Suspension systems are a critical component in automotive design, where they have a significant impact on a vehicle’s handling, safety, and passenger comfort. Over the years, automotive manufacturers have developed various suspension types, but there has been an ultimate goal to perfect a cost-effective and energy-efficient active suspension system. This type of suspension represents the pinnacle of suspension technology, offering unparalleled levels of control and comfort. However, there have been significant challenges in creating an active suspension system that unlocks these benefits without making serious compromises in vehicle weight, complexity, and energy consumption.
Active Suspension Explained
The ideal active suspension system is designed to provide dynamic, real-time control over a vehicle’s behaviour. Unlike traditional suspension systems that rely on fixed-rate springs and dampers, active suspension can adjust the stiffness and damping force at each wheel independently. This capability allows the suspension system to adapt to various driving conditions during the drive, maintaining optimal friction between the tyre and the road while enhancing overall vehicle and cabin stability.
A key outcome of active suspension is to isolate the driver and passenger from road conditions while maintaining optimal contact between the vehicle’s tyres and the road. This leads to a smooth journey for the people in the vehicle while maintaining optimal vehicle traction and stability in variable road conditions for performance and safety.
Challenges in Making Active Suspension Accessible
To understand the challenges of making active suspension accessible, it’s essential to look back at its evolution. The concept of active suspension has been around since the 1950s, when engineers began experimenting with ways to move beyond the limitations of passive suspension systems. Early attempts were mostly theoretical or restricted to prototypes due to technological limitations. It wasn’t until the 1980s, with advancements in computer technology and hydraulics, that the first practical applications began to emerge. However, these systems were extremely expensive and complex, limiting their use to high-end luxury cars and specialised vehicles.
Fast-forward to today, and while the technology has advanced significantly, active suspension systems still tend to be complex, expensive, and inefficient. The high cost and power requirement of modern active suspension systems have limited their use so far to only the very top-end of the automotive sector. The inefficiency of active suspension systems poses significant challenges, particularly for Electric Vehicles (EVs), which require low-energy solutions to maintain their range. In conventional vehicles, these systems can lead to a substantial increase in fuel consumption, resulting in higher emissions and a greater total cost of ownership. Consequently, while technologies like air conditioning and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have become standard across all vehicle types, active suspension remains largely inaccessible for the mass market.
The core challenges in making active suspension systems more accessible revolve around reducing their weight, cost, and power consumption while maintaining or improving performance. Manufacturers face the difficult task of integrating advanced materials, electronics, and software in a way that does not negatively impact the vehicle’s overall design or market appeal. Achieving this balance is crucial for making a viable active suspension for today’s automotive landscape, where consumers demand both high performance and efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
Despite these challenges, ongoing developments in this area hold promise. The integration of more efficient power electronics, lightweight materials, and advanced algorithms are leading to new active suspension systems being designed that could revolutionise vehicle dynamics across all segments of the automotive market.
Domin's Innovative Active Suspension System
Domin has tackled many of the challenges associated with traditional active suspension systems by developing a next-generation solution that addresses the key issues of weight, efficiency, and power consumption. Leveraging our advanced valve and pump technology, combined with modern, cutting-edge tools, Domin Suspension offers a significant reduction in size and weight without compromising performance. This makes it an ideal fit for both electric and combustion vehicles where efficiency and space are paramount.
By incorporating energy-efficient actuators and precision-engineered components, Domin’s active suspension system achieves the delicate balance between comfort, control, and efficiency that has long eluded many in the industry.
Domin’s innovative approach represents a significant step forward in the quest to make active suspension systems more accessible and practical. By addressing the historical challenges of weight, energy consumption, and cost, Domin is paving the way for the next generation of automotive suspension systems, bringing high-performance technology within reach of a broader market.
At Domin, we have created an active suspension system that delivers a system that proactively adapts to any road, effortlessly balancing comfort with world-class performance in a lightweight package, and with no compromise on power consumption. Contact a Domin representative today for more information.
