As a background for the following discussion some of the most significant limitations which affect driving safety are pointed out. Conventional chassis design compromises are analysed and the resulting property levels are described. As a result of this a number of areas, in which improvements are specifically desireable, are identified. Active suspension and four wheel steering are two relatively new techniques. Active suspension has been studied at Volvo during several years in the CCS (Computer Control Suspension) version. Four wheel steering has been added to this study at a later stage. Specific emphasis has been put on the potential to achieve new and better compromises in the interest of driving safety. Simulation and test results are presented which show some of the potentials of each system. After that a synthesis of the desired property improvements and the possible improvements from active systems is done. This results in a special project - Volvo Concept for Active Safety (VCAS). This project also includes a study of tyre development as an important part in improving driving safety. The ideas which went into this project are described more in detail and the principal design is presented. Test results which support the ideas are shown. Finally it is concluded that a combination of active suspension, four wheel steering and purpose developed tyres can give a significant improvement of driving safety. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference, see IRRD 837684.
Abstract