BUP38 - AEROFLEX

Adaptive spring strut for motor-supported two-wheelers with a dynamic spring rate

Motor-supported Two-wheelers are essential to the modern mobility. With the increase in power the moved loads with these vehicles also increase. As the additional load is a big portion of the total weight, vehicle dynamics are heavily influenced by steadily changing circumstances in usage. While common spring struts use a non-changeable steel spring, AeroFlex uses an intelligent spring-damper-system to adjust the spring rate to its operating conditions. Therefore, AeroFlex improves comfort and riding safety for drivers of motorized Two-Wheelers.

 

Aim

The aim of this project is to develop an intelligent spring-damper-system, which is able to adapt to its working conditions by adjusting the spring rate to the actual vehicle’s load. Due to this adjustability, harmful vibrations to the human body and the vehicle itself can be reduced, while comfort and safety is increased.

 

Approach

  • Determination of true acting forces on the vehicle and the rider during all operating conditions
  • Determination of an optimal, wide operating window for a spring-damper-system
  • Evaluation of additional environment-related control parameters as control input for the AeroFlex behavior
  • Conception of controlled prototype with adaptive spring rate

 

Benefit

Spring struts with common steel springs are dominant in vehicle engineering and therefore non-adjustable during usage. AeroFlex‘ dynamic spring rate can help to solve conflicting goals in design, as usually there has to be chosen between rider’s safety and rider’s comfort. The rider benefits from this by a reduced whole-body-vibration, i.e. increased comfort, and increased safety during rides with additional load.

 

Further information

Key data

Research Field

Mobility Technologies

Period

01.03.2024 until 31.12.2024

Project participants

Contact

Marcel Noeller

Research Coordinator "Mobility Technologies"

Phone
+49 721 608 45636
E-Mail
fk@icm-bw.de