Audi engineers set up new suspension system
The technology introduces a new actuator
AE in Technology.
- Published in Technology.
Easy rider: Audi engineers have developed a new suspension setup to give greater control
Audi engineers have developed a suspension system to give greater dynamic control over toe and camber angles.
The technology, presented at this year’s Aachen Colloquium, introduces a new actuator to the main suspension system which can adjust toe and camber angles at the wheel carrier.
In current suspension designs the wheel carrier is a single unit, but Audi’s engineers have split the component in two and fixed adjusting cylinders with an angled axis. The cylinders use rotating joints which are co-axial to the cylinder, and in order to transfer braking and drive torque the wheel carrier components also use a cardan joint.
“Toe and camber angle are adjusted through rotation of both cylinders, and the system is completely independent from the main suspension system concept,” said Audi.
The system changes the positioning of the constant velocity joint (CVJ), which is positioned inboard the wheel carrier assembly.
When the wheel points straight ahead, the CVJ will be coincident with the wheel axis, and when there is a positive toe-angle the CVJ will move rearwards.
Audi’s engineers have moved the design on from simulation work and have built a half-axle demonstrator rig to evaluate further the control algorithms for the technology.
