A suspension system whereby air is used as the working fluid and also the shock absorber, is known as an air suspension system. Such systems are talked about during our Physics tuition class on damping concepts as well as hydraulic systems.
The back and front suspension systems, or simply the suspension units on both sides of the car are linked with each other within an interlocked suspension system. They’re also termed collectively referred to as a linked system. This system had higher efficiency, compared to independent rear and front suspension units and managed to lower a vehicle’s bouncing tendency, as well as pitching or rolling and provided comfortable and smooth drive. There are three categories of Interconnected suspension systems; A hydro-gas suspension system, a hydrolastic suspension and an air suspension system.
These systems assist in decreasing the load while the car is moving, that is, the dynamic loading as the spring’s variation rate between loaded and unloaded weight is substantially less. This offers a comfortable and smooth ride in the car.
Air springs are categorized into two types: Piston type and Bellow type.
Air Suspension System Operation
Air springs are basically installed on the rear and front axles. The incoming air is first passed through the filter, where the dust is filtered and then the air is passed into the compressor. Here, the air is compressed and its pressure increased from the atmospheric pressure up to about 250 MPa. Then this pressure is sustained in the accumulator tank. This accumulator has a safety relief valve, which acts as a safety device by opening when the air pressure goes above 250 MPa. The air is then conveyed to elevate control valve and then through leveling valves up to the air springs.
Hydrolastic Suspension System operation
Here, the moving component is amassed and fitted at each and every wheel. These entities are inter-connected by liquid carrying pipes. Here, shifting rubber functions as a spring and the liquid under high pressure functions as a damping medium. A connecting piston rod is linked with the wheel through an appropriate linkage as a way to receive the wheel’s movements. The liquid’s movement is regulated by a two-way assembly of valves. These valves are placed at right angles to one another. As the liquid’s pressure increases, it opens the upper valve. The lower valve opens in the same manner, under pressure, allowing the liquid to flow downwards. Automobiles like Wolseley 1100, BMC 1100, Morris 1500, and so on, uses the hydrolastic suspension.
Hydrogas Suspension System operation
This suspension system was designed by British Leyland Motor Corporation and Moulton Development Ltd and it’s produced by Dunlop suspension Department of Coventry in England. This design is used to overcome the hydrolastic suspension system drawbacks. It’s primarily split into two parts; a damper unit and an internal spring, which are assembled at each and every wheel. The ‘springing’ is carried out by rare gases like, nitrogen. The automobile’s weight is supported by some water like liquid under pressure. The interconnected rear and front system Insulation is done using hermetic seals. When the come across bumps or potholes, they lead to the movement of the piston and in turn the diaphragm forces the liquid up which in turn makes the damper valve to open, allowing the liquid to flow through. This suspension system is commonly used in automobiles like Rover 100, Austin Ambassador, princess and so on.