GM growing adaptive springs for suspension methods
Normal Motors is seeking to apply expertise from adaptive dampers to springs for future suspension methods, a not too long ago surfaced patent submitting signifies.
GM was a pioneer of magnetorheological dampers, which use a magnetic fluid to rapidly alter damper firmness. In a patent utility revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) Nov. 7, 2024, and filed by GM Might 5, 2023, the automaker lays out a design for magnetorheological springs as effectively.
Normal Motors adaptive spring patent picture
Magnetorheological works through the use of magnets to regulate its viscosity, which occurs when metallic particles within the fluid react to a magnetic area. That is presently utilized in dampers to modify between agency and smooth settings, however within the doc GM discusses utilizing it to regulate spring charges to emphasize efficiency or journey consolation as wanted.
The design within the patent utility contains two particular person springs with a central seat in between. The seat would have an outer sleeve containing magnetorheological fluid, together with electromagnets. When the magnets are energized, the fluid turns into thicker and inhibits the motion of the springs. De-energizing the magnets permits for extra spring motion and thus extra suspension journey.
Normal Motors adaptive spring patent picture
Not all patented concepts make it to manufacturing, nevertheless it would not take an excessive amount of creativeness to image adaptive springs built-in with future variations of the MagneRide damping system utilized in present GM fashions.
No related patent functions from different automakers have surfaced not too long ago, nevertheless it seems Ford is engaged on position-sensitive dampers to rival the Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers used within the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and different GM off-road vans.
