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Thread: Will electric motors replace hydraulics in active suspensions and bulldozers?

  1. #1
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    Will electric motors replace hydraulics in active suspensions and bulldozers?

    Once upon a time even power windows and convertible tops were hydraulically operated.
    Now they are electric.
    Even some newer power steering systems are electric.

    Will this trend continue to the point where self leveling or even active suspension systems are completely electric?
    Thus they will eliminate leak prone systems. Making active suspension a dream come true.

    Will heavy machinery (i.e. bulldozers) hydraulics be replaced as well?

  2. #2
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    In all likelyhood the answer is yes, given a long enough timeframe.

    Next.
    Life's too short to drive bad cars.

  3. #3
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    unlikely on heavy stuff. Linear actuators aren't that powerful and given the laws of physics unlikely to be so
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

  4. #4
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    I don't think they scale as well as hydraulics. You can make pressure differential and their mechanical advantage works for you with hydraulic. With electric you need bigger hardware for bigger force.

    Even in the case of EPS system, certain packaging precludes their use. BMW 5 series for example I believe uses EPS on V8, RWD cars. But Inline 6 and AWD cars cannot package the EPS motor.

    Granted pimento's point is true, as some of the hurdle may be overcome given improvement in technology...
    University of Toronto Formula SAE Alumni 2003-2007
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  5. #5
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    hmm the packaging not that difficult as even the larger vehicle motors are quite small.
    Does BMW go for motor in the rack maybe ? Rather than motor on the steering column ?
    I wonder how well EPS does with feel on a heavier car. It may be the feedback movement that it doesn't do well ? hmmm gonna think about that one
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

  6. #6
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    ZF setup is typically motor in the rack. And ZF setup is prevalent in majority of the EPS cars....
    University of Toronto Formula SAE Alumni 2003-2007
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  7. #7
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    Not necessarily here.
    Ford, Vauxhall/Opel, Fiat are models I know are running them on the column.
    ( The Corsa one is often used in Mk1 and 2 Escorts to get power steering for the rally boys )

    Not sure about the heavier cars tho'
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine View Post
    unlikely on heavy stuff. Linear actuators aren't that powerful and given the laws of physics unlikely to be so
    Yae cannae... Etc.

  9. #9
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    ah that quality Canadian accent
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine View Post
    ah that quality Canadian accent
    Wow, I just heard it. As a kid, I think maybe that passed for Scottish due to me being 0 years old.

    Now... Oh my. That is just nothing. That isn't even a lightyear (badum-tish!) away from Scottish.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine View Post
    Not necessarily here.
    Ford, Vauxhall/Opel, Fiat are models I know are running them on the column.
    ( The Corsa one is often used in Mk1 and 2 Escorts to get power steering for the rally boys )

    Not sure about the heavier cars tho'
    Electric power steering Servolectric ZF Lenksysteme

    They make a few types, but I am guessing as you mentioned it might be load dependent...
    University of Toronto Formula SAE Alumni 2003-2007
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  12. #12
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    Looks like it, packaging the motors of appropriate size the problem likely.
    •Servo unit on the steering column: for steering axle loads up to 1,000 kg
    •Servo unit on a second pinion: for steering axle loads up to 1,200 kg
    •Paraxial servo unit: for steering axle loads up to 1,600 kg
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

  13. #13
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    Electric cars are here to minimize the fuel consumption and it may work better than hydraulics, if the engineering is made that perfect.

  14. #14
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    Damping suspension motion with electric generators rather than hydraulic shock absorbers. http://www.designfax.net/cms/dfx/ope...t=motion&pn=01

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