Conceptual Design of Electromagnetic Damper for Motorcycle Suspension System

Abstract

The function of a suspension in any vehicle is to prevent shock during rough road conditions and to enhance traction force between road surfaces. Conventional suspension system includes a spring and shock absorber. Any notable invention when taken into account, it can be perceived that it has evolved greatly to reach such height by addressing their limitations. This study tries to exploit the suspension systems since its usage right after the invention of IC engines and evolution till their present dimensions. Typical dampers on continuous usage loses its efficiency due dissipation of energy into heat which increases the temperature of the viscous oil eventually making it thinner. Many advancement including mono-shock suspension increased suspension quality in motorcycles. Nevertheless, the latter has a huge disadvantage in implementing it on running vehicles that employed dual swing arm rear suspension, as chassis needs redesigning. An alternative damper design which employs electromagnets that has several advantages overcoming the limitations of commercial oil dampers is suggested. So, a new model is proposed which can be employed in replacement for oil viscous dampers that has application in machineries and automobile. This concept of using electromagnet in which magnetic field can be controlled electronically makes the overall suspension to be semi-active, and possibility of energy harvesting. The components involved in this design include a highly conducting solenoid coil which is concentrically placed with permanent cylindrical Alnico magnet. Based on Faraday's induction law viscous damping is achieved and holds advantages over other shock absorbers making it reliable and stabile.