Unique electromagnetic suspension for cars
Content
The possibilities of the super suspension of the Bose car do not end there: the electronic mechanism is able to recuperate energy - return it back to the amplifiers.
Sometimes great ideas in the automotive industry come from people outside the industry. An example is the electromagnetic suspension of the Bose car, the brainchild of the tireless innovator Amar Bose. The author of the unprecedented suspension mechanism was engaged in the production of audio equipment, but he greatly appreciated the comfort of movement in vehicles. Which prompted an American of Indian origin to create the softest suspension in the history of the automotive industry.
The uniqueness of the electromagnetic suspension
The wheels of the car and the body part are physically connected to each other by a “layer” - an auto suspension. The connection implies mobility: springs, shock absorbers, ball bearings, and other damping and elastic parts are used in order to dampen shocks and shocks from the roadway.
The best engineering minds have struggled with the problem of travel without shaking since the creation of the first "self-propelled carriage". It seemed that with regard to the suspension system, everything possible was invented and used:
- In hydraulic suspensions - liquid.
- In pneumatic versions - air.
- In mechanical types - torsion bars, tight springs, stabilizers and shock absorbers.
But, no: in the revolutionary super-suspension of the car, all the work of the usual, traditional elements was taken over by an electromagnet. Outwardly, everything is simple: the ingenious design looks like an individual rack for each wheel. Operates a unique independent suspension device electronic node (control system). The ECU collects detailed information from sensors online about changes in external circumstances - and changes suspension parameters at an incredible speed.
Bose electromagnetic suspension
The principle of operation of EM suspensions is well illustrated by the Bose system.
Bose electromagnetic suspension
In a bold and original invention, Professor A. Bowes compared and combined seemingly incomparable and incompatible things: acoustics and car suspension. The wave sound vibrations were transferred from the dynamic emitter to the suspension mechanism of the car, which gave the neutralization of road shaking.
The main part of the device is a linear electric motor powered by amplifiers. In the magnetic field created by the motor, there is always a rod with a magnetic "heart". The electric motor in the Bowes system performs the function of a shock absorber strut of a conventional suspension - it works as an elastic and damping element. The rod magnets reciprocate at lightning speed, instantly working off road bumps.
The possibilities of the super suspension of the Bose car do not end there: the electronic mechanism is able to recuperate energy - return it back to the amplifiers.
The process is as follows: fluctuations in the unsprung mass in the movement of the car are converted into electricity, which is stored in the batteries - and again goes to power the electric motors.
If for some reason the magnets fail, the suspension automatically starts working like a conventional hydraulic suspension.
Pros and cons of electromagnetic suspension
All the qualities of a good suspension are concentrated and multiplied in the electromagnetic version. In a mechanism that uses the properties of a magnetic field, the following are harmoniously combined:
- excellent handling at high speeds;
- reliable stability on difficult road surfaces;
- unparalleled smooth running;
- ease of management;
- saving electricity;
- the ability to adjust equipment according to circumstances;
- high level of comfort;
- movement safety.
The disadvantages of the device include a high price (200-250 thousand rubles), since suspension equipment of this type is still produced piece by piece. The complexity of maintenance is also a minus of the device.
Is it possible to install an electromagnetic suspension with your own hands
A. Bose's suspension software has not yet been thoroughly developed, although the innovator presented his know-how to the world back in 2004. Therefore, the question of self-assembly of the EM suspension is closed with an unambiguous negative answer.
Other types of magnetic pendants ("SKF", "Delphi") also cannot be installed independently: large production forces, professional equipment, machinery, not to mention finances will be required.
Prospects for electromagnetic suspension in the market
Of course, the progressive electromagnetic suspension has bright prospects, however, not in the very next few years. Designs due to complexity and high cost are not yet in mass production.
Even rich automakers have so far decided to install unique equipment only on premium models. At the same time, the price tag for cars skyrockets, so only a very wealthy audience can afford such a luxury.
Mere mortals will have to wait until the software is finally developed so that the “Petrovichi” at the service station, in case of failure, can repair the EM suspension. Today, there are about a dozen car services capable of servicing a delicate mechanism in the world.
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Another point is the weight of the installations. Bose's development is one and a half times the weight of the classic options, which is unacceptable even for cars of the middle and budget classes.
But work on EM installations continues: experimental models are tested on benches, they are actively searching for the perfect program code and its support. They also prepare service personnel and equipment. Progress cannot be stopped, so the future belongs to progressive pendants: this is what world experts say.
