1.35 Knowing the parts of a vehicle: Pneumohydraulic spring suspension system
The suspension system of a vehicle is one of the most important and complex parts of a vehicle. He is responsible for absorbing terrain irregularities, providing smooth and comfortable driving. Within the suspension system, pneumohydraulic springs play a crucial role. Let's explore this essential part of the vehicle in detail.
What is a pneumohydraulic spring?
A pneumatic spring, also known as an air spring, is a type of suspension that uses pressurized air instead of a conventional steel spring. This suspension system is often used on heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks, but can also be found on luxury and sports cars due to its high level of comfort and performance.
How does the pneumohydraulic spring work?
The pneumohydraulic spring works by compressing the air inside a cylinder. When the vehicle goes over a bump or pothole, the air in the cylinder is compressed, absorbing the impact energy. This prevents energy from being transferred to the vehicle's chassis, resulting in a smoother ride.
This system is hydraulic, which means that it uses a fluid (in this case, air) to transfer power. Air is an excellent medium for this, as it is highly compressible and can absorb a great deal of energy. In addition, air does not degrade over time, unlike steel springs, which can rust and lose their ability to absorb energy.
Advantages of the pneumohydraulic spring
There are several advantages to using pneumatic springs over conventional steel springs. First, they provide a superior level of comfort. Since air is more compressible than steel, it can absorb more energy, resulting in a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on uneven terrain, where the steel springs can make for a harsh and uncomfortable ride.
Secondly, pneumohydraulic springs are more durable. As mentioned earlier, air does not degrade over time, unlike steel. This means that air springs have a longer service life, requiring less maintenance and replacement.
Finally, the pneumatic springs allow for greater control over the height of the vehicle. This is useful for vehicles that need to adjust their height for different driving conditions, such as a sports car that needs to be lowered for high speeds or an off-road vehicle that needs to be raised for rough terrain.
Conclusion
In summary, air springs are an important part of a vehicle's suspension system. They provide a superior level of comfort and performance, as well as being more durable and allowing greater control over vehicle height. Therefore, when learning about vehicle maintenance, it is crucial to understand how this part of the vehicle works and how to keep it in good condition.
