The Volvo CCS (Computer Control Suspension) project is described. The aim is to study new methods to improve driving safety and simultaneously ride comfort. A further aim is to gain knowledge which also can be adopted to less advanced chassis systems.
Some criteria for driving safety are presented and discussed. Theses are analysed and the unavoidable compromises are clearified.
Calculations and measurements are presented which show the increased potential of active suspension to improve driving safety.
The possible gains in low frequency ride comfort are shown. The limitations at high frequencies caused by limitations in component performance are discussed.
Some of the differencies in kinematic and elastic properties between active and standard wheel suspensions are pointed out.
The basic energy consumption of active suspension for a defined road is simulated and compared to the energy dissipation of standard shock absorbers.
Crash safety puts specific demands on the design of the hydraulic system and the employed fluid. The reliability demands gives a challenge to developers of components to acceptable costs for active suspension.
It is concluded that the success of active suspension depends on the ability to develop a system which gives the customer an obvious inprovement in driving safety and ride comfort with no deterioration in reliability and crash safety at an acceptable cost.