Bose Electromagnetic Suspension - "Adaptive Drive" on steroids

[Penguin]

The Bose system id way beyond any magnetic variable viscosity fluid and/or motor controlled stiffening... it is a true active suspension.

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by Penguin

The Bose system id way beyond any magnetic variable viscosity fluid and/or motor controlled stiffening... it is a true active suspension.

Agreed, it's incredible, but at what cost (weight)?

For your viewing pleasure:

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Thunder22

Agreed, it's incredible, but at what cost (weight)?

That has always been the problem with the Bose system. They've had incredible prototypes for years, but they are quite heavy.

P.S. I also seem to recall the system uses a very large amount of electrical power, although my info is from earlier versions which probably used less efficient linear motors.

[London Lad]

Originally Posted by Penguin

The Bose system id way beyond any magnetic variable viscosity fluid and/or motor controlled stiffening... it is a true active suspension.

What does it do that the active suspension on an 2001 Mercedes SL
doesn't ?

Surely it can only extend or retract 'spring' length, change damping on compression and / or rebound and alter roll bar tension? All of this in response to sensor inputs detecting speed, steering angle, roll, dive, squat, gear selected, g, etc etc. The 2001 SL did all of this.

I accept that the Audi and Ferrari systems can't extend 'spring' length so are not truly active but interesting the Audi 'magnetic ride' system (which is variable viscosity shock fluid) far outperforms the SL active system in the real world.

It strikes me that the Bose system is clever technology to solve a problem that doesn't really exist and , if it ever does see the light of day, will end up used more for marketing than its function just like their audio products.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by London Lad

What does it do that the active suspension on an 2001 Mercedes SL doesn't ?

Surely it can only extend or retract 'spring' length, change damping on compression and / or rebound and alter roll bar tension?

Speed of response.

There is no damping, compression, rebound, or roll bar tension adjustments, as there are no shocks -- the linear motor simply is directed to the appropriate length so quickly the concept of damping is relevant.

That's what makes it so unique... the other systems are just electronic adjustments of traditional systems, or slow-reacting hydraulic systems which cannot react to individual bumps.