic employed, shock absorber design and the levelling system.

It is also presented a proposal of a matrix control logic, sensors to be used and design alternatives for a better comfort and stable suspension for passenger vehicles. It is now in prototype phase and it will be available for production within three years.