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European Automotive Design's Technology section provides an archive of editorial features used within the magazine. This articles are made public on the website 3 months after their publication.
 
 
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Showing 1 to 25 out of 30 results

All GO on STOPPING
Advanced stability control and the boom in hybrid vehicles present complex challenges for the limited number of brake system specialists. Jeff Daniels reports
 01/03/2008 

Bodies of work
The vehicle bodywork/human form collision is an unfair contest, which is why pedestrian detection systems are a major focus of research. Ian Adcock finds looks into the problem
 01/03/2008 

New directions
The steering wheel has remained fairly standard since it replaced the tiller system at the beginning of the 20th century. It remains simple and intuitive to use but has become a much more sophisticated component as the electronics revolution has affected the car. Steve Snook reports
 01/03/2008 

  ‘Space’ drive overcomes active steering backlash
The HarmonicDrive steering system on the new Audi A4 has no backlash, a steering ratio variable between 10.5 and 19 and variable torque. Ian Adcock finds out its advantages
 01/01/2008 

  Designers unlock the secrets of brake squeal
Most people, even experienced chassis engineers, believe brake squeal emanates from the contact of friction material on the disc. In reality it is more complex than that and often involves amplified vibrations from the calliper and other system components, writes Roger Bishop.
 01/11/2007 

  Steering combines torque and angle overlay
Japan’s JTEKT Corporation is developing a differential active front steering system that controls both torque overlay – what the driver feels – and steering angle, writes Roger Bishop. Current active designs in European cars offer either but not both.
 01/11/2007 

  Innovations boost stopping power
A flurry of new brake calliper designs should enliven the world of chassis system developers as they consider their options for new vehicle platforms, writes Roger Bishop.
 01/10/2007 

  Cooling fins extend run-flat technology
Bridgestone has filed patents on a technology aimed at keeping run-flat tyres cooler as the sidewalls deform when air pressure is lost, writes Roger Bishop. The development may extend the use of run-flats to SUVs, CUVs, minivans and larger passenger cars.
 01/10/2007 

  Bumping along smartly
The ideals of skyhooks and groundhooks are not achievable, but this hasn’t deterred engineers seeking to improve ride comfort and handling. Jeff Daniels looks at the challenges
 01/04/2007 

  Twin sliding callipers optimise braking
The focus on the speed, torque and horsepower delivered by Mercedes Benz’s S 65 AMG sedan (612hp and 0 to 200km/h in 13s) quite naturally tends to put some its more important components in the background, writes Roger Bishop. However, its unique front disc brake design deserves attention.
 01/03/2007 

  Magnetic systems find their niche
Ian Adcock takes a closer look at the future of advanced magnetic fluid suspension systems and how they are developing and being applied in the light of competition from air systems and active dampers.
 01/03/2007 

  Air strut finds new two-wheel applications
Continental’s CADS air damping system, developed for the BMW Enduro HP2 motorcycle’s rear wheel, is now being prepared for use on other motorcycles.
 01/02/2007 

  Stopping progress
The fundamentals of braking have remained unchanged for many years, but developments in electronics and powertrains will have a major effect on how vehicles are stopped. Jeff Daniels looks at developments
 01/10/2006 

  Flexible control arm transforms thinking
Roger Bishop describes a how departing from traditional thinking looks set to bring the advantages of complex multi-link rear suspension systems to all classes of passenger cars
 01/06/2006 

  Bouncing along
Ride and handling are hugely important to perception of a vehicle and there have been notable advances in recent years. Suspension systems that were once the preserve of high end vehicles are making their way to smaller cars and materials advances are playing their part. Ian Adcock reports
 01/06/2006 

  Sensor measures EMB brake forces directly
When electromechanical braking (EMB) systems finally arrive – perhaps as 14V systems – sensors will be needed to measure the braking force applied to each wheel, writes Roger Bishop.
 01/06/2006 

  Asymmetrical hub unit improves camber stiffness
An asymmetrical wheel hub unit is being used in the USA on the Cadillac STS-V to enhance its cornering and stability characteristics.
 01/02/2006 

  ESC link-up enhances rear-wheel steering
There is nothing new about the idea of rear-wheel steering but complexity, cost and packaging problems have prevented the adoption of systems by OEMs. Continental Automotive Systems claims to have overcome that hurdle by developing individually controllable steering arms within a modified multi-link rear suspension.
 01/02/2006 

  Composite hybrid forms active spring
Roger Bishop reports on the development of a composite spring/actuator with automotive potential that promises all the controllability of advanced electronic spring-damper systems without their electromechanical complexity.
 01/01/2005 

  A paradigm shift?
If Michelin’s radical Tweel ever reaches the production road vehicle, then it will be in the distant future — certainly not for at least 15 years. But in reality that’s only three car ‘generations’ away and well within the period covered by the industry’s most forward-thinking designers and engineers. Roger Bishop reports
 01/01/2005 

  DOL technology lines up EPS for heavier vehicles
International Rectifier’s die-on-leadframe (DOL) power packaging technology has been designed to meet the technical challenges of electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and electric power steering (EPS).
 01/01/2005 

  Lotus releases its in-house suspension design tool
Lotus Engineering is making its Suspension Analysis (LSA) software available to the OEM and motor sport communities.
 01/01/2005 

  Mechatronics take weight out of disc
For years designers of pneumatic disc brakes for commercial vehicles have dreamed of doing away with the massive, and heavy, ‘floating calliper’ design needed for pad wear adjustment. Roger Bishop reports on the mechatronic solution to the problem.
 01/11/2004 

  Air-sprung chassis adapted to van rear end
Continental has adapted its electronically controlled four-corner airsprung chassis for passenger cars for recreational and light commercial vehicles. It will make its debut in an Asian-produced minivan next year.
 01/11/2004 

  Axle optimises force distribution
DaimlerChrysler’s DCA (durable compact axle) system integrates axle tube, trailing arm suspension beam and air bellows support and brake carrier, reducing its overall height and allowing more volume for the trailer body. It is also said to be the lightest axle in its class.
 01/11/2004 

 
Showing 1 to 25 out of 30 results