Feasibility study of an electromagnetic shock absorber with position sensing capability

Abstract

This paper presents the feasibility study of an electromagnetic damper, as sensor/actuator, for vehicle suspension application. This electromagnetic damper is based on the concept of the tubular, linear, brushless DC motor, and operates in three modes: passive, semi-active, and active. As a self-powered active shock absorber, the proposed damper has the potential to function as a sensor and actuator simultaneously. Optimized geometry factors are selected to achieve higher electromagnetic forces and magnetic flux induced in the system, and the maximum achievable damping force is estimated based on analytical models, considering physical restrictions. The estimated damping force seems reasonable for vehicle suspension applications, even in the absence of external power.