Air suspension systems are used in buses to replace the typical shocks and coil springs found in conventional vehicles. These systems use air pressure to inflate flexible bellows, usually made from textile-reinforced rubber, which raises the chassis from the axle and provides a smooth and constant ride quality. Unlike traditional metal springs, air suspension can adjust to different vehicle weights by increasing the pressure in the airbag, allowing the vehicle height to be maintained. This is particularly useful for buses, which often experience changes in weight distribution due to varying passenger numbers. While air suspension was previously associated with a clunky and imprecise ride, modern advancements in technology have improved its performance, making it a popular choice for both commercial and custom vehicles.
What You'll Learn
- Air suspension replaces a vehicle's coil springs with air springs
- Air suspension systems use advanced electronics to control everything from ride height to bag pressure
- Air suspension provides a smooth, controlled drive
- Air suspension systems have an on-board air compressor, sensors and electronic controls
- Air suspension systems use solenoids, valves and lines
Air suspension replaces a vehicle's coil springs with air springs
Air suspension systems replace a vehicle's coil springs with air springs. The air springs are made of rubber and plastic bags, inflated to a certain pressure and height to mimic the coil springs. The air springs are controlled by an on-board air compressor, sensors, and electronic controls. This setup provides several advantages over conventional all-metal springs, including near-instant tuning and the ability to adapt handling to different situations and load capabilities.
Air suspension systems have long been used in trucks and, more recently, have been adopted by motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, custom cars, performance cars, and everyday commuter cars. The technology has improved significantly, with advanced electronics controlling everything from ride height to bag pressure, resulting in a smooth and controlled driving experience.
In buses, air suspension offers a wide range of advantages over mechanical springs. It can adjust to different vehicle weights by increasing the pressure in the airbag, maintaining a consistent vehicle height. Additionally, features like "ferry lift" and "kneel down" are used in buses to improve loading and unloading, especially on steep ramps or uneven ground.
While air suspension provides numerous benefits, it is important to consider potential challenges. For example, moisture in the air system can cause damage to air ride suspension parts, and custom applications may require additional adjustments to prevent the air bags from rubbing against the vehicle's frame. Overall, air suspension offers a more comfortable and adaptable ride compared to traditional coil springs.
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Air suspension systems use advanced electronics to control everything from ride height to bag pressure
Air suspension systems have become increasingly popular in the commercial world, including in buses and coaches. They offer an alternative to the typical shocks on cars, providing a smooth, controlled, and comfortable ride.
The air suspension system consists of an on-board air compressor, sensors, and electronic controls. The compressor is an electric pump that feeds air to the bags through a series of compressed air lines. The bags, or air springs, are made of tough rubber and plastic and are inflated to a certain pressure and height to mimic the coil springs. The air springs provide structural integrity, airtight construction, and toughness against light abrasion from road debris.
In addition to the basic components, some air suspension systems also include an air tank to maintain pressure and provide a smooth transition between pressures. These systems can be controlled by the driver, automatically through an electronic system, or a combination of both.
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Air suspension provides a smooth, controlled drive
Air suspension systems offer an alternative to the typical shocks on cars. They replace a vehicle's coil springs with air springs, which are tough rubber and plastic bags inflated to a certain pressure and height to mimic the coil springs. By adding an on-board air compressor, sensors, and electronic controls, air suspension systems provide several advantages over conventional, all-metal springs. These include near-instant tuning and the ability to adapt handling to different situations and vary load capacity.
Air suspension systems use advanced electronics to control everything from ride height to bag pressure, offering a smooth, controlled drive. They can lower a car to improve its street cred, even out a heavy payload, or improve the ride of a vintage car. They are also used in bus suspensions due to a wide range of advantages over mechanical springs. Air suspension can adjust to different vehicle weights by increasing the pressure in the airbag, allowing vehicle height to be maintained at a particular value.
Modern electronically-controlled systems in automobiles and light trucks almost always feature self-levelling functions, along with raising and lowering capabilities. Most air suspension designs are height-adjustable, making it easier to enter the vehicle and clear rough terrain.
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Air suspension systems have an on-board air compressor, sensors and electronic controls
The air bags are made of rubber and polyurethane, which provides structural integrity, toughness and air-tight construction. They come in three basic shapes: double-convoluted, tapered sleeve, and rolling sleeve. The shape that is used depends on the specific application and what is best for the vehicle.
The electronic controls in an air suspension system are managed through an electronic control module. The controlling software can be basic or more sophisticated, monitoring pressure and ride height in real time. The modules receive information through a variety of inputs, including ride-height sensors, and toggle the compressor on and off as needed.
In addition to the compressor and bags, air suspension systems also include solenoids, valves, and lines. Solenoids are used in electronically-controlled systems to fill and vent each air bag. Valves act as gateways for air to enter various parts of the system, and lines carry the compressed air to the bags.
Overall, the on-board air compressor, sensors, and electronic controls in air suspension systems work together to provide several advantages over conventional all-metal springs, including near-instant tuning and the ability to adapt handling to different situations.
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Air suspension systems use solenoids, valves and lines
Solenoids are used in electronically-controlled systems to fill and vent each airbag. As the system adjusts for different conditions, it commands each solenoid to open or close, altering the amount of air in each of the bags.
Air suspension systems have been used in trucks for a long time, but in the last decade, they have also become popular in everyday commuter cars, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles. They offer a smooth, controlled drive and can adapt to different situations and load capabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension that uses an electric or engine-driven air pump or compressor to pump air into flexible bellows, usually made from textile-reinforced rubber. This replaces the need for conventional steel springs.
Air suspension in buses uses air pressure to inflate the bellows, raising the chassis from the axle. This provides a smooth and constant ride quality, adjusting to different vehicle weights by increasing the pressure in the airbag.
Air suspension offers a more comfortable ride than traditional suspension systems. It can also help with loading and unloading coaches and buses on and off ferries due to their steep ramps and risk of grounding out.
One potential drawback of air suspension is the risk of failure. If the air suspension fails, the bus may be left stranded with the vehicle dropped low, or the vehicle may rub against the ground. Additionally, air suspension systems can be complex and require specialised knowledge for installation and maintenance.