The air suspension got its name from the pneumatic element, which consists of wear-resistant rubber and works with compressed air. In general, the system is quite reliable and has a number of undeniable advantages.
Classic design
The main purpose is to adjust the clearance. It is widely used on trucks and cars, as well as buses, to ensure comfort when transporting passengers.
The damping elements are pneumatic stops or air struts for each wheel separately. Designs of different brands may have fundamental differences.
According to the number of circuits, suspensions can be divided into three main types:
- Single-circuit systems are mounted on one axle, front or rear. Basically, such suspensions are installed on truck tractors and trucks. The main function is to adjust the stiffness of the rear axle when loading the car.
- Dual-circuit is installed on one or both axles. When mounted on one axle, independent adjustment of each wheel is possible. Often used in heavy SUVs to equalize the center of gravity, as well as create additional comfort when towing a trailer.
- The four-circuit system provides separate adjustment of the pneumatic support of each wheel and is a more complex design. It is controlled by the control unit, carries out automatic regulation of pressure.
The pneumatic system can be included in the basic package of the car, installed optionally or independently.
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Essential elements
Modern air suspension for cars guarantees complete comfort of movement, excellent handling and safety. This is achieved through the following design components:
- Pneumatic elements. It may be a separate elastic element. If it is combined with a shock absorber, we are talking about an air strut, which consists of a body, a piston rod and a cuff;
- The compressor supplies compressed air to the actuators and the receiver. It is the main element in the design, because the system will not function without compressed air;
- The receiver is designed to pump air when the compressor is not running. This is necessary at low speeds and when parking, to ensure operational operation;
- Air lines serve to connect the elements of the system into a single whole;
- Electronic sensors monitor the main parameters: body position, tilt angle, vehicle acceleration;
- The control unit manages the entire system with intelligent control. Analyzes signals coming from sensors.
Front and rear suspension can have significant design differences.
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Principle of operation
The clearance height is adjustable in manual and automatic modes. The driver from inside the car increases or decreases ground clearance, and in some designs and suspension stiffness. In automatic mode, mainly adaptive suspensions work. The main parameters are speed, acceleration, angle of inclination.
The system adjusts the clearance parameters for the best dynamics, depending on the speed of movement and the intensity of acceleration. When cornering at high speed, the emerging rolls are analyzed and the rigidity of the shock absorber struts is increased. Handling and aerodynamics are achieved by lowering the center of gravity.
In general, the pneumatic system is a fairly reliable element. With regular maintenance, it has a good margin of safety.
