Bose Redefines Automobile Suspension Systems

Bose Corporation is best known for creating high quality audio products, and if asked to piece together your ideal car, its 11-speaker sound system would certainly be a contender to feature within. But the suggestion that Bose's new suspension systems would feature without begs an explanation.

In an ongoing research project that has spanned over twenty-four years Bose has created a unique electromagnetic suspension system for automobiles that is close to commercial release and is set to replace traditional shocks and springs with electronic actuators.

"This is the first time a suspension system is the same for a sports car and for a luxury car", said its creator, Dr Amar Bose, chairman and head of technical design. The result is a ride that is level and bump free over incredibly rough terrain and when the vehicle turns in to corners.

The computer-controlled suspension system originated from a research assignment established by Dr Bosch in 1980. Back then, he conducted a mathematical study to determine the optimum possible performance of an automotive suspension, ignoring the limitations of any existing suspension hardware.

The result of this 5-year study indicated that it was possible to achieve performance that was much better than anything available. After evaluating conventional and variable spring/damper systems as well as hydraulic approaches, it was determined that none had the combination of speed, strength, and efficiency that was necessary to provide the desired results.

The study led to electro-magnetics as the one approach that could realise the desired suspension characteristics. The Bose suspension concept required significant advancements in four key disciplines: linear electromagnetic motors, power amplifiers, control algorithms, and computation speed. Bose took on the challenge of the first three factors and hedged its bets on Moore's law providing assistance for the necessary developments needed in computation speeds.

The purpose of an automobile's suspension system is two-fold: passenger comfort and vehicle control. Comfort is provided by isolating the vehicle's passengers from road disturbances. Control is achieved by keeping the car body from rolling and pitching excessively, and maintaining good contact between the tire and the road.

Dr. Bose, set out to prove these goals were in conflict and so began the long road that has led to the revolutionary new system. In a luxury sedan the suspension is usually designed with an emphasis on comfort, but the result is a vehicle that rolls and pitches while driving and during turning and braking. In sports cars, where the emphasis is on control, the suspension is designed to reduce roll and pitch, but comfort is sacrificed.

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