LINEAR SUSPENSION
In the field of vehicle suspension systems, innovation is key to improving both performance and cost-effectiveness in the pursuit of optimum efficiency and reliability.
Linear hydropneumatic suspension, often referred to as a “linear damper”, is based on a technology that integrates both elastic and damped elements into a single cohesive system, offering a wide range of advantages over traditional suspension configurations.
MAIN FEATURES OF LINEAR SUSPENSION
Integrated Design for Enhanced Cost-effectiveness
Hydropneumatic suspension, the hallmark of our linear damper systems, seamlessly combines both the elastic and damping elements within a singular framework.
This integration streamlines production processes, significantly reducing the number of component parts, which translates into greater profitability and cost savings.
By eliminating the complexities associated with independent components, linear damper suspensions offer a more efficient solution than conventional alternatives available on the market.
Space-Efficient Performance
One of the standout features of linear damper suspensions is their compact design, which optimises space utilization without compromising performance.
Unlike traditional setups, where separate elements demand significant space claim, the unified design of linear dampers allows for tighter integration, resulting in superior damping functionality within constrained spaces.
This space-saving attribute innovative vehicle designs and enhances overall mobility of armoured vehicles.
Optimised Weight and Performance
Weight optimisation is a cornerstone of linear damper suspensions, as the consolidation of components into a single piece reduces unnecessary bulk.
Every kilogram saved is decisive in contributing to the mobility of armoured vehicles. In particular, our linear shock absorbers weigh around 20kg.
Hydraulic preload for improved performance and comfort
Linear damper suspensions offer unparalleled performance across diverse operating conditions. The incorporation of hydraulic preload, in contrast to conventional plunger suspensions, ensures smoother rides and heightened stability, even in the most demanding situations.
Nitrogen expands as the temperature rises, which causes some of the suspension travel to be lost, thus worsening the vehicle’s mobility. Our hydraulic preload system maintains and improves mobility standards, while reducing the dependence on the hydraulic coefficient on static spring rate.
The relationship between natural frequency and dynamic coefficient is very close. It is not possible to achieve optimum values, it is necessary to compromise one of the 2 variables.
Triple Valving Technology for Superior Control
The use of Piedrafita’s proprietary triple valving technology offers a number of advantages:
- Characteristic (Force/speed) with no dependence on temperature
- Controlled damper characteristic degeneration at high temperatures to self-protect the damper at high-demand use profiles
- Simple system. No maintenance is required
- Enhanced performance in High Mobility Demanding Situations
- Protects the damper in sudden increases of pressure
Integration of internal bump
Internal bump and rebound hydraulic stop can be integrated as protection element and to have a soft transition to end stop in suspension behaviour.
HUMS-ready design for compatibility with digital suspension controllers
Our linear damper suspension is designed to be connected to data acquisition, monitoring and diagnostic systems of the vehicle suspension system, thanks to its plug & play function.
IN BRIEF
- Hydropneumatic suspension seamlessly combines both elements (elastic and damping elements) into a single system, reducing production and design costs while enhancing integration ease.
- Tighter integration allows superior damping within limited space, enhancing the mobility of armoured vehicles.
- Consolidated components reduce bulk and weight.
- The incorporation of a hydraulic preload makes riding smoother and heightened stability, improving vehicle mobility.
- Piedrafita’s Triple Valving Technology ensures precise control, with characteristics unaffected by temperature fluctuations and simplified maintenance requirements.
APPLICATIONS FOR USE
Our linear suspension system is the perfect fit for defence vehicles, since they are capable of supporting between 0,5 to 2,5 tonnes per wheel.
This linear damper is ideal for new vehicles as well as for retrofitting legacy armoured platforms and modernizing vehicle suspension systems.
