NO-SPRINGS, NO-SHOCKS SUSPENSION

The article describes how active suspension systems with computer control will soon give automobiles good ride quality and good handling capabilities. Active suspensions can pick up the wheel and move it out when the car hits a bump; rounding a curve, a vehicle leans to the inside. Active suspension has the ability to isolate one suspension characteristic from another. These features in a Volvo prototype are described. Many manufacuterers are racing to put them on the market. Other practical benefits of the system are noted, and include the programming of the computer to modify the complex dynamics of the moving car. For example, input from the yaw and steering angle sensors can tell the computer whether the car is beginning to slide in a corner. The computer can then adjust the load on each wheel to help the driver regain control.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01617370
• Corporate Authors:

  Times Mirror Magazines, Incorporated

  380 Madison Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10017
• Authors:
  • McCosh, D
• Publication Date: 1986-7

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 60-63
• Serial:
  • Popular Science
  • Volume: 229
  • Publisher: Times Mirror Magazines, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0161-7370

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Driving; Handling characteristics; Suspension systems
• Identifier Terms: Volvo Car Corporation
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00495946
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-039 976
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1990 12:00AM