Active Electromagnetic Suspension System for Improved Vehicle Dynamics

This paper offers motivations for an electromagnetic active suspension system which provides for both additional stability and manoeuverability by performing active roll and pitch control during cornering and braking as well as eliminating road irregularities, hence increasing both vehicle and passenger safety and drive comfort. Various technologies are compared to the proposed electromagnetic suspension system which uses a tubular permanent magnet actuator (TPMA) together with a passive spring. Based upon on-road measurements and results from the literature, several specifications for the design of an electromagnetic suspension system are derived. The measured onroad movement of the passive suspension system is reproduced by electromagnetic actuation on a quarter car setup proving the dynamic capabilities of an electromagnetic suspension system.