Mechanism and Optimization of a Novel Automobile Pneumatic Suspension Based on Dynamic Analysis

Pneumatic suspension is the most significant subsystem for an automobile. In this paper, a simplified and novel pneumatic spring structure with only a conical rubber surface is presented and designed to reduce the influence of external factors besides the pneumatic. The nonlinear stiffness of the pneumatic spring is analyzed based on the ideal gas model and material mechanics. Natural frequency analysis and the transmission rate of the pneumatic suspension are obtained as two effect criteria for the dynamic model. The vibration isolation system platform is established in both simulation and prototype tests. With the results from the simulation, the rules of the pneumatic suspension are analyzed, and the optimal function of mass and pressure is achieved. The experiment results show the analysis of the simulation to be effective. This achievement will become an important basis for future research concerning precise active control of the pneumatic suspension in vehicles