Advancements in the systems’ actuators and optimisation of other components have resulted in a product that is light enough for sportscars or crossovers. The company has developed a new rotary actuator that will go into production on an SUV in 2012, while a high-performance sports car with an active stabiliser bar system is due to start production later this year using BWI’s linear actuator.
As ASBS can deal with all the vehicle roll angle and roll velocity inputs, leaving the springs and dampers to deal just with regular vertical inputs, it helps eliminate the traditional compromise between ride quality and sharp handling.
“BWI Group’s range of active stabiliser bar systems now offers manufacturers even greater packaging freedom, making it easier to achieve the optimum installation,” said Olivier Raynauld, BWI Group’s manager, Forward Engineering Controlled Suspensions. “Our production experience has allowed us to scale down much of the original system for smaller vehicles that do not require the torque or extensive wheel travel of an off-roader or large SUV.”
“Our two-channel system allows vehicle manufacturers to adjust the front-rear balance in real time so that the understeer or oversteer characteristics are continuously optimised for the demands of each driving situation. This helps produce a vehicle that manoeuvres better and remains stable at high speeds. Entering corners, the system adapts to help initiate the turn then resists overshoot as the vehicle exits,” added Raynauld.
BWI supplies a wide range of chassis control technologies to vehicle manufacturers worldwide including electronic stability systems, variable damping systems and antilock braking systems.
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