Grant: Idea to Innovation

The proposed I2I Phase IIb project aims to complete pre-production prototyping and field testing of a new pneumatic suspension system initially designed, fabricated and tested under a successful I2I Phase I project with world-leading suspension manufacturer Chalmers Suspensions International Inc. In this new phase of development, Chalmers will continue to work with University of Waterloo researchers to engineer and commercialize the first suspension system that offers stiffness and ride height tunability. Suspension design strongly affects the ride, handling, and stability of ground vehicles in a highly complex manner. Passive suspension systems currently employed in heavy-duty vocational, military, and consumer vehicles tend to address one of these performance measures at the expense of the others. Furthermore, the stiffness of current suspensions is set at the vehicle design level and there are no mechanisms available to permit variable and independent stiffness tuning. The new system provides a realistic method to tune suspension stiffness based on current load, road conditions, and driver preference. This capability and its benefits were first tested in Phase I through fabrication and installation of the new suspension system on a single-axle Class 7 truck provided by Chalmers. The proposed Phase IIb project will focus on achieving pre-production requirements, including: 1) Optimization of the suspension to reduce weight and manufacturing costs; 2) Extension of the design to tandem suspensions for multi-axle systems; 3) Development of a control system for stiffness tuning; and 4) pre-production prototyping and field testing. The proposed technology potentially represents a new standard for next generation suspension systems and a critical addition to Chalmers' product line. Successful production of the new system in Canada, through Chalmers, will secure competitive advantage within established and emerging markets across North America and overseas.