A new design of suspension mount uses air damping to improve performance.
The system, developed by Trelleborg Automotive, sees air gaps incorporated into a rubber element – which is precisely designed in order to provide specific deflection characteristics.
As the mount deflects, air is forced through one or more exit holes to dissipate energy. It claims to improve on existing designs of engine and gearbox mountings.
The product can replace solid rubber mounts – in which case it provides improved shake, low-frequency damping and acoustic performance – or hydraulic mounts, where it delivers a less complex, more robust solution at lower cost.
Air-damping technology is being used in a number of development projects, for manufacturers including BMW, Porsche, Audi and Ford.
A longer article on this technology appears in the March issue of Eureka.
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