Abstract
We have developed and verified a new suspension system for an electric vehicle naming Tandem Wheel Suspension System (TWS). TWS is a new suspension concept for passenger class electric vehicle that makes a great progress in space utility, handling ability and ride comfort. A general concept of TWS is replacing the 4 larger sized wheels with 8 smaller wheels. The 8wheels consist of the four couples of adjoined two wheels. These two wheels are connected with the hydraulic piping installed in each shock absorber. Further more, those hydraulic piping are connected with the unit of large capacity hydro-pneumatic spring shock absorber. The hydro-pneumatic spring shock absorber unit serves as inputs and loads from adjoined two wheels. We have made simulation analyses on ride comfort and developed the running prototype to verify TWS performance. This running prototype has eminent potential in driving ability. These simulations reveal that ride comfort of TWS should be improved compared with 4wheels reducing the body vibrations by 5 times under 1 Hz.
