Abstract

In the paper, the design of a linear motor as an actuator in vehicle active suspension systems will be presented. The attention is focused on several interesting design aspects of a non-traditional actuator (a linear synchronous permanent magnet motor with electronic commutation) controlled to obtain a variable mechanical force for a car active suspension. The main advantage of such a solution is the possibility to generate desired forces acting between the unsprung (wheel) and sprung (car body) masses of the car, providing good insulation of the car sprung mass from the road surface disturbances. In addition, under certain circumstances it is possible to reduce or even eliminate the demands concerning the external power source.