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EV race gathers pace |
01/01/2011
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| Ryan Borroff finds out if the concepts electric vehicles for the 2010s are mere flights of fancy or will have a bearing on the future. |
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Composites take prime chassis roles at ZF |
31/03/2010
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| A transverse axle layout and a strut module with integrated wheel carrier are design proposals from ZF that spotlight weight reduction by putting an accent on composite usage. |
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Designers unlock the secrets of brake squeal |
01/11/2007
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| Most people, even experienced chassis engineers, believe brake squeal emanates from the contact of friction material on the disc. In reality it is more complex than that and often involves amplified vibrations from the calliper and other system components, writes Roger Bishop. |
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Steering combines torque and angle overlay |
01/11/2007
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| Japan’s JTEKT Corporation is developing a differential active front steering system that controls both torque overlay – what the driver feels – and steering angle, writes Roger Bishop. Current active designs in European cars offer either but not both. |
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Innovations boost stopping power |
01/10/2007
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| A flurry of new brake calliper designs should enliven the world of chassis system developers as they consider their options for new vehicle platforms, writes Roger Bishop. |
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Cooling fins extend run-flat technology |
01/10/2007
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| Bridgestone has filed patents on a technology aimed at keeping run-flat tyres cooler as the sidewalls deform when air pressure is lost, writes Roger Bishop. The development may extend the use of run-flats to SUVs, CUVs, minivans and larger passenger cars. |
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Twin sliding callipers optimise braking |
01/03/2007
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| The focus on the speed, torque and horsepower delivered by Mercedes Benz’s S 65 AMG sedan (612hp and 0 to 200km/h in 13s) quite naturally tends to put some its more important components in the background, writes Roger Bishop. However, its unique front disc brake design deserves attention. |
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Flexible control arm transforms thinking |
01/06/2006
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| Roger Bishop describes a how departing from traditional thinking looks set to bring the advantages of complex multi-link rear suspension systems to all classes of passenger cars |
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Sensor measures EMB brake forces directly |
01/06/2006
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| When electromechanical braking (EMB) systems finally arrive – perhaps as 14V systems – sensors will be needed to measure the braking force applied to each wheel, writes Roger Bishop. |
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ESC link-up enhances rear-wheel steering |
01/02/2006
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| There is nothing new about the idea of rear-wheel steering but complexity, cost and packaging problems have prevented the adoption of systems by OEMs. Continental Automotive Systems claims to have overcome that hurdle by developing individually controllable steering arms within a modified
... Read more |
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Composite hybrid forms active spring |
01/01/2005
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| Roger Bishop reports on the development of a composite spring/actuator with automotive potential that promises all the controllability of advanced electronic spring-damper systems without their electromechanical complexity. |
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A paradigm shift? |
01/01/2005
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| If Michelin’s radical Tweel ever reaches the production road vehicle, then it will be in the distant future — certainly not for at least 15 years. But in reality that’s only three car ‘generations’ away and well within the period covered by the industry’s most forward-thinking designers and
... Read more |
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DOL technology lines up EPS for heavier vehicles |
01/01/2005
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| International Rectifier’s die-on-leadframe (DOL) power packaging technology has been designed to meet the technical challenges of electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and electric power steering (EPS). |
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Mechatronics take weight out of disc |
01/11/2004
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| For years designers of pneumatic disc brakes for commercial vehicles have dreamed of doing away with the massive, and heavy, ‘floating calliper’ design needed for pad wear adjustment. Roger Bishop reports on the mechatronic solution to the problem. |
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Air-sprung chassis adapted to van rear end |
01/11/2004
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| Continental has adapted its electronically controlled four-corner airsprung chassis for passenger cars for recreational and light commercial vehicles. It will make its debut in an Asian-produced minivan next year. |
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Axle optimises force distribution |
01/11/2004
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| DaimlerChrysler’s DCA (durable compact axle) system integrates axle tube, trailing arm suspension beam and air bellows support and brake carrier, reducing its overall height and allowing more volume for the trailer body. It is also said to be the lightest axle in its class. |
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Double-disc brake goes mechatronic |
01/11/2004
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| Even before Delphi’s radical twin-disc maximum torque brake (MTB) has been launched on a vehicle, engineers are working on an even more advanced 14V mechatronic development of the technology, writes Roger Bishop. It could be ready for production by 2010. |
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Rack-and-pinion reaches heavy trucks |
01/11/2004
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| A rack-and-pinion steering system for heavy duty trucks has been designed with the prospect of independent front suspension (IFS) transferring at last from the bus and light commercial vehicle sector, writes Roger Bishop. |
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