How do electronic suspension systems work
Type topic text here. The basic idea behind simpler electronic
suspensions is to use electronically adjustable shocks and/or struts
so suspension ride control characteristics can be adjusted or
adapted to changing driving conditions, resulting in improved ride
and handling.
Electronic shocks and struts have a small electric actuator motor
mounted either atop the unit or inside to rotate a control rod or
selector valve that opens or closes metering orifices in the piston
valve.
This changes the relative stiffness of the shock as it travels
through compression and rebound. The next generation of electronic
shocks will use solenoids rather than motors because solenoids allow
faster response times.
The position of the control rod or selector valve inside the shock
or strut is determined by a dash-mounted switch in manually
controlled systems and/or a microprocessor in systems with more
sophisticated automatic controls.
Electronic shocks are nothing new. The Japanese introduced them to
the U.S. market back in 1983 on the Mazda LX626 and the Nissan
300ZX. Since then, they have been offered on a variety of Japanese
sports coupes and luxury sedans.
In recent years, systems have been adopted by numerous domestic
models as well. The 1988 Lincoln Continental was the first
domestically-built vehicle to sport electronically adjustable
shocks, followed by the Ford Probe and Corvette in 1989.
One advantage of electronically adjustable shocks/struts that
becomes quickly apparent when you are behind the wheel is that no
one ride control setting is right for all road conditions. The
damper setting that works best depends on the frequency and severity
of the oscillations. A soft setting that gives a boulevard-smooth
ride under one type of driving condition lacks sufficient dampening
action to control the vibrations that are produced under different
road conditions.
Conversely, a firm setting may give better ride control under
different driving conditions, but become unacceptably harsh under
others.
The more complicated systems add automatic load leveling (to
compensate for changes in vehicle loading) and/or ride height
adjustment (vehicle lowers at speed to reduce wind resistance).
The most advanced electronic suspension today is the optional active
suspension under the Infinity Q45. It uses hydraulic actuators
instead of conventional or electronic shocks to support a portion of
the vehicle's weight.
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