An active suspension with reduced complexity

This paper introduces a new active hydro pneumatic suspension system (HFD) and examines the dynamic behavior of the system. The HFD is developed at the Technische Universität Darmstadt within the Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 805, supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Unlike other active suspension systems, this system is characterized by a reduced complexity. This reduced complexity is succeeded by the integration of the actuator inside the system. Hence, pumps, hoses, filters or tanks can be omitted. Thereby a control of uncertainties is intended by the reduction of components fraught with uncertainty. In addition to this research focus the design of the HFD leads to new functions like active vibration control, stiffness control and the separation of hardware and function. The latter one means that it is possible to adapt the HFD to varying customer demands (such as sport or comfort set up) without any modifications of the hardware.