Bose... Not your stereo

[sturs6]

If you have not heard about this you must check it out. The Bose company is smoothing things out in the Automotive world. Those guys who create amazing stereo systems and little speakers now are getting their hands into more automotive adventures. A 20 some year project has turned into this.
http://www.bose.com/images/learning/lc_suspen_sol_com3.jpg Bose on the right

Bose Suspension (http://www.bose.com/learning/project_sound/suspension_challenge.jsp)
Check out the video (http://www.automobilemag.com/news/0410_bose_bumps.wmv)

[Klint]

Impressive, looks far better than the ABC system by Mercedes, but then again we don't know the angle of adhesion, the weights and the speed going through the corner.

Wouldn't less roll cause the outter sides of the tyres to increase in wear? :confused:

[rs6_newyork]

i posted about this in the other forum weeks ago, people were dismissive, saying that active suspensions were not sporty, etc etc, But i know a good idea when I see it :) If what bose is saying is correct, that their electro-magnetic do-dahs can react quick enough and have enough CPU power to lift individual wheels away from bumps and push them into dips, then you basically have a flat and smooth ride on most surfaces at least with respect to bumps that are bigger than just noise and less than the maximum the system can cope with.

Since they state the system draws as much power as a full A/C unit, and needs a trunk computer of PC like speed, i can believe it.
Bose also said they can tilt the car into turns but drivers find that disconcerting, or worse, push the speed beyond the tires traction limits because of the false sense of stability. So that part is optional.

Audi and Mercedes were two of the makers Bose said they were talking to about the prototype.

[TheBrit]

The (drivable) Le Mans concep had electro-magnetic suspension IIRC. I guess this might just be what it was using?

[RS4Ever]

interesting.

nice video

[rs6_newyork]

if you click the other link they host a number of videos, they are all very impressive.

[RS4Ever]

Originally posted by rs6_newyork
if you click the other link they host a number of videos, they are all very impressive.


thanks i just checked them out.

the speed bump clip is amazing.. just looking at the wheels when it takes place.. its kind of wierd but very cool at the same time.


very cool technology

[rs6_newyork]

the question i have from the clips is how well it handles sudden ledges and drop-offs.
The bumps shown in the clips tended to be sinusoidal which would be the easiest ones to cope with as the actuators can start moving slowly, then increase speed.

Hiding a ridge or frost heave at 40+mph requires an actuator move incredibly fast..