Driver Chassis Control Functions in New Vehicles : Based on Steering, Suspension, and Propulsion Actuators

Abstract: The thesis project is performed at ÅF Industry at their chassis department in Trollhättan, where their focus lay at chassis and body functions for the automotive industry. There are many functions in a car now a day, the act and function names for those functions have a huge variety between automotive brands. ÅF want a catalogue, with a collection of functions and what they do, how they act, pros and cons, and in- & output, with focus on steering, propulsion, and suspension actuators.    Through benchmarking, all functions have been collected in a list of functions for five different automotive brands. Another student from Karlstad University, worked parallel with a similar thesis, focusing on braking actuators. Some information passed through our theses to help each other during the benchmark. From the benchmark, five datasheets were made, to add to the catalogue. Out of those five functions one had to pass the elimination matrix to be tested and evaluated.   In this thesis, the function to be tested were Drive Profile with focus on suspension. The function was tested in a Saab 9-5 Aero equipped with an VBOX 3i at NEVS test track. Test method for the test was ISO 3888-2 severe lane-change, obstacle avoidance. The result for the test was that Sport profile was stiffer than Comfort and Intelligent, and therefore recovered the roll rate much quicker in hard cornering. The profile to choose, while entry a hard cornering is the Sport profile because of the fast roll rate recovery, also the steering torque felt way better for the driver with the Sport profile activated.     It is concluded that it is a problem with all variety of function names. Especial for customer who wants to compare cars when he/she is going to buy a new car.