ACTIVE SUSPENSION, SEMI-ACTIVE AND

PASSIVE.
Josu Joaqun Jaime Torres
Ingeniera en Sistemas Automotrices UPIIG IPN
Materia: Sistemas de direccin, suspensin y frenos, Grupo: 6SV1, Profesor: Fernando Navarro Pacheco.
Abstract.- The automotive suspension system aims to
make the trip more comfortable passenger, while
providing stability to the vehicle, so that the suspensions
have important characteristics such as the elasticity and
damping due to their behavior exists rated suspensions
which are: semi-active suspension active suspension and
passive suspensions.
Keywords.
1. Suspension
2. Classification
3. Security
4. Stability
5. Comfort

I.
INTRODUCTION
The automotive suspension must allow movements
toward and away from the wheels and the body [1], this is
done through various mechanisms which have evolved in a
way that meets the following conditions: comfort, safety,
and comfort. The automotive suspensions have evolved
over the years, for this reason we have created a
classification of different types of suspension, as is the
active suspension, semi-active suspension and passive
suspension.
In the active suspension is intended or sought cover
different factors such as the terrain, speed, etc. [2] ie this
type of suspension is modified according to the different
characteristics and variables that present themselves along
the way, so a series of sensors and actuators that require an
external energy channel [2] are used.
In the semi-active suspension have is a range of lower
suspension, but yet still using sensors and adjustable
components. [2]
Finally a passive suspension is one in which you can not
modify the suspension, but it only meets their work and is
not helped in any way, ie a common suspension used in
low-cost vehicles.

II.
1.

DEVELOPMENT OF CONTENTS

Active Suspensions

In search of a better answer for automotive safety

features, stability and comfort, have created the active
suspension, which is characterized by what varies its
behavior to adapt at all times to operational circumstances,
so that improves the dynamic response between the vehicle
and driver. [3]
The active suspensions have electronic devices and
sensors which are capable of controlling real-time driving
conditions as well as controlling the actuators that are part
of the suspension system, it is noteworthy that in no way
active systems alter the kinematics mechanisms that
compose it. [3]
This type of suspension is used in high-end vehicles,
which have a lot of technology such vehicles are composed
of active suspensions. [3]
In the active suspension the traditional damper assembly
for damping system, which is constituted by active elements
which require an external energy input is replaced spring.
[3]
Active suspensions with greater comfort, better height
control, balancing are achieved. Pitching braking and
acceleration as well as reducing the aggressiveness of the
road. [3]

2.

Semi-active Suspensions

These suspensions are characterized because they have

elastic and damping elements, which are able to modify
their properties based on an external control; this external
control can be manual, electronic or even a combination of
both. The semi-active suspensions have evolved over the
years, so it will allow improved and better dynamic
performance of the suspension, this is achieved by using
buffer systems, which are adapted to the characteristics of
the road, said buffer is performed by adaptive dampers. [4]
The adaptive shock absorber can vary the damping
coefficient, whereby the damping force can be increased or

decreased as appropriate, so that such buffer has increased

in use as it absorbs road shocks that keeps well wheel in
contact with the duel. This type of suspension is modified
according to disturbances, ie if large damping forces are
required are performed and conversely if they are small also
fits. [4]
Each semi-active suspension is created by a manufacturer
who builds his cushions with certain characteristics, in this
case enters the vehicle type, cost, etc. But usually for these
suspensions are 4 dampers which have the characteristics as
above, so to work in harmony is necessary to use height
sensors, brakes, steering etc. The sensors are responsible for
sending information to an electronic control unit which
modifies the damper so as to provide comfort, stability and
security. [4]

3. Passive Suspensions
The passive suspensions are those suspension systems
that do not have any assistance either sensors or electronic
exchanges, such suspensions are used in vehicles midrange
and low and is the most common type of suspension due to
its low cost and that meet the required features for a
suspension. Passive suspensions as active and semi-active
comply with the comfort, security and stability, but mainly
decrease in comfort as this type of suspension is not
possible to modify its actuators as they present the
shortcomings of the way.
In passive suspensions are the following: the tires which
absorb small uneven ground, the springs or springs having
the function of absorbing the great inequalities of the road,
and cushions that slow oscillations of the springs or springs
produced by passing through an irregularity.
Examples of passive suspensions: suspension of
overlapping arms, McPherson suspension, suspension
trailing arms [1].

