In a recent article we penned for Mercedes-Benz Startuned magazine we looked at the amazing new concepts in automobile suspension systems. What follows is just a small excerpt of what advancements are being made

Evolution of the automobile suspension system

Since the invention of the wheel man has tried to find a way to smooth out the path it travels on, lessen the rolling resistance and quickly adjust to changes in terrain. In the horse and cart days of course the roads were dirt, full of ruts and rocks. Changes to both the wheel and the surface it rides on have helped to improve the ride and handling as carts were replaced by the automobile and the roads were paved. The invention of the rubber tire improved things immensely but more was needed. Enter the suspension system – a way of separating the carriage from the wheels. We know that even the early carts had some sort of spring system. Steel leaf springs were used to isolate the rider from the road. Even early Roman chariots had a sort of suspension system using leather straps.

“Why don’t you come with me …… on a magic carpet ride”

Looking at Mercedes-Benz advancements in suspension systems brings to mind the lyrics from that old tune. Mercedes Magic body control can be found on late model S-class and S-class coupes. The introduction of this system consists of the first ever predictive suspension system. The uniqueness of this system is that stereo cameras are used to scan the road surface in real time up to fifteen meters ahead of the vehicle. This function is known as a road surface scan.  The stereo cameras measure obstacles with a precision of 3mm or and at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.  The measurement data from the exact road profile is then passed on to the suspension management system. The active suspension system now knows ahead of time which bump it’s about to go over.  This way the body can adapt over the road far more smoothly than a conventional vehicle suspension system.  The suspension system can actively compensate for uneven surfaces and prevents the vehicle from oscillating and vibrating.  This level of comfort is unprecedented in automotive suspension systems and lets the driver feel as though they were gliding over the road on a “Magic Carpet”

It’s sometimes hard to believe we’ve come this far in automotive technology but the development and the sophistication of the microprocessor has been the major factor in all the safety and comfort features we reap the benefit of now. Some ideas that were great concepts 40 or 50 years ago can now become reality due to the computer age we live in. all that being said, the completely autonomous vehicle which once seemed too farfetched will soon become a reality.