Schaeffler's electromechanical active roll control system enhances stability

    The electric mechanical active roll control system from Schaeffler has been put into mass production, thus opening a new chapter in chassis technology. Before this, there were also such systems that helped vehicles reduce the degree of roll when they were turning quickly or changing lanes urgently, but they were all hydraulic. Schaeffler's is electric mechanical, which reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and is easier to assemble. Continental provides complex control technology support for the system, such as ECU, engine control, software platform, etc.

　　Dr. Peter Gutzmer, Chief Technology Officer and member of the Executive Board of Schaeffler AG, said: “With the world’s first electromechanical active roll control system, Schaeffler is expanding its portfolio of electromechanical actuators, which have significant benefits for vehicle performance and fuel consumption.”

　　"Our electronic control system has successfully resolved the conflict between comfort and handling in chassis design," said Felix Bietenbeck, manager of vehicle dynamics at Continental's chassis and safety division. "The reduction of body roll in corners not only improves driving safety and driving dynamics, but also improves comfort."

　　In order to put the system into mass production, Schaeffler built a new production plant in Schweinfurt. Most of Schaeffler's systems have a modular design, allowing other similar products to be added to the production line at a later stage. The same is true for this roll control system. Modularity makes product upgrades more convenient.

　　Active adjustment capabilities for various driving conditions

　　The world's first production system will be installed on a luxury sedan to improve cornering stability and straight-line driving comfort. The principle is: a camera is installed at the front of the car to monitor and scan the road ahead at any time. Once any undulations, such as manhole covers, are detected, the system can quickly lift the corresponding wheel slightly, creating a more comfortable driving experience and largely preventing the vibration of the car body.

　　Typical active anti-roll systems are active in all road conditions. They rely on hydraulically driven slewing motors to achieve their function. These motors actively apply additional reverse torsional force to the anti-roll bars on both sides through torsional movement, which has the effect of reducing roll. Although the active anti-roll system does not need to be active in many situations, such as when driving in a straight line on a high-quality road surface, the hydraulic system will continue to consume energy. This is because the hydraulic system needs to maintain high hydraulic pressure continuously, and the pump power must be maintained continuously, resulting in constant power loss.

　　The situation is completely different for electromechanical systems. The general experience is that electric systems are generally more economical and can replace hydraulic systems. Schaeffler's new system is like this, without the need to continuously provide energy, it can create the active torque required for anti-roll. The key lies in its electric motor, which only consumes energy, generates twisting, and provides torque outward when it is needed.

　　The system also features an innovative decoupling mechanism for improved comfort. This absorbs all road irregularities. The transmission of road undulations to the vehicle body is completely or largely isolated.

　　The electric mechanical chassis control system is one of the future development trends of chassis technology. Peter Gutzmer said: "Because of the restrictions on carbon dioxide in environmental regulations, the chassis of automobiles must also use more lightweight structures, low-friction components and more energy-saving actuators." At the same time, because there will be self-driving cars in the future, passengers will be very sensitive to the movement of the vehicle, so comfort cannot be ignored. Ultimately, this also means that in the future, parts companies such as Schaeffler and Continental will have to have more global considerations when developing chassis technology to adapt to the needs of autonomous driving.