4. Conclusions
Se concluye que existen tres clasificaciones de las
suspensiones, las cuales son la suspensin activa, semi
activa y pasiva. La suspensin pasiva es la ms comn y la
ms barata en ella se encuentran elementos como las
ballestas y mulles as como los amortiguadores, estos
elementos no cuentan con ninguna asistencia, por lo que su
confort es bajo pero cumplen con la estabilidad y la
seguridad, en las suspensiones semi activas encontramos
que los amortiguadores son asistidos por sensores loa cuales
modifican el comportamiento de dichos elementos, con lo
cual se modifica el coeficiente de amortiguamiento, este
tipo de suspensin es utilizado para gama alta pues cuenta
con sensores y con una central electrnica la cual modifica
el comportamiento de los amortiguadores, por ltimo se
tiene las suspensiones activas las cuales son las ms
desarrolladas tecnolgicamente, este tipo de suspensin
cambia a los mecanismos de la suspensin por actuadores
con diferentes tipos de asistencia las cuales pueden
modificar el comportamiento de la suspensin de acuerdo a

las caractersticas del camino, las suspensiones activas son

las ms costosas pero al mismo tiempo son las de mejor
confort.
It is concluded that there are three classifications of
suspensions, which are semi-active suspension active and
passive. The passive suspension is the most common and
cheapest in it are elements such as springs and dampers and
muelles, these elements do not have any support, so comfort
is low but meet stability and security, in semi-active
suspensions are the dampers are assisted by sensors the
which modify the behavior of these elements, thus the
damping coefficient is changed, this type of suspension is
used for high-end because it has sensors and an electronic
control unit which modifies the behavior of the dampers
finally have active suspensions which are the most
technologically advanced, this type of suspension changes
to the mechanisms of suspension actuators with different
types of assistance which can modify the behavior of the
suspension according to the characteristics of the way,
active suspensions are more expensive but also are better
comfort.

III. REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] MIGUEL NGEL PREZ BELLO. (2011).
SUSPENSIONES. EN CIRCUITOS, DE FLUIDOS.
SUSPENSIN Y DIRECCIN (216- 255). MADRID
ESPAA: PARANINFO.
[2] JOS MANUEL ALONSO. (2003). SISTEMAS DE
SUSPENSIN. MODELOS CONVENCIONALES. EN
CIRCUITOS
DE
FLUIDOS
SUSPENSIN
Y
DIRECCIN(111-144). MADRID ESPAA: THOMSON.
[3] PABLO LUQUE RODRGUEZ,DANIEL LVAREZ
MNTARAS. INVESTIGACIN DE ACCIDENTES DE
TRFICO [FECHA DE CONSULTA: 15 ABRIL 2015].
DISPONIBLE
EN:
<HTTPS://BOOKS.GOOGLE.COM.MX/BOOKS?ID=A_HI
JFFQJQWC&PG=PA149&DQ=SUSPENSIONES+ACTIV
AS&HL=ES&SA=X&EI=SL0VVDCMMJGSYASJUODYDA
&VED=0CC0Q6AEWAW#V=ONEPAGE&Q=SUSPENSIO
NES%20ACTIVAS&F=FALSE>
[4] PABLO LUQUE RODRGUEZ,DANIEL LVAREZ
MNTARAS,CARLOS
VERA.
INGENIERA
DEL
AUTOMVIL: SISTEMAS Y COMPORTAMIENTO
DINMICO[FECHA DE CONSULTA: 15 ABRIL 2015].
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EN:
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ONES%20ACTIVAS&F=FALSE>