What is the Principle of Air Suspension?
4 Answers
Here is how air suspension works: 1. It utilizes an air compressor to generate compressed air, which is then used to adjust the vehicle's ground clearance; 2. Vehicles equipped with air springs generally have ground clearance sensors near the front and rear wheels. Based on the output signals from these sensors, the onboard computer detects changes in vehicle height and controls the air compressor and exhaust valves accordingly, causing the springs to automatically compress or extend to achieve a damping effect; 3. Air suspension also enhances the vehicle's adaptability. At high speeds, it can automatically stiffen to improve stability, while during prolonged low-speed driving on uneven roads, the onboard computer softens the suspension to enhance comfort; 4. Air suspension is not a recent technological development. The fundamental design is similar across systems, primarily consisting of an air spring filled with compressed air and a shock absorber with variable damping.
Air suspension is actually quite ingenious, replacing the springs of traditional suspension systems with air. From what I understand, the system mainly consists of rubber air springs, an air pump, sensors, and a control system. The air springs are sandwiched between the chassis and wheels, with sensors constantly monitoring vehicle height and road conditions while driving. The computer receives these signals and commands the air pump to inflate or deflate the air springs—pumping more air to support the body when going over bumps, and releasing some air to reduce drag at high speeds. The best part is the ability to adjust ride height—raising the chassis for off-roading to avoid scraping, and lowering the vehicle for easier loading when parked. However, watch out for rubber air spring aging issues—my friend had to replace his entire set in the sixth year, and the repair bill really hurt the wallet.
Driving a car with air suspension feels like floating on clouds! The principle is straightforward: each wheel has a rubber airbag instead of a traditional spring. The onboard computer uses sensors to detect acceleration, braking, or cornering, instantly adjusting the air pressure in the bags. During hard braking, the front airbags stiffen to prevent nose-diving, while the outer bags inflate during turns to stabilize the body. The coolest feature is the lift function—press a button in a parking lot, and the car lowers by 5 cm, making trunk access effortless. But a word of caution: avoid tampering with this suspension. Pressure imbalances can puncture the airbags. Once, a car wash employee fiddled with the suspension settings, triggering a system error that cost thousands to reset.
Air suspension is essentially a sophisticated pneumatic control system. Its core component is the rubber air spring, where compressed air inside acts as the spring. An air pump supplies the compressed air, while control valves function like precision switches to regulate the pressure in each air spring. At high speeds, the ECU reduces air pressure to lower the vehicle, and instantly inflates them to absorb impacts when crossing speed bumps. Its greatest advantage is adjustable ride height - lowering the vehicle improves fuel efficiency on highways, while raising it prevents underbody scrapes on rough roads. However, maintenance costs are notoriously high - sensor failures or air leaks can leave you stranded, with replacement air lines for German cars costing over 10,000 RMB. Don't ask how I know - it's all learned through painful experience.
