Analysis of Intelligent Suspension Systems for Commercial Vehicles

Economical and technical aspects justify intelligent suspension systems in commercial vehicles. The tasks of suspensions of vehicles are contradictionary and the prevailing problems cannot be readily solved with conventional suspension systems in a satisfying manner. However, advantages are acquired by the use of adaptive suspension systems. Varying the properties and characteristics of suspension systems in respect to the different loads transported by a commercial vehicle, to vehicle speeds and to dynamic maneuvers, nearly present as good results as closed loop controlled adaptive suspension systems do.

For economical reasons fully active suspension systems are only installed in commercial vehicles performing special tasks and services. Partially active suspension systems reduce power consumption and demonstrate satisfactory efficiency. The working potential of semi-active damping and suspension systems is almost identical to that of active systems, whereas the semi-active systems exploit the axle movements, and consume much less power. Controllable and actively operating stabilizers exhibit development potential for future designs